Reloading advice for 32 S&W and 38 S&W

[lagerratrobe]

Good morning (at least to those of us in PST timezone),

I think my next affliction is going to revolve (literally) around pocket revolvers in the 32 and 38 S&W caliber. Most likely ones produced from 1905 and later, so very definitely still in the transitional period from black powder to smokeless for some mfgs. Because I'm not a complete glutton for punishment, I'm going to try and avoid the Colt calibers (long and short), for now, and stick with the S&W rounds (not guns).

My goal is to shoot with these at paper and cans and I am not at all interested in using them for personal defense. Given all of this, I would like to respectfully ask you for recommendations and advice regarding reloading for these calibers. The only caveat is that I absolutely do NOT want to reload with BP. Please do not make this thread into a diatribe about the sanctity and purity of "Holy Black".

Suggestions for where to source correct diameter lead bullets, bullet weights that you like, powders that you've used and enjoyed for low-pressure rounds in this caliber, etc - PLEASE SHARE!

Thank you all in advance for sharing your knowledge and best wishes for a happy new year.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I load 32 sw long. These bullets would work for 32 sw too. Coated Bullets - .32/.32-20 - snscasting

38 sw i believe is a .365 bullet. Not sure who sells them.

 

[EMC45]

For bullets I would go fairly soft and as big as they will chamber. Start with low powder charges and go from there, making sure you don't "stick" bullets in barrel/forcing cone.

I load for multiple .32 revolvers and I sized all my bullets at .314. Some may say that's big, but it works perfect for me.

 

[Walkalong]

These shoot great in .32 Long.

https://www.grafs.com/catalog/product/productId/75655

I shoot plated 158s in .38 S&W. Coated .38 Spl bullets also shoot fine in .38 S&W

 

[lagerratrobe]

I load 32 sw long. These bullets would work for 32 sw too. Coated Bullets - .32/.32-20 - snscasting

38 sw i believe is a .365 bullet. Not sure who sells them.

I haven't used coated bullets before, just straight lead RNFP from Oregon Trail and HSM. What do you like about the coated ones?

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

Any .32 caliber handgun bullet (.312” for jacketed or .313” cast) should work for .32 S&W, but slug your barrel to be sure. As for .38 S&W, it should take a .361” cast bullet. Probably the best place to start is Matt’s Bullets. https://www.mattsbullets.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=72&zenid=ghivqju3elf5sa1f6nk8e200p4. Again, slug your barrel to be sure.

Good data for both cartridges in Lyman’s #44. http://marvinstuart.com/firearm/Manuals/Reloading/Reloading Manuals/

or Lyman’s Cast Bullet Handbook #3.
http://marvinstuart.com/firearm/Manuals/Bullet Casting/

 

[lagerratrobe]

Any .32 caliber handgun bullet (.312” for jacketed or .313” cast) should work for .32 S&W, but slug your barrel to be sure. As for .38 S&W, it should take a .361” cast bullet. Probably the best place to start is Matt’s Bullets. https://www.mattsbullets.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=72&zenid=ghivqju3elf5sa1f6nk8e200p4. Again, slug your barrel to be sure.

Oh man, that link to Matt's is AWESOME! Thank you for that. I've been using a "Lyman Load Data for Popular Revolver Calibers" booklet and it doesn't cover these calibers. And yes, I slug everything I shoot, probably because I'm a nerd, but I find it to be part of the fun. Sometimes I feel like shooting is a great excuse for reloading, even though I don't do it a whole lot.

 

[reddog81]

148 grain hollow base wadcutters work well in 38 S&W. They usually start around .360 and the base is supposed to expand to fill the bore.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

Main reason i like the coated. Is less lead exposure handling them. The coating also acts as a lube. So no lube falling out of the lube groves. They also claim you can push them faster too.

 

[Starter52]

I agree with reddog. I've loaded hundreds of .38 S&W rounds with hollow base wadcutters. Plenty accurate enough for me.

Just remember to seat the WC bullet outside the case, not flush.

 

[25-5]

I reload for two Brit top breaks in .38 S&W.
I measure the powder using a digital scale, instead of dump.

 

[lagerratrobe]

I reload for two Brit top breaks in .38 S&W.
I measure the powder using a digital scale, instead of dump.

Without going into detail on quantities, what powder you you like to use for these?

 

[WestKentucky]

I cast my own for 32 and 38 calibers. I use an unsized bullet for 38sw so it sits about .360 which is pretty close after powder coat. Matt’s is the place to buy if you are buying bullets though. And 32 revolvers shoot .312 before powder coat so .3135 ish after. I truly love the 38sw round. 32sw is a bit of a pain as everything is on the very lowest end of me being able to reliably grab and hold stuff.

 

[PWC]

Get a Lyman reloading manual and follow powder/bullet weight recommendations. Of necessity, what's available will limit your choices, but get tne manual.

 

[25-5]

Without going into detail on quantities, what powder you you like to use for these?

There is data for W231 so I use that. I also worked up my own for titegroup.

 

[lagerratrobe]

Get a Lyman reloading manual and follow powder/bullet weight recommendations. Of necessity, what's available will limit your choices, but get tne manual.

I see the load tables for these cartridges in the manuals, thanks. What I'm asking for are people's preferences.

 

[lagerratrobe]

There is data for W231 so I use that. I also worked up my own for titegroup.

Very helpful to know this, thanks. I do appreciate hearing others have tried before I go off and try to find unobtanium powders.

 

[Mr_Flintstone]

I like Unique in my .32 S&W, but 231 is pretty good too. Bullseye works OK, but you don’t get much velocity.

 

[Walkalong]

.38 S&W, gun shoots them just fine at .358. 148 HBWC & SWC

 

[AgPilot]

Just loaded the Wife up a couple hundred rounds of 158gr Berry bullets over 4.3gr of unique. Nice non kicking load for Her to play around with
Lots of good powders out there to play around with in a 38.

 

[lagerratrobe]

Thanks guys. Last question, do the Lee 38 S&W dies work properly with the .360 bullets and the proper 38 cases?

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Thanks guys. Last question, do the Lee 38 S&W dies work properly with the .360 bullets and the proper 38 cases?

Always have for me.

Oh, and if you haven't found the 145gr. LRN bullets yet, I used to get them from Missouri Bullets and they're very nice for can popping. Web says they're avialabe.

 

[Rule3]

I haven't used coated bullets before, just straight lead RNFP from Oregon Trail and HSM. What do you like about the coated ones?

Coated bullets are great. Less smoke (no grease lube to burn) No leading in gun. Easier clean up. No lead in the air.

HP38 / Win 231 powders

I still have boxes of regular lubed lead bullets and can not wait to be done with them!!

https://missouribullet.com/results.php?category=20&secondary=29

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Coated bullets are great. Less smoke (no grease lube to burn) No leading in gun. Easier clean up. No lead in the air.

HP38 / Win 231 powders

I still have boxes of regular lubed lead bullets and can not wait to be done with them!!

https://missouribullet.com/results.php?category=20&secondary=29

I agree completely. When I load the 38 S&W I use W231 and a cast bullet. The coated cast bullets are also a good choice.
Sorry, can't help you on the 32 S&W because I never loaded the for 32. I can't see why W231 wouldn't work for it too.

Just be sure you check your charge weights, the numbers are very small and the difference between the min and max can be as little as O.3gr.