.32 s&w?

[MachIVshooter]

Hey guys, I'm just trying to find a few more load options for this cartridge. I snagged an old Iver-Johnson Safety Automatic 4" in this chambering and a box of 98 gr. Magtech ammo. I fired a few and then (painstakingly) loaded a handful of the fired cases using .32 H&R and 7.62x25 dies (to crimp). I used 60 gr. gold dots, for which there is no data available, and figured with similar case capacity to the .32 ACP, I'd just back off the load 20% for the lower pressure rating. I used 2.8 grs. Win. 231. Haven't tried them yet, though. Figured I'd see what anyone knows while I wait for the weekend to chrono.

The reason for this is that I thought it might be kinda fun to lob the barrel to 2" and make it a little nostalgic pocket carry gun, but only if I can garner enough velocity to make the Gold Dots expand. I know cutting 2" off will only further handicap an already anemic round, but the barrel is too long to pocket as is.

Thanks in advance

 

[MMCSRET]

I load 32 S&W using a cast 85 gr. Lyman 313249 sized .313 over 1.5 gr. of Bullseye. I've never used 231 but its about the same burn range as Bullseye and your 2.8 might be a little stiff in an old gun.
Or??? are you using 32 S&W Long? The 98 gr. bullet just woke me up. I load 32 S&W Long using a cast 95 gr. over 2.5 gr. of Bullseye.
Are you talking 32 S&W or 32 S&W Long????

 

[MachIVshooter]

Short. I'll test 'em in my SP-101 or Single-Six. If I feel the velocities are high enough to indicate pressures above .32 S&W max, I'll back off. I figure a 60 grainer should be able to do 900-950 from my 3" SP-101 at pressure that would be safe in the Iver, since factory loads show a 98 grainer at over 700.

 

[Old Fuff]

Most factory .32 S&W loads, intended to be used in later 20th century revolvers, not 19th century black powder production, specify an 85 grain lead bullet @ 720 FPS out of a 3" barrel.

On the other hand, .32 S&W Long checks out as having a 98 grain RN lead bullet at 790 FPS from a 4 1/4" barrel - the revolver being a S&W model 1903 hand ejector.

 

[MMCSRET]

Old Fuff detailed what I did not!!! I load my 32 S&W and Long for solid frame Colt and S&W revolvers and stick close to factory specs. The guns are too much fun and too expensive to replace and impossible to find parts for in this modern day and age. If I want a hot 32; I use my 32 magnums and my 327 Magnum.
Please be cautious and load to the low end in the old and older design revolvers.

 

[Ed Harris]

NOTa good idea to shot jacketed bullets in the .32 S&W top breaks because cylinder gaps in these guns are generous and you may stick a bullet in the barrel. The 60-grain bullets shoot low, and will not get enough velocity within safe pressure to get the bullets to expand, because they do not expand in a .32 ACP when fired from barrels shorter than 3 inches at higher velocity than you will get in a revolver.

To approximate factory .32 S&W (NOT long) loads you can use an 85-95 grain cast lead bullet of .313-.314 diameter and about 1.5 grains of Bullseye, Red Dot or 700-X. Velocity will be about 650 f.p.s. Most effective is to use the 98-gr. HBWC target bullets seated out and crimped to cylinder length or an inch OAL. These work well as a trap line gun for close range. I used one for years and loaded ammo with an Ideal tong tool.

 

[APDDSN0864]

OK, now you've got ME looking to load for my S&W Third Model Hand Ejector in .32 S&W Long...

Where do you get the 98gr HBWC slugs? I haven't seen them in any of my catalogs.

Ed

 

[MMCSRET]

Hornady, Speer and Magtech make and market 98 gr, 32 cal. HBWC thru Midway, Graf and numerous other outlets. I usually go Graf as first choice.

 

[APDDSN0864]

Thanks! I'll get ahold of Graf.

Ed