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Old 03-31-2014, 11:20 PM
Me239 Me239 is offline
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.32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver? .32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver? .32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver? .32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver? .32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver?  
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Default .32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver?

Hey everyone! Maybe a stupid question, but is it safe to shoot .32 Long loaded with BP out of a .32 "short" revolver? I know it's a big no-no with factory ammo, but what about BP? The reason I ask is cause .32 S&W long brass is so much easier to find. Thanks!
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Old 04-01-2014, 02:16 AM
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.32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver? .32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver? .32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver? .32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver? .32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver?  
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It depends on the revolver. If the charge holes are bored straight through, like Iver Johnson guns were, and the loaded cartridge isn't longer than the cylinder, then yes. The other caveat is you must understand loading with Black Powder. The charge MUST fill the to the point it is slightly compressed by the bullet. It is imperative that there be no free airspace within the loaded case or the gun can be damaged.

If the revolver in question has normal charge holes, with a bullet diameter throat ahead of the larger portion for the case, then no. This would include all higher quality guns.
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Old 04-01-2014, 04:07 PM
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.32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver? .32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver? .32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver? .32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver? .32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver?  
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Thanks for the response! I reload black powder from time to time, but I hasn't tried the long. I was wondering, since they are in fact two different cartridges, why would .32 S&W pistols not just be labeled .32 S&W long if their cylinders can hold it? The pressure difference can't be too significant.
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Old 04-01-2014, 04:38 PM
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.32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver? .32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver? .32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver? .32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver? .32 S&W Long BP in a .32 S&W revolver?  
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Because the .32 S&W is for the top break guns, and the .32 S&W Long didn't exist until 1896. .32 S&W Long was not chambered in top breaks even after this, except for the much later H&R guns. In most of the earlier top breaks the cylinders are not long enough for the .32 S&W Long.
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