Questions on 32 S&W and 38 S&W

[Onward Allusion]

I have a few revolvers chambered for these older cartridges (smokeless). Here are my questions:

- If I get a set of dies for 32 S&W, would I be able to load 32 S&W Long and 32 ACP?

- Can I use 38 Special dies to load 38 S&W?

- Is there a good source for load data for these old cartridges?

- Is there a source for load data using blackpowder substitute?

 

[Mad Chemist]

.38 S&W cannot be loaded with .38spl dies. The case dimensions are slightly different with the .38 S&W being a bit wider.

I used 148gr WC at .360dia with a small charge of Unique. You need soft oversized lead bullets for this caliber. Don't use .357-358 bullets unless that's all you can get. This caliber usually has a .360 bore and smaller diameter bullets will not produce the best accuracy especially if they are too hard.

I did not seat the WC bullets flush with the case mouth. Instead, I left about a third of the bullet exposed and applied a light roll crimp into the lube groove. I can't remember the charge off the top of my head but I believe it was 2.9 or 3.0 grains. Bullseye is probably a better powder for this caliber if you have it. Speer #11 has some good info on this cartridge. That is where I started my research.



I don't load .32S&W so I don't have anything to offer there.

 

[Walkalong]

If I get a set of dies for 32 S&W, would I be able to load 32 S&W Long and 32 ACP?

.32 Long yes, .32 ACP no.

- Can I use 38 Special dies to load 38 S&W?

It will oversize the cases, and may be too deep (long) to seat properly. It will be too deep to crimp.

- Is there a good source for load data for these old cartridges?

There is a good bit of data for them out there.

I shoot both and enjoy both.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Since the tech questions have already been answered I will go to powder. There are plenty of good powders these days for both. I have not loaded for the 32 S&W but I do load a lot of 38 S&W ammo. I load a 145gr, 170gr and 200gr lead bullet for the 38 S&W. I use W231/HP-38 for all those bullet weights.

Other powders that can be used are AA#2, AA#5, Unique and Red Dot. (and probably a few others too) Herco will work well with the 200gr bullet believe it or not.

 

[LAGS]

Before I got my Lee Die Set in 32 S&W I did use a 32 ACP set for the 32 S&W.
But I had to use a different shell holder.
But the loads loaded with the proper dies were far more accurate.

The Dies are out there, and they even make the Lee Classic Reloader for 32 and 38 S&W ( the Wack a Mole die )
I have them for mine too, and they work great for the amount I shoot those old pistols.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The Dies are out there, and they even make the Lee Classic Reloader for 32 and 38 S&W ( the Wack a Mole die )
I have them for mine too, and they work great for the amount I shoot those old pistols.

I don't know when you bought your 32 S&W and 38S&W Lee Classic Loaders but they have not been available for a long time now.

Currently only the 30 Carbine, .38 Special, .357 Mag, 9mm, 4.4 Mag, .45 Auto and .45 Colt Lee Classic Loaders are available from Lee. (for handgun cartridges that is)

 

[Onward Allusion]

I purchased a set of Lee 32 S&W carbide dies from Amazon last week. I was holding off on buying the 38 S&W dies until I got more info. Seems like Amazon has the 38 S&W carbide dies, too! They're only $32.

Man, I should have gotten into reloading long ago...

 

[Walkalong]

.32 Long for an auto. Sweet shooter.

.38 S&W. Lots of fun. (If you use lead, it will need to be around .361 for S&W pistols)

And if you have .32 Long dies, you might as well pick up a .32 Mag.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Walkalong, what bullet is that in the second picture on the left side?

 

[Walkalong]

Berrys 148 Gr WC. It works, and shoots pretty well, but I prefer the X-Treme SWC on the right. Pressure increases very fast. I had to scrap some cases where I over did it a little. They expanded a bit too much near the web.

 

[LAGS]

@ Archangle CD
Yes it was a while back, Where does the time go.
I looked and found my 38 S&W on the shelf, but cant seem to find my Wack A Mole in the 32 S&W.
I hope I didn't loose it if they are not making them any more.
It is really handy when I go camping.
OOOH, I got to look in the camping box.