Reloading 32 ACP Cast Bullets

[Jaywalker]

I just bought an old Colt 1903:

I'd like to reload cast bullets for it, probably a Meister 94 gr flat point which is supposed to get good results at 750 - 800 fps.

Does anyone have some loads for this, possibly with Bullseye?

Thanks.

 

[Archie]

Not exactly, but ...

I load the 'standard' 71 grain FMJ in my pistols. I find Power Pistol gives good velocity without excessive pressure. Starting at 3.0 grains I worked up a bit. Quit when I thought I was getting 'enough' velocity and the pistols still functioned and ejected fairly normally. I did get a bit more 'range' throwing empties, but not much.

I don't have any information for 94 grain bullets. Sorry.

That is a nice looking Colt. I need to get a 'later' one.

 

[Jaywalker]

Thanks - I've had it two days now. I need to order some Euro-spec factory rounds (Geco, RWS, Fiocchi, and possibly etc.) for it, I understand, to get it to work consistently in old 1903, Browning, Beretta, etc., which are accustomed to the hotter 73 gr loads.

I'd considered Buffalo Bore hotter 75 gr hard cast loads, but don't know how they act in older pistols. (I usually stay away from BB since I don't know what their pressure is doing.)

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I have been shooting 73gr Fiocchi ball ammo in my CZ-27 and it feeds flawlessly.

I'm recently started loading cast bullets for that pistol and I'm shooting a Missouri Bullets 78gr RN bullet over 2.2gr W231 and they shoot well. I have had no feed problems and no leading at all. Sorry I don't use Bullseye so I can't help there...

 

[rcmodel]

I would stick with the standard 70+ grainish bullet weight at 900ish FPS those old guns were designed for.

A 20+ grain heavier bullet at enough usable velocity to matter, will beat the snot out of it over time.

The gun was designed for loads producing about 130 ft/lb of energy.
A 94 grain at 875 will make about 170 ft/lb.

The Meister 94 gr flat point bullet you are considering is a revolver bullet intended for the .32 Magnum revolver.

rc

 

[Jaywalker]

There are several of Ed Harris' articles online, but here's one of them that discusses the heavier bullets at 750-800 fps - http://castboolits.gunloads.com/sho...Handloads-com-quot-Experiences-with-a-32-quot

I still haven't found anybody who's shot the Buffalo Bore 32 ACP... If I had a Bersa, I'd try it, but a 1903 - I just have to wait to find somebody...

 

[45lcshooter]

My Dreyse and Ortgies love 71grainers

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

My go to .32 acp load is 75 gr. hard cast lead Rim Rock bullets over 2.3 - 3.1 gr of Unique with a nice medium load at about 2.6 gr. I really like the Rim Rock flat noses and these are the same bullets Buffalo Bore uses.

http://rimrockbullets.net/premium-b...-lead-bullets/ph-32-acp-75-gr-fp-per-500.html

I load some .32 acp for my carry guns and it is *hot* at around 1050 - 1100 fps and 200+ FPE but a steady diet of this kind of shooting with a Pocket Hammerless might constitute abuse over the long run. I have not tried heavy bullets in the 90+ gr. range and tend to agree with RC...love to see a truncated cone plated flat point at about 70 - 75 gr. but have only found round noses...sorry, never tried Bullseye but I have a lot of load data for that in manuals.

VooDoo

 

[Jaywalker]

I've ordered some Buffalo Bore 32, so next week I'll know if I like the bullet, if not the load.

I've also ordered some Geco 73 gr in order to compare it with the BB.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

Good idea to shoot some factory stuff for comparison - you might need to polish the ramp on the Pocket Hammerless to get it to reliably feed flat nose lead as they sometimes wanna get hung on the ramp.

Try some Fiocchi or Sellier and Bellot FMJ's as well as they are "normal" .32 acp fodder and have been reliable and potent while remaining inexpensive for comparison ammunition. I'm still reloading Fiocchi brass with the 75 gr. Rim Rock FN Hard cast and I like those an awful lot in any one of my 4 Pocket Hammerless pistols. But they all have polished ramps....

VooDoo