Any favorite loads for .32 H&R?

[AZAndy]

You know how it is. You've been where I am. Searching for a load, checking the books, checking the internet, and everything either wants a bullet I don't have or a powder I don't have.

Powders available: Unique, HP-38/W231, and Titegroup. Well, and Pyrodex, but c'mon.

Bullets available: 100 grain coated RNFP, 98 grain coated DEWC, and Speer 98 grain lead HBWC.

The Speer guide does show an HP-38 load for their HBWC, with a max of 2.5 grains resulting in 801fps. Speer says that at higher pressures, accuracy is lost due to deformation of the base of the bullet. So I'll probably set those aside for high-end .32 Long loads.

Suggestions? And thanks!

 

[Walkalong]

98 grain coated DEWC, and Speer 98 grain lead HBWC.

In .32 Long brass 1.7 Grs of N-310 push the MBC coated 98 Gr WC bullet to around 805/825 FPS (Depends on the primer/temperature) from my Benelli. I would add .1 or .2 Grs for Mag brass. Shoots very well.

It takes about 2.0 Grs of Competition or WST to get a little over 800 FPS. It needs about 2.2 Grs AA #2. I loaded them near flush.

I have not shot the Speer 98 Gr HBWC, but the same powders should work, start low.

 

[AZAndy]

In .32 Long brass 1.7 Grs of N-310 push the MBC coated 98 Gr WC bullet to around 805/825 FPS (Depends on the primer/temperature) from my Benelli. I would add .1 or .2 Grs for Mag brass. Shoots very well.

It takes about 2.0 Grs of Competition or WST to get a little over 800 FPS. It needs about 2.2 Grs AA #2. I loaded them near flush.

I have not shot the Speer 98 Gr HBWC, but the same powders should work, start low.

Thanks! So, I guess I have to break my vow against adding more powders to the inventory. *sigh* I already broke a vow by bringing in yet another dang chambering to fool with, so I guess that's just how it will have to be.

 

[Walkalong]

You can make Titegroup or W-231 work as well.

 

[GoldieMI]

I liked W-231 for 32S&W Long and 327 Federal Magnum
both using MBC 98 Grain Hitek coated DEWC
for 32SWL I was at 1.9 and for 327 Federal I was at 3.9 of W-231
locked down both loads with those loads. for my GP100 and LCR both.

 

[AZAndy]

I liked W-231 for 32S&W Long and 327 Federal Magnum
both using MBC 98 Grain Hitek coated DEWC
for 32SWL I was at 1.9 and for 327 Federal I was at 3.9 of W-231
locked down both loads with those loads. for my GP100 and LCR both.

As a point of data for you for future loads, I chronographed a test load today you might be interested in: MBC coated 100 grain RNFP with 3 grains of W231. Minimum was 834fps, Maximum 892fps, Average 862. That was with eight rounds total, out of a 4" 1923 Regulation Police. The 58fps spread is more than i want, but I've seen worse. ;-) It wasn't overly snappy and I didn't see any signs of over-pressure. I didn't shoot it with a target, so I don't know how accurate it was.

 

[GoldieMI]

definitely always interested in new ones to look at. Thank you

 

[Walkalong]

I chronoed N-310 with that bullet several times and the SD tended to stay under 30, but not always. AA #2 usually gives good ES?SD numbers, and is accurate in .32 Long. I loaded them at .960 +/- OAL.

 

[AZAndy]

I chronoed N-310 with that bullet several times and the SD tended to stay under 30, but not always. AA #2 usually gives good ES?SD numbers, and is accurate in .32 Long. I loaded them at .960 +/- OAL.

Good to know, thanks! My Lee Drum does vary a little even with 231, sometimes a tenth of a grain, so that could be involved.

 

[Joel in Rust Central FL]

Just for grins, (way too long as usual), I figured that the 32 h&R mag (.308 in a Thompson Contender barrel) would have the best shell fill of maybe 80-90% (not sure of the term) and I wanted to try schuetzen (Lead bullets only no gas check, single shots (no bolt guns), 10 shots at 100 yds (0.75" bull) & 200 yds (1.5" bull), offhand and bench rest, open sights & scope). The "standard" choice was a 32-40 with 105-110 gr lead and AA9 at around 1100'/s (lots of wind, they might use a 38-55). I lucked into an AA9 load with a 180 gr RNFP bullet that gave an extreme spread of 11'/s and a std dev of 3/'s at around 1050'/s. I tried to get to 1100'/s and with heavier bullets, but I would only get one round out of the brass before the primers were loose. The stronger brass 327 Fed Mag wasn't out at that time, but shortened to the 32 H&R length should have worked. The TC being a break open action wasn't ideal, but was legal against the falling block 44-1/2 Stevens and 1885 Winchester high and low walls. Since I hasd lots of experience shooting offhand at smallbore rifle silhouette, I did OK at some matches. If you want to try a slow 170-180 gr bullet instead of the reasonable weight ones, I can suggest some loads...Joel

 

[TTv2]

The one I do that uses Trail Boss and Berry's 71 grain bullet. Not a powerhouse, but it's easy to load and accurate.

85 gr XTP over near max charge of Unique.

That's really about it for .32 Mag, I don't see the point of a heavy 115 gr bullet used for it as .327 would handle that a lot better and since the Berry's bullet is so good I don't care to bother with any lead bullets.