I'm sure this has been asked before,but I could not find anything definitive on a search. Yes..I know it is always best to use the proper ammo for every gun..however, .32acp is SO abundant and inexpensive vs. .32 S&W. I'm mainly concerned with pressures and if the .32acp is high enough to avoid using in a .32 S&W revolver. The .32acp will chamber and actually lift out with the extractor as well..so if it's safe..I have a TON of .32 acp. Yes? No? Thanks.

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My Daddy was a pistol..

Kinda-sorta on topic - I have tried .32ACP in my Ruger Single-Six. It wouldn't light the primers for at least two out of six in the cylinder. The .32ACP, I guess, has a thinner rim or sits too deeply into the chamber (a problem I've never experienced ... ). The nice thing with the Ruger is a person doesn't have to worry about .32ACP pressures. Since you are firing an older .32 revolver - I would prolly shy away from that. As far as your ammo - pickins' are pretty thin for .32's to burn it up in AFAIK. A nice Walther or Beretta would safely solve your 'problem'!!

A lot of people successfully shoot 32 acp in the model numbered 32 S&W Long guns.

I'm talking about Model 30 and Model 31 steel guns.

I've shot some 32 acp from my M31-1 with no problems.

But, if you are talking old top break 32 S&W guns -- I wouldn't try it.

32 S&W is a very low pressure round and those old top breaks are just that -- old.

BTW, I also tried 32 acp in my 431PD which is an aluminum J frame gun chambered in 32 H&R magnum.

I got light strikes and FTFs with that gun. 32 acp would be safe in 32 H&R magnum guns, but not useful if one out of three rounds fails to fire.

I was only considering .32acp in my more modern (smokeless era).32S&W hand ejector revolvers. Thanks for the advice.

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My Daddy was a pistol..

You have to a) Either be more specific, or b) learn the difference between .32 S&W and .32 S&W Long.

.32 S&W is a black powder period low pressure cartridge generally chambered in hinged frame revolvers. Pressures are generally only 8,000 CUP or lower.

.32 S&W Long, with the exception of very few later, far stronger, revolvers hinged frame revolvers, is almost exclusively chambered in solid frame revolvers that are far stronger than the hinged frame type. This cartridge usually develops between 12,000-15,000 CUP, up to twice .32 S&W pressures.

.32 ACP must not be fired in revolvers chambered for .32 S&W. While they won't blow up, they will be severely damaged in very short order, as little as a single cylinder.

.32 ACP is perfectly safe and acceptable to fire in .32 S&W Long, solid frame revolvers. It is roughly equivalent to firing .38 Spl. +P in a .38 Spl. revolver, nothing to be concerned about! The only issues are 1) extraction may not be 100% dependable with some gun/ammunition combinations, and 2) mis-fires are somewhat more likely if your gun has maximum headspace and the ammunition has minimum rim thickness. I have fired maybe a couple dozen .32 ACP in .32 S&W Long revolvers over the years and have experienced no mis-fires whatsoever.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

This question has arisen more than once on the forum. Unless I'm mistaken, the poster I have in mind will soon chime in with pressure figures showing .32ACP cartridges operate at several (or more) thousand psi higher than .32 S&W Long. It's pretty much up to you...

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

In a more modern solid frame .32 Long revolver in good condition, there isn't a problem shooting .32 ACP ammunition. I have fired a great many .32 ACP rounds through mine without any regrettable incidents. However, I wouldn't use .32 ACP for any serious purpose, like personal protection - fun shooting only. There are two main problems. First, as previously mentioned, the thin semi-rim creates an excessive headspace condition in .32 Long revolvers, and you're probably going to experience some misfires. Second, the semi-rim does not engage the cylinder extractor star very well and you may have over-rides and/or jams during extraction of empties. An additional third reason is that the .32 ACP bullet is a little undersize for a .32 S&W Long barrel, and you may get mediocre grouping performance. So if you want to try, go ahead, just don't expect perfection.

So you have a hungry 632. Wally world is selling Magtech or Aguila acp for $14.99 or $15.99 a box. Cabela's has American Eagle .327 for $24.99. To practice, you are saving $9 or $10 per 50. Just have to use a few extra patches when yer done. Use the money to buy some Hydra-Shoks. (Don't get old world acp its usually only .309 v. new world .311.) And I have never had a Magtech or Aguila fail to go pop.

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Certified Curmudgeon