Loading light .32 H&R w/ 78gr using only Lee scoop?

[MatthewVanitas]

Got a bit of a puzzler. I got a Lee Hand Press and the .32 H&R dies. I know it just comes with one scoop, so I figured I'd just buy whatever powder it suggested for basic loads and just follow that. Not planning on doing any real tweaking, just want to learn basic reloading and do some plinking.

However, I open up the enclosed load sheet and the lightest data is for 85gr jacketed bullets, and the lightest lead bullet info is 90gr. What I have on-hand is a bunch of 78gr lead.

So, given that I don't have any data for 78gr lead, and I just have one .3cc scoop to use, how should I go about figuring out a load?

I'm reluctant to go buy some huge manual and a bunch of scoops (or scale) when I'm trying to do this minimalist, making just one type of cartridge, in one plinking loading, for one gun.

Is there any way to figure this out safely, or do I pretty much have to buy a manual and scale if I don't have bullets precisely matching the little loading sheet?

If I follow the load data for the 85gr jacketed round, say "3.1gr of Bullseye = 1 .3cc scoop", is it just going to push the 78gr lead slightly faster than it'd push the 85, or is the gun suddenly going to blow up?

 

[MMCSRET]

It will be safe, you are right, it will be slightly faster. I load the 78 gr. RNL in the same manner. I use the scoops for a lot of my calibers, both rifle and handgun. 3.1 gr. of B'eye is a starter load for the 85 gr. bullet in several of my books. I shoot lots more 32 S&W Long than I do Mag and I use the 78 Gr. in it too. Good shooting!!!!!!!!!

 

[Matt-J2]

Looking in my Lee manual, the only load I find for that weight lead bullet for a .32 is for a .32 S&W, and the load is too small to use a dipper. Well, too small for their dippers.


I say trade the bullets you don't have data for and get some bullets you do have data for. Would seem easier and safer, but that's just my opinion.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

The sheet thing says not to use heavier bullets with a given data, but that you're okay using "reasonably lighter" bullets.

Is it safe to assume that 79 grains is "reasonably" lighter than 85?

I can definitely see how using heavier bullets on a given load could be problematic, but using "starting load" data for 85 and applying it to 79 doesn't sound too bad to me. Just checking to see if it is as "reasonable" as it sounds.


On a minor side-note, should the .32 H&R Mag dies work for .32 S&W Long sometime down the road, if I adjust them for that length, or are they really specific?

 

[PotatoJudge]

I would use the 90 grain lead loads and eek up from there.

Check out some of the data listed to get an idea of lead vs jacketed data and why you shouldn't mix the two:

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

 

[MMCSRET]

Yes, your dies will work for 32 S&W Long.

 

[Onmilo]

A lighter bullet will generate less pressure with a given load than a heavier bullet using the same charge weight.
Sometimes velocity will be higher with the lighter bullet and sometimes it will be less depending on the burning rate of the powder.

When loading an identical charge is a shorter case using the same weight of bullet, in example, loading a .357 magnum charge in a .38 special case, the pressure will always be higher, sometimes much higher, in the shorter case.

 

[Pine Cone]

For free good reload data check out the Hodgdon Power website

http://data.hodgdon.com

They go down to 77 grains for Cast LRN bullets in 32 H&R Magnum.

Given the lack of data for the lighter bullets you might consider getting some slightly heavier ones that match the ranges shown in the charts you have.

You might be able to make it work, but it is possible that the bullets you have might be more appropiate in a different cartridge. Lots of other 32 cal rounds out there. One size never fits all...

If you are going to keep reloading you should look on eBay or elsewhere for a powder scale. I have found that different batches of the same powder meter differently from what the Lee table says they should. You can pick up a nice used scale for $30-$50. Cheap insurance against the possibility of dangerous handloads...

Once you know what works the Lee scoops can work really well. I use them for some reloads without any weighing once I know what a batch of powder meters as. I also tap the scoop several times before leveling the top off which makes the loads much more consistent. When I don't tap the loads can vary a modest amount more than I like.