I just inherited a breaktop revolver in 32 S&W in great condition that dates out to be made for modern smokeless powder. I have Hornady dies for 32 S&W long / 32 H&R Magnum for a Ruger 32 H&R Mag revolver I own and multiple reloading manuals, but none have listings for reloading the 32 S&W (short). Can anyone point me in the right direction for reloading data for this round?

Took me a while to find the info as I file by the depth method. About 9" down I found data from MD Smith. Google "M.D. Smith's Reloading Pages". He's out of Huntsville, AL and has all sorts of reloading data including the .32 S&W (often called 'short').

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Mike Maher #283

Lyman's 45th edition manual has data for 77 and 84 grain cast bullets using Bullseye, Red Dot and Unique. They state to use only their starting loads for breaktop revolvers.

77 grain bullet, 1.1 Bullseye for 471 fps, 1.4 Red Dot for 608 fps, 1.6 Unique for 511 fps.

84 grain bullet, 1.0 Bullseye for 442 fps, 1.3 Red Dot for 629 fps, 1.5 Unique for 476 fps.

The main problem for dies is crimping. Dies for longer rounds like .32 Long and .32 H&R Mag work for sizing and seating but may not be able to crimp the shorter case.

Lyman48 manual has loading data for 32S&W, but only for 71gr jacketed bullets. Suggested starting load at 2.4 grs W213 and maximum at 2.9 grs (568 and 711 FPS respectively).

I got a set of dies specifically for 32S&W (short) from CH4C a while back and loaded up a few Berry's plated 71 gr RN bullets @ 2.5 gr W-231, but haven't tried them yet (too cold). I'll most likely try them out in a S&W M16-4 before exposing any of my top breaks to such awesome power.

Seems to me that I read somewhere that 32ACP dies could be used for 32S&W; I think from some Lee data. Can anyone either confirm or refute that?

Oh heck! L48 also has data for 100 gr bullets; should have turned the page.

Since you have a Long and H&R sizing die, you really only need a 32 ACP seat and crimp die (may as well buy the whole set). I have loaded ACP, Short and Long with an ACP set since 1979, you just need the correct shell holders.

I always used Unique and WW231/HP38 for Short and ACP.

Ivan

buy another seater/crimper and cut it down 1/4" or so

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an actual conservative

Thanks guys for your input and a starting point to get this pistol out to the range!

I've been reloading the .32 S&W for about 20 years and shooting my reloads in 2 S&W breaktops from the early 1900's. I use cast or swaged lead bullets only, with weights from 75 to 90 grains. I've used 1.3-1.5 grains of W231/HP38 almost exclusively. The only published data I have is as follows:

1. A Winchester-Western pamphlet entitled "Ball Powder Reloading Data", dated June 1975. The only load listed for this cartridge with currently available powder is an 85 grain lead bullet with 1.4 grains of W231. Velocity is 595 ft/sec from a 3 inch barrel and pressure is given as 9500 C.U.P. This load reproduces the recoil and muzzle blast (both low) of W-W factory loads that I have used.

2. A Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook that I bought new in 1964 when I started reloading. The only loads given for .32 S&W are for a Lyman 85 grain cast bullet (#313249) and are 1.4 grains of Bullseye and 2.0 grains of Unique. Velocities are given in the 700-800 ft/sec range. I am skeptical of the safety of these loads in breaktop revolvers and have not used them. I highly recommend the handbook itself as a source of information about long-discontinued cast bullets and interesting recommendations from customers. Very old school.

3. Lyman #43, which I also bought new. The same 85 grain bullet is listed with 1.0-1.4 grains of Bullseye or 1.5-2.5 grains of Unique. The starting loads should be OK.

4. The Lyman Pistol & Revolver Handbook, first published in 1978 (mine is the 8th printing from 1992). This book has loads for 2 Remington jacketed bullets, which I would not use in breaktops. There are many loads listed for 77 and 84 grain cast bullets that were tested in a S&W Model 31. The book recommends not exceeding the starting loads in breaktop revolvers and I would certainly concur. The post above by Buff lists some of these loads.

I think the reason there is no data for this cartridge in more modern handbooks is liability concerns about recommendations for a cartridge only chambered in obsolescent handguns, some of questionable materials or design. Also, no major bullet manufacturer makes component bullets and demand would be low.