S&W-Keeper
Member
I have one from 1903, that I shoot every once in a while. I didn't know they made hollow points.
Self defense ammo choices in .32 S&W Long???
- Thread starter Voodoo
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MMCSRET
Member
I have 2 Colt Police Positives and a Police Positive Special. I really like the little guns for carry and load much the same as mentioned before. I do not feel under gunned simply because the Colts are so easy to use effectively. I cast the Lee 93 gr. round nose from WW, they drop at 95 gr. sized .314 and lubed. The Hornady 90 gr. swaged SWC is also a very nice performer. The Lee bullet is very cheap practice.
Capt Marvel
Member
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- May 3, 2009
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Self defense ammo choices in .32 S&W Long
I have a stainless Rossi M89 (unfired) in this caliber. Left over from my gunshop days (1974 to 1996). Gun magazines promote that bigger is better. A model 29 Smith in .44 mag is great for defense, but not very practical unless in an exposed hip holster in bear country.
I have been a bulleye target shooter for 50 years, so one's ability with the weapon of choice becomes critical. Multiple head shots from a .22 LR pistol will stop most attackers. I have advised untold numbers of people that should be their first pistol purchase. Even better yet a quality target air pistol, to learn the fundamentals.
I like your 32-20 115 grain cast slug. Point here is the Brits did quite well with the .38 S&W and a 200 grain projectile. I vote for the heavy projectile.
The next question is auto loader vs revolver. In pocket pistols the revolver will produce better balistics than the auto loader. Look no further than the 9mm Luger, which is little more than an autolading .38 Special. The .45 long Colt, is far superior (balisticly) than the .45 ACP. Point here is not to confuse the .32 ACP with the .32 S&W Long.
I have a stainless Rossi M89 (unfired) in this caliber. Left over from my gunshop days (1974 to 1996). Gun magazines promote that bigger is better. A model 29 Smith in .44 mag is great for defense, but not very practical unless in an exposed hip holster in bear country.
I have been a bulleye target shooter for 50 years, so one's ability with the weapon of choice becomes critical. Multiple head shots from a .22 LR pistol will stop most attackers. I have advised untold numbers of people that should be their first pistol purchase. Even better yet a quality target air pistol, to learn the fundamentals.
I like your 32-20 115 grain cast slug. Point here is the Brits did quite well with the .38 S&W and a 200 grain projectile. I vote for the heavy projectile.
The next question is auto loader vs revolver. In pocket pistols the revolver will produce better balistics than the auto loader. Look no further than the 9mm Luger, which is little more than an autolading .38 Special. The .45 long Colt, is far superior (balisticly) than the .45 ACP. Point here is not to confuse the .32 ACP with the .32 S&W Long.
Capt Marvel
Member
- Joined
- May 3, 2009
- Messages
- 27
Self defense ammo choices for .32 S&W Long???
My lattest copy of "THE HANDLOADER" arrived today. On the rear inside cover is an ad by Magma Engineering Co.. They have 32-20 mold that produces a 120 grain RN-FP. If you can drive that slug at 800 FPS it will produce 170.5 ft/pds of muzzel energy. It will take a MV of 867 FPS to drive that muzzel energy up to 200.3 FT/PDS.
My lattest copy of "THE HANDLOADER" arrived today. On the rear inside cover is an ad by Magma Engineering Co.. They have 32-20 mold that produces a 120 grain RN-FP. If you can drive that slug at 800 FPS it will produce 170.5 ft/pds of muzzel energy. It will take a MV of 867 FPS to drive that muzzel energy up to 200.3 FT/PDS.
Capt Marvel
Member
- Joined
- May 3, 2009
- Messages
- 27
I just got a couple of new loads for 98 gr. lead round nose loads. VV N310 1.9gr MV 848 (start) VV N310 2.2 gr (MAX) MV 916 fps. for 182 ft/lbs energy. I would reserve this load for a solid frame and not an old top break. But will sure out preform any .380 auto.
Concerning factory loads:
Most are held to low levels because of the large number of cast iron/top-break revolvers made during the early 20th century that are still in circlulation. If you have a quality S&W or Colt hand ejector, or later revolvers made by Ruger, Taurus, Rossi, etc. you can safely duplicate .32 H&R Magnum performance in the .32 S&W Long case.
.32 ACP loads have to take into consideration the number of straight blow-back pistols that have nothing to keep them closed except the weight of the slide and tension of the recoil spring. In most hand-ejector revolvers chambered in .32 S&W Long, .32 ACP loads can be safey exceeded by a considerable margin.
Most are held to low levels because of the large number of cast iron/top-break revolvers made during the early 20th century that are still in circlulation. If you have a quality S&W or Colt hand ejector, or later revolvers made by Ruger, Taurus, Rossi, etc. you can safely duplicate .32 H&R Magnum performance in the .32 S&W Long case.
.32 ACP loads have to take into consideration the number of straight blow-back pistols that have nothing to keep them closed except the weight of the slide and tension of the recoil spring. In most hand-ejector revolvers chambered in .32 S&W Long, .32 ACP loads can be safey exceeded by a considerable margin.
shot placement with the 32 S&W long
I have a S&W 32 hand ejector that my grandfather carried when he was an army doctor in WW1. It's a spindly looking thing with a 6 inch barrel and the old style round bakelite grips. He used to carry it before he was in the army and just decided to take it along when he was "over there".
The field hospital he was in got raided by a squad of Germans trying to steal medical supplies one night in France. When three Germans came running in the Infirmary where grandad was making rounds, he drew and opened fire hitting two in the heart and one in the arm. Grandad treated the single survivor for his arm wound and congratulated him for covering his chest with his arm when the shooting started.
Some in the family think his success was owing to his command of anatomy and physiology. Perhaps, but he used to practice shooting at Necco candy wafers on a backstop from about 15 feet. Those Neccos were about the size of a button on a uniform coat.
I take this old gun out now and again and shoot it. Today I fired it at a 5 inch thick phone book using cheap Serbian lead round nose ammo. It went through a little over 850 pages with the bullets just getting a little misshapen.
I have a S&W 32 hand ejector that my grandfather carried when he was an army doctor in WW1. It's a spindly looking thing with a 6 inch barrel and the old style round bakelite grips. He used to carry it before he was in the army and just decided to take it along when he was "over there".
The field hospital he was in got raided by a squad of Germans trying to steal medical supplies one night in France. When three Germans came running in the Infirmary where grandad was making rounds, he drew and opened fire hitting two in the heart and one in the arm. Grandad treated the single survivor for his arm wound and congratulated him for covering his chest with his arm when the shooting started.
Some in the family think his success was owing to his command of anatomy and physiology. Perhaps, but he used to practice shooting at Necco candy wafers on a backstop from about 15 feet. Those Neccos were about the size of a button on a uniform coat.
I take this old gun out now and again and shoot it. Today I fired it at a 5 inch thick phone book using cheap Serbian lead round nose ammo. It went through a little over 850 pages with the bullets just getting a little misshapen.
HankB
Member
My old Speer #8 manual lists several loads for the .32 S&W Long which were fired out of an S&W M31 with a 4" barrel. The accompanying text says that ". . . higher velocity loads shown should be used only in high quality handguns in good condition."
95 gr cast SWC
3.7 gr. Herco 946 ft/sec
3.5 gr. Unique 898 ft/sec
3.1 gr. SR7625 880 ft/sec
2.4 gr. Bullseye 811 ft/sec
Factory 98 grain ammo averaged 742 ft/sec.
Since none of these have been pressure tested or tried by myself, you're on your own.
I will say that few .32 S&W Long revolvers should shoot loads in the .32 H&R Mag range, let alone .327 Federal levels . . . and no matter HOW hot you load it, it's still a .32.
95 gr cast SWC
3.7 gr. Herco 946 ft/sec
3.5 gr. Unique 898 ft/sec
3.1 gr. SR7625 880 ft/sec
2.4 gr. Bullseye 811 ft/sec
Factory 98 grain ammo averaged 742 ft/sec.
Since none of these have been pressure tested or tried by myself, you're on your own.
I will say that few .32 S&W Long revolvers should shoot loads in the .32 H&R Mag range, let alone .327 Federal levels . . . and no matter HOW hot you load it, it's still a .32.
Ed Harris
Member
“The sweetest shooting revolver…I have ever handled…”
Julian S. Hatcher, Textbook of Pistols and Revolvers, (1935)
(This article previously appeared in the Cast Bullet Association's Fouling Shot magazine.)
The black powder version of .32 Smith & Wesson Long was introduced in 1896 and was soon followed by a smokeless version in 1903 for the Model I, Hand Ejector revolver, adopted by the New York City Police Department. The Regulation Police, as it was also known, was the first service revolver standardized by the NYPD. Until the 1930s when law enforcement officers were faced with heavily armed criminals driving metal automobiles, the .32 S&W Long was the smallest revolver then deemed adequate for police use.
Old references give differing accounts as to its ballistics, due to use of various barrel lengths, and listed catalog velocities being obtained from solid test barrels, rather than revolvers, or vented test barrels, as are used today. Hatcher’s Textbook of Pistols and Revolvers (1935) stated the original charge as 13 grains of black powder for 790 f.p.s. from a 4-1/4 inch barrel. Hatcher said that the .32 Hand Ejector was “the sweetest shooting revolver at fifty yards I have ever handled,” and that it was the “ideal home defense gun for women.” Which … “should be used when possible with the flat-point .32 Colt New Police, which nearly doubles its stopping power.”
A Western Cartridge Company catalog table in Sixguns by Keith (1955) shows the smokeless powder 98-grain. Lubaloy roundnose at 820 from a 4” barrel, the 100 grain flatnosed .32 Colt New Police at 795 f.p.s.and a wadcutter at 770 f.p.s. from a 6” barrel. Keith said, “of the .32s only the Smith & Wesson Long and the .32-20 are worthy of mention.” Of the S&W Long Keith said, “the #313445 with 4 grains of Unique is a wonderful small game cartridge… it works nicely with solid bullets on small game, but lacks killing power on anything larger.”
The Ideal Handbook No. 34 (1943) recommended either the standard roundnosed bullet #313226 or the flat-nosed 100-grain Colt Special bullet #31357 with 2.5 grains of Bullseye for 707 f.p.s. from the 3” pocket gun. <Today I handload the 94-grain Meister flatnosed .312 cowboy bullet with this same charge of current Alliant product for almost identical ballistics.> The 1964 Gun Digest describes the .32 Long as the “most popular of .32s for revolvers… a good small game cartridge… as accurate as the .38 Special, but less versatile.”
Today’s factory ammunition for the .32 S&W Long is listed as 705 f.p.s. with a 98-gr. round-nosed lead bullet. <Chronograph tests in my S&W Hand ejector gave 661 f.p.s. for the Winchester load, 690 for the Remington and 592 for the Fiocchi wadcutter> SAAMI pressures today are kept under 12,000 cup in deference to the many old Colt Pocket Positive and S&W Eye-frame revolvers in which cylinders weren’t heat-treated, but which are still around. Stronger post-war revolvers such as the Smith & Wesson Models 30 and 31, and postwar steel Colt D frames (the same size as used for the .38 Special) can safely handle pressures approximating the .38 Special +P enabling velocities of around 900 f.p.s. with 85 grain jacketed or 100 grain lead bullets.
I reload for several .32 S&W Long revolvers, enjoy shooting them, and use them for the same purposes that “normal people” would use a .22 rim fire for. If you buy your powder and primers in quantity at discount and enjoy bullet casting and reloading for their own sake, shooting these center-fire popguns costs no more than a .22. That can of Bullseye powder which now costs $25, will load 2800 rounds at 2.5 grains per pop.
In about 30 years of playing with the .32s I feel it is a much more effective small game load than the .22 LR, especially since I now have a handy single shot rifle too. In fixed sight guns zero is affected more by bullet weight than velocity. Lighter bullets shoot low, and heavier bullets shoot high. Most fixed sight .32 Long revolvers shoot close to point of aim at practical small game ranges from 25 feet to about 25 yards with 85 to 100 grain bullets. Heavier 115 grain .32-20 slugs shoot 3” high at 25 yards, enable a 6 o’clock hold at fifty yards and shoot to point of aim with fixed sights at 100 yards.
In the pre-1957 S&W revolvers which don’t have the model number stamped in the yoke cut, don’t attempt to load over 850 f.p.s. with a 98-grain lead bullet. A charge of 2.5 grains of Bullseye is maximum with the 94-grain Meister, RCBS 32-98SWC or 32-90CM. Do not exceed 2 grains with the Saeco #325. These provide a useful, but modest improvement in performance over the factory loads, and have ample penetration for small game. Of all the cast bullets fopr the .32 S&W Long I prefer the Saeco #325 98-gr. SWC for hunting because it has the largest meplat to best let the air out of bunny wabbits.
The Meister is almost dead ringer in shape for the factory flat-nosed bullets once loaded in the .32 Colt New Police. It has a long ogival nose compared to the Saeco #325’s short SWC. When seated to the cannelure it leaves more airspace in the case, so it takes about 2.5 grains of Bullseye powder with the Meister to reach the same velocity obtained with the Saeco #325 when using 2 grains with it seated deeper in its normal crimp groove. So, for older pre-war Colts and the S&W I frames correct loads are 2 grains of Bullseye with the Saeco #325 and 2.5 grains with the Meister or RCBS.
For dual-use rifle and revolver ammo to share with the Marlin 1894CB in .32 H&R Magnum I use the heavier 115-gr. NEI #82, or Lyman #3118 or 120-gr. Saeco #322 LFN .32-20 bullets.. DO NOT use these heavier bullets in older S&W Eye frames, because deep seating them to fit into the shorter cylinder will dangerously increase chamber pressure. For use in the Ruger Single Six HRM, modern post-war .32s and in the Marlin 1894 Cowboy chambered in .32 H&R Magnum load 2.5 grains of Bullseye and seat the heavier bullets to 1.32" OAL, crimping in the top lubricating groove. This longer overall cartridge length protrudes out the front of older Eye frame cylinders, preventing you from doing something stupid~!. Velocity is about 750 f.p.s. from a 4-inch revolver and this load is nearly silent at 900 f.p.s. from the Marlin rifle, which steadfastly refuses to feed factory-length .32 S&W Longs.
Heavier field loads are useable in the Marlin rifle, the S&W Models 30 or 31, and postwar Colt D-frames. A charge of 3 grains of Bullseye with the NEI #82 LFN at 1.32" OAL, or with Hornady 100-gr. XTP crimped in its normal cannelure, provides about 900 f.p.s. from a 4-inch revolver and 1200 from the Marlin. It shoots flat to 50 yards or more and approximates factory .32-20 energy. This is my standard working load for the Ruger Single Six and the Marlin, approximating .32 H&R Magnum levels. I use it only occasionally in the S&W Modells 30 and 31, as it exceeds H&R Magnum pressure and excessive use would increase wear on the guns.
Cylinder gaps vary in old revolvers you find in shops and have a dramatic effect upon velocities obtained. As a general rule you can expect about 10 f.p.s. decrease in velocity for each 0.001 increase in cylinder gap above the maximum industry tolerance of 0.008" You can also expect an increase in velocity of about the same order of magnitude with a tighter gap. As a matter of good engineering practice it is prudent not to attempt to fit a revolver used with lead bullets with a barrel-cylinder gap tighter than 0.003", as accumulations of lead and powder fouling will cause binding of the cylinder. However a tight 4-inch gun with minimum gap willl produce velocities which compare closely to a 6-inch gun with larger gap. If your used gun has a cylinder gap greater than 0.010" it should not be fired, due to increased risk of a "bullet-in-bore" or BIB malfunction. Caution must be exercised in attempting to load jacketed bullets in the .32 S&W Long to ensure that a safe load can be assembled within normal pressure which attains an average velocity at least 700 f.p.s. to be sure that the bullet exits the barrel.
If you attempt to shoot jacketed factory loads such as the CBC 100-gr. hollowpoint in older guns with cylinder gap larger than 0.008" you can reasonably expect to "stick" a bullet in the barrel sooner or later. The safe way to remove one is to flood the barrel with Kano Kroil and tap the bullet out with many tiny taps using the Brownell's Squibb rod and a dead blow hammer.
Julian S. Hatcher, Textbook of Pistols and Revolvers, (1935)
(This article previously appeared in the Cast Bullet Association's Fouling Shot magazine.)
The black powder version of .32 Smith & Wesson Long was introduced in 1896 and was soon followed by a smokeless version in 1903 for the Model I, Hand Ejector revolver, adopted by the New York City Police Department. The Regulation Police, as it was also known, was the first service revolver standardized by the NYPD. Until the 1930s when law enforcement officers were faced with heavily armed criminals driving metal automobiles, the .32 S&W Long was the smallest revolver then deemed adequate for police use.
Old references give differing accounts as to its ballistics, due to use of various barrel lengths, and listed catalog velocities being obtained from solid test barrels, rather than revolvers, or vented test barrels, as are used today. Hatcher’s Textbook of Pistols and Revolvers (1935) stated the original charge as 13 grains of black powder for 790 f.p.s. from a 4-1/4 inch barrel. Hatcher said that the .32 Hand Ejector was “the sweetest shooting revolver at fifty yards I have ever handled,” and that it was the “ideal home defense gun for women.” Which … “should be used when possible with the flat-point .32 Colt New Police, which nearly doubles its stopping power.”
A Western Cartridge Company catalog table in Sixguns by Keith (1955) shows the smokeless powder 98-grain. Lubaloy roundnose at 820 from a 4” barrel, the 100 grain flatnosed .32 Colt New Police at 795 f.p.s.and a wadcutter at 770 f.p.s. from a 6” barrel. Keith said, “of the .32s only the Smith & Wesson Long and the .32-20 are worthy of mention.” Of the S&W Long Keith said, “the #313445 with 4 grains of Unique is a wonderful small game cartridge… it works nicely with solid bullets on small game, but lacks killing power on anything larger.”
The Ideal Handbook No. 34 (1943) recommended either the standard roundnosed bullet #313226 or the flat-nosed 100-grain Colt Special bullet #31357 with 2.5 grains of Bullseye for 707 f.p.s. from the 3” pocket gun. <Today I handload the 94-grain Meister flatnosed .312 cowboy bullet with this same charge of current Alliant product for almost identical ballistics.> The 1964 Gun Digest describes the .32 Long as the “most popular of .32s for revolvers… a good small game cartridge… as accurate as the .38 Special, but less versatile.”
Today’s factory ammunition for the .32 S&W Long is listed as 705 f.p.s. with a 98-gr. round-nosed lead bullet. <Chronograph tests in my S&W Hand ejector gave 661 f.p.s. for the Winchester load, 690 for the Remington and 592 for the Fiocchi wadcutter> SAAMI pressures today are kept under 12,000 cup in deference to the many old Colt Pocket Positive and S&W Eye-frame revolvers in which cylinders weren’t heat-treated, but which are still around. Stronger post-war revolvers such as the Smith & Wesson Models 30 and 31, and postwar steel Colt D frames (the same size as used for the .38 Special) can safely handle pressures approximating the .38 Special +P enabling velocities of around 900 f.p.s. with 85 grain jacketed or 100 grain lead bullets.
I reload for several .32 S&W Long revolvers, enjoy shooting them, and use them for the same purposes that “normal people” would use a .22 rim fire for. If you buy your powder and primers in quantity at discount and enjoy bullet casting and reloading for their own sake, shooting these center-fire popguns costs no more than a .22. That can of Bullseye powder which now costs $25, will load 2800 rounds at 2.5 grains per pop.
In about 30 years of playing with the .32s I feel it is a much more effective small game load than the .22 LR, especially since I now have a handy single shot rifle too. In fixed sight guns zero is affected more by bullet weight than velocity. Lighter bullets shoot low, and heavier bullets shoot high. Most fixed sight .32 Long revolvers shoot close to point of aim at practical small game ranges from 25 feet to about 25 yards with 85 to 100 grain bullets. Heavier 115 grain .32-20 slugs shoot 3” high at 25 yards, enable a 6 o’clock hold at fifty yards and shoot to point of aim with fixed sights at 100 yards.
In the pre-1957 S&W revolvers which don’t have the model number stamped in the yoke cut, don’t attempt to load over 850 f.p.s. with a 98-grain lead bullet. A charge of 2.5 grains of Bullseye is maximum with the 94-grain Meister, RCBS 32-98SWC or 32-90CM. Do not exceed 2 grains with the Saeco #325. These provide a useful, but modest improvement in performance over the factory loads, and have ample penetration for small game. Of all the cast bullets fopr the .32 S&W Long I prefer the Saeco #325 98-gr. SWC for hunting because it has the largest meplat to best let the air out of bunny wabbits.
The Meister is almost dead ringer in shape for the factory flat-nosed bullets once loaded in the .32 Colt New Police. It has a long ogival nose compared to the Saeco #325’s short SWC. When seated to the cannelure it leaves more airspace in the case, so it takes about 2.5 grains of Bullseye powder with the Meister to reach the same velocity obtained with the Saeco #325 when using 2 grains with it seated deeper in its normal crimp groove. So, for older pre-war Colts and the S&W I frames correct loads are 2 grains of Bullseye with the Saeco #325 and 2.5 grains with the Meister or RCBS.
For dual-use rifle and revolver ammo to share with the Marlin 1894CB in .32 H&R Magnum I use the heavier 115-gr. NEI #82, or Lyman #3118 or 120-gr. Saeco #322 LFN .32-20 bullets.. DO NOT use these heavier bullets in older S&W Eye frames, because deep seating them to fit into the shorter cylinder will dangerously increase chamber pressure. For use in the Ruger Single Six HRM, modern post-war .32s and in the Marlin 1894 Cowboy chambered in .32 H&R Magnum load 2.5 grains of Bullseye and seat the heavier bullets to 1.32" OAL, crimping in the top lubricating groove. This longer overall cartridge length protrudes out the front of older Eye frame cylinders, preventing you from doing something stupid~!. Velocity is about 750 f.p.s. from a 4-inch revolver and this load is nearly silent at 900 f.p.s. from the Marlin rifle, which steadfastly refuses to feed factory-length .32 S&W Longs.
Heavier field loads are useable in the Marlin rifle, the S&W Models 30 or 31, and postwar Colt D-frames. A charge of 3 grains of Bullseye with the NEI #82 LFN at 1.32" OAL, or with Hornady 100-gr. XTP crimped in its normal cannelure, provides about 900 f.p.s. from a 4-inch revolver and 1200 from the Marlin. It shoots flat to 50 yards or more and approximates factory .32-20 energy. This is my standard working load for the Ruger Single Six and the Marlin, approximating .32 H&R Magnum levels. I use it only occasionally in the S&W Modells 30 and 31, as it exceeds H&R Magnum pressure and excessive use would increase wear on the guns.
Cylinder gaps vary in old revolvers you find in shops and have a dramatic effect upon velocities obtained. As a general rule you can expect about 10 f.p.s. decrease in velocity for each 0.001 increase in cylinder gap above the maximum industry tolerance of 0.008" You can also expect an increase in velocity of about the same order of magnitude with a tighter gap. As a matter of good engineering practice it is prudent not to attempt to fit a revolver used with lead bullets with a barrel-cylinder gap tighter than 0.003", as accumulations of lead and powder fouling will cause binding of the cylinder. However a tight 4-inch gun with minimum gap willl produce velocities which compare closely to a 6-inch gun with larger gap. If your used gun has a cylinder gap greater than 0.010" it should not be fired, due to increased risk of a "bullet-in-bore" or BIB malfunction. Caution must be exercised in attempting to load jacketed bullets in the .32 S&W Long to ensure that a safe load can be assembled within normal pressure which attains an average velocity at least 700 f.p.s. to be sure that the bullet exits the barrel.
If you attempt to shoot jacketed factory loads such as the CBC 100-gr. hollowpoint in older guns with cylinder gap larger than 0.008" you can reasonably expect to "stick" a bullet in the barrel sooner or later. The safe way to remove one is to flood the barrel with Kano Kroil and tap the bullet out with many tiny taps using the Brownell's Squibb rod and a dead blow hammer.
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MMCSRET
Member
I recently acquired a S&W in 32 Long, prior to this all mine were Colts. The S&W is a Model 31-1, I'm quite sure I can load it to the same levels I have been loading my Colt PPS from 1955. Both are very fine revolvers and I have found that I can shoot them rather well. The 31-1 is early 70's production.
32 Caliber revolvers are my favorite plinking, fun shooting, carrying guns. I have 32 Colt, 32 N.P./32 S&W long, 32 Magnum, and a 327 Federal Magnum and several Colts in 32-20. Great calibers, all.
32 Caliber revolvers are my favorite plinking, fun shooting, carrying guns. I have 32 Colt, 32 N.P./32 S&W long, 32 Magnum, and a 327 Federal Magnum and several Colts in 32-20. Great calibers, all.
I have one, have shot about 2000 rounds through it.
The revolver is small, about cap gun size, it is accurate and has very little recoil.
In my opinion, a 32S&W Long is too expensive for "small game". I would rather use a .22LR, in a rifle. Rimfires rounds cost less, and the hit probability goes up when you use a rifle.
It is also underpowered for a self defense round. When I shoot it against my gong targets, the round has insufficient momentum to make the gong move. I am not impressed with the "power" of this cartridge.
The revolver is small, about cap gun size, it is accurate and has very little recoil.
In my opinion, a 32S&W Long is too expensive for "small game". I would rather use a .22LR, in a rifle. Rimfires rounds cost less, and the hit probability goes up when you use a rifle.
It is also underpowered for a self defense round. When I shoot it against my gong targets, the round has insufficient momentum to make the gong move. I am not impressed with the "power" of this cartridge.
Ed Harris
Member
S&W Hand Ejector
Nice Hand ejector you have. In the pre-war guns stick with mild loads, no more than 2.5 grains of Bullseye. My 4-1/2 inch .32 Hand Ejector gave the following velocity results:
Ammunition___Vel. @ 15 ft.__S&W Hand Ejector_4-1/4" bbl
Winch. 98-gr. LRN____661,_7 Sd
Cast Bullets - Winchester cases, WSP Primers
Saeco_#325_2.0BE___715, 21 Sd
Saeco_#325_2.6BE___851, 20 Sd_ Reduce 0.1 grain
Meister_94LFN_2.0BE_635, 31 Sd
Meister_94LFN_2.4 BE_760, 14 Sd
Nice Hand ejector you have. In the pre-war guns stick with mild loads, no more than 2.5 grains of Bullseye. My 4-1/2 inch .32 Hand Ejector gave the following velocity results:
Ammunition___Vel. @ 15 ft.__S&W Hand Ejector_4-1/4" bbl
Winch. 98-gr. LRN____661,_7 Sd
Cast Bullets - Winchester cases, WSP Primers
Saeco_#325_2.0BE___715, 21 Sd
Saeco_#325_2.6BE___851, 20 Sd_ Reduce 0.1 grain
Meister_94LFN_2.0BE_635, 31 Sd
Meister_94LFN_2.4 BE_760, 14 Sd
My data goes to 3.0 grs Bullseye with a 100 grain bullet and that exceeds any reloading manual recommendation.
That load shot well, fell out of the cylinder, no leading issues. Still, I decided that 2.5 grains Bullseye was my max.
Unique worked well.
That load shot well, fell out of the cylinder, no leading issues. Still, I decided that 2.5 grains Bullseye was my max.
Unique worked well.
Code:
[SIZE="3"]S&W No. 3 Hand Ejector 3.25" barrel
98 LRN Aguila Factory
19-Mar-06 T = 51 °F
Ave Vel = 665.9
Std Dev = 17.52
ES = 69.38
High = 697
Low = 627.6
N = 32
Horrible leading.
100 gr LBBFP .313" 2.25 grs Bullseye SS Brass WSP
19-Mar-06 T = 51 °F
Ave Vel = 693.3
Std Dev = 20.71
ES = 103.9
High = 721.8
Low = 617.9
N = 32
Elevation good, Windage left, Mild recoil
100 gr LBBFP .313" 2.5 grs Bullseye SS Brass WSP
19-Mar-06 T = 51 °F
Ave Vel = 768.2
Std Dev = 16.97
ES = 62.06
High = 807.3
Low = 745.3
N = 17
Elevation good, Windage good, Mild recoil, prefer this to 2.25 grain load
100gr LBBFP.313" 3.0 grs Bullseye WSP R-P brass
4-Feb-06 T = 44 °F
Ave Vel = 861
Std Dev = 14.83
ES = 57.83
High = 889.6
Low = 832.1
N = 31
no leading, easy extraction, rounded primers, sharp recoil
100 gr LBBFP .313" 2.9 grs Unique SS Brass WSP
19-Mar-06 T = 51 °F
Ave Vel = 717.4
Std Dev = 42.33
ES = 144
High = 789.3
Low = 645.3
N = 18
Elevation good, Windage good, Mild recoil accurate[/SIZE]
Landric
Member
The only way to go with the .32 S&W Long, and all the low production cartridges for that matter, is handloading. With home cast bullets and bulk purchases of primers and powder, .32 S&W Long becomes just about as cheap to shoot at .22LR, and IMO, a lot more fun.
As for its power level, its never going to be a power house, but again, handloading seriously increases one's options.
I knew one schoolmate who died after his .22lr rifle discharged into his body. The bullet went through his chest, hit the spine, and bounced into his heart.
One shot, one kill.
That does not mean you can expect similar results each and every time.
Look, if you believe having a gun, any gun, is better than no gun, then .22LR's, 32 S&W's are better than nothing
But I want a little more margin, so my minimum is a 38 Spl.
Take your pick:
I am well aware of both the advantages and limitations concerning sub-38 caliber defensive cartridges.
But at the same time I'm equally aware that having something that’s "bigger and better" will not unequivocally determine who will be left standing after a shooting; or that having something smaller or less powerful leaves one absolutely incapable of defending themselves.
The advantage lies with the skill and determination of the user, not the tool that’s used. Too many people either ignore or forget this, and put too much dependence on a certain cartridge, bullet design, or weapon. Somehow they see themselves as possessing an insurmountable advantage.
In the real world it doesn’t always work that way.
But at the same time I'm equally aware that having something that’s "bigger and better" will not unequivocally determine who will be left standing after a shooting; or that having something smaller or less powerful leaves one absolutely incapable of defending themselves.
The advantage lies with the skill and determination of the user, not the tool that’s used. Too many people either ignore or forget this, and put too much dependence on a certain cartridge, bullet design, or weapon. Somehow they see themselves as possessing an insurmountable advantage.
In the real world it doesn’t always work that way.
Guillermo
member
Obviously the less powerful cartridge does less damage that a more robust round.
That said accuracy is king and I can shoot my old Smith I frame (hand ejector 3rd model) quicker and more accurately than any other gun than I have ever shot.
As I write this a Colt Detective Special in 38spl is on my hip but I would be happy with the dimiuative Smith too.
That said accuracy is king and I can shoot my old Smith I frame (hand ejector 3rd model) quicker and more accurately than any other gun than I have ever shot.
As I write this a Colt Detective Special in 38spl is on my hip but I would be happy with the dimiuative Smith too.
RSVP2RIP
Member
Please don't shoot a 32ACP in a gun chambered for 32 S&W Long or short. The bullet diameter for the S&W cartriges is .312", and the ACP is .308-309. The rim is much thinner in the ACP and might start problems with headspace and pressure in an tight bore 32 S&W. Also, the rim diameters are different and in a defensive situation where you would have to reload, if the extractor slips over the rim of the ACP you got a problem. Most of these guns chambered for the 32S&W's were cheap hinge frame revolvers and are a risk to shoot even with the propper ammo. If you have a modern revolver chambered for the 32 S&W Long and you feel comfortable doing it then don't let me stop you.
Ed Harris
Member
Firing .32 ACP in a .32 S&W Long revolver results in lower velocities because of gas leakage around the case, due to its loose fit in the chamber, undersized bullet, and the cylinder gap. I have seen many .32 revolvers with ringed barrels caused by people firing .32 ACP ammunition, sticking a bullet in the barrel and attempting to shoot it out.
Also excessive headspace of the semi-rimmed the .32 ACP in the .32 S&W cylinder results in the fired case slamming back against the firing pin bushing in the recoil shield of the frame. Especially in light alloy frame revolvers such as the Colt Cobra or Agent this peening can overcome the factory staking of the bushing, causing drag of the cylinder rotating in DA as the primer cups back out. Extensive misuse of this improper ammunition can increase cylinder end play which can cause misfires, overall necessitating an expensive gunsmith repair. You can feel set-back of the firing pin bushing below flush with the recoil shield with your finger. This is something to look for whenever buying a used revolver, PARTICULARLY .32s, because many people, especially in the Third World, resort to this expedient ammunition practice, either through ignorance or necessity and damage what would otherwise be pefectly good guns.
I have seen this many, many times.
Also excessive headspace of the semi-rimmed the .32 ACP in the .32 S&W cylinder results in the fired case slamming back against the firing pin bushing in the recoil shield of the frame. Especially in light alloy frame revolvers such as the Colt Cobra or Agent this peening can overcome the factory staking of the bushing, causing drag of the cylinder rotating in DA as the primer cups back out. Extensive misuse of this improper ammunition can increase cylinder end play which can cause misfires, overall necessitating an expensive gunsmith repair. You can feel set-back of the firing pin bushing below flush with the recoil shield with your finger. This is something to look for whenever buying a used revolver, PARTICULARLY .32s, because many people, especially in the Third World, resort to this expedient ammunition practice, either through ignorance or necessity and damage what would otherwise be pefectly good guns.
I have seen this many, many times.
snooperman
Member
- Joined
- May 4, 2009
- Messages
- 2,143
32 calibers are fun
I have 3 32s . One is 32 magnum made by Charter arms and I have another Charter in 32 S&W long that I reload- 98g bullet at 850ft/sec. I also have an old S&W that I like to hunt Rabbits with on my farm. In the right hands the 32 magnum is an excellent choice for CCW. The 32 S&W long is a very accurate cartridge and much more fun to shoot too. I can outshoot my 38 specials with the 32s on any given day.
I have 3 32s . One is 32 magnum made by Charter arms and I have another Charter in 32 S&W long that I reload- 98g bullet at 850ft/sec. I also have an old S&W that I like to hunt Rabbits with on my farm. In the right hands the 32 magnum is an excellent choice for CCW. The 32 S&W long is a very accurate cartridge and much more fun to shoot too. I can outshoot my 38 specials with the 32s on any given day.
oneounceload
member
And that new 327 Federal round packs more punch than a 38 or 9mm....AND can shoot 32 S&W, 32 S&W long, and 32 H&R magnum - all in a small gun that holds 6 shots...........
I own an older H&R 32 SWL revolver - no recoil, uses about 2.5 grains of powder and the WC's are accurate enough for close range work
snooperman
Member
- Joined
- May 4, 2009
- Messages
- 2,143
32 S&W long for CCW ??
WHY NOT? Most people would not want such a handgun for CCW, But I believe shot placement is far more important than caliber size in an up-close confrontation. I carry my older Charter arms sometimes IWB and practice head shots up close at 3-5 yards. A shot between the chest pockets or a head shot with the little 32 will do the job. There are some very good loads out for this revolver that are wad cutters that would work well for CCW.
WHY NOT? Most people would not want such a handgun for CCW, But I believe shot placement is far more important than caliber size in an up-close confrontation. I carry my older Charter arms sometimes IWB and practice head shots up close at 3-5 yards. A shot between the chest pockets or a head shot with the little 32 will do the job. There are some very good loads out for this revolver that are wad cutters that would work well for CCW.
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