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Old 06-08-2018, 12:09 PM
Steve K Steve K is offline
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Default .32 S&W Long Load

I recently bought a 4 inch S&W 16-4. I've developed a good WC load for Bullseye, but I am looking to use the gun in other matches where speed loads are needed. The WC do not work well for this type of shooting. I bought some Missouri, 100 gr. LPF bullets and I am hoping someone will share his/her loading data for this bullet.
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Old 06-08-2018, 01:36 PM
Ivan the Butcher Ivan the Butcher is offline
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I have used the Hornady 90 gr SWC with WW231 to very good success in Top strap revolvers. Also have a 90gr RN mold for 32acp, 30 Lugar, 30 Mauser and even loaded 762x39 with it, it would be great in 32 Long, I just never got around to it before I sold the 30-1 and the Rossi. I've used the 100 RNFP & 115 RNFP in 32 Long and 32-20, with WW231 also. It is surprising how well Trail Boss is too.

A minor reloading note of caution. The crimp groove on the bullet can make COAL a little long per the book. Go for what the bullet is made to do! Trying for by the book OAL can lead to a bulge that inhibits chambering. S&W cylinders are plenty long on both J & K frames!

Ivan
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Old 06-08-2018, 02:00 PM
rockquarry rockquarry is offline
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I had two of the fairly late model S&W .32s, probably from the '70s. I tried them with several cast bullets and found them to be reasonably accurate, but was less than impressed with the cartridge.

My favorite load was an 88 grain flatnose bullet (RCBS mould) cast from ww alloy and sized to .314", loaded with 2.5 grs. Bullseye, MV = 830 fps from 4" barrel.

I don't recall now whether I crimped bullets or not, but likely did. I tried several powders. Bullseye provided best accuracy followed by Titegroup. 231 and Universal didn't do well.
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Old 06-08-2018, 05:17 PM
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You don't mention a powder but the loads I have used with Lee 100 grain (311-100-2R) cast lead RN bullet is 2.4 grains of Bullseye or 2.7 grains of Red Dot or 3.5 grains of Unique.
The 2.4 grains of Bullseye was the most accurate.
Gary
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Old 06-08-2018, 07:18 PM
Steve K Steve K is offline
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Thanks for the information. It seems Bullseye is the best powder. What is your OAL?
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Old 06-08-2018, 09:41 PM
mtgianni mtgianni is offline
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I really like the Lee 90 swc cast soft with 2.5 gr Red Dot as a target load.
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Old 06-09-2018, 11:18 AM
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I really like the 98-100 gr cast bullets and 231 powder. I stay within what the loading manuals tell me. (If you don't have one, tell your wife Fathers Day is coming soon).
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Old 06-09-2018, 11:31 AM
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I just got a M30 and plan to work up a load for the 100 gr XTPs I have.

My Lyman 45th (which is older so tends toward hotter loads) lists:

93 gr cast SWC bullet
Bullseye 1.4-2.7
Red Dot 1.7-3.0
Unique 2.5-4.3

That last load seems very hot - 4.3gr is a a lot in that cartridge. I'd start around 3gr and work up with a 100gr bullet.

My Speer #8, known for very hot loads, has:

95gr cast SWC bullet
Herco 3.2-3.7
Unique 3.0-3.5
SR7625 2.8-3.1
Red Dot 2.5-2.8
Bullseye 2.2-2.4

The Herco load is something I'll be playing with, as I have a pound I'd like to use. With these Speer loads, I'd start with the lowest loads and work up, as even some of the starting loads are very hot.

Last edited by dr. mordo; 06-09-2018 at 01:13 PM.
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Old 06-09-2018, 12:20 PM
Andy Lowry Andy Lowry is offline
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My standard load is 98gn wadcutter with 2.1gn HP-38/W231. I'll have to chronograph it one of these days. I've been searching for a Unique load for it; thanks for the info, dr. mordo!
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Old 06-09-2018, 01:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy Lowry View Post
My standard load is 98gn wadcutter with 2.1gn HP-38/W231. I'll have to chronograph it one of these days. I've been searching for a Unique load for it; thanks for the info, dr. mordo!
For clarity, I should have specified that the loads I posted were not for a WC, but would work with a SWC or similar bullet.

Hope you get some use from the data!
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Old 06-09-2018, 01:35 PM
Bodie57 Bodie57 is offline
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I shoot a 115 gr SWC with 3.5 gr Unique. Never chronographed it. Shooting my Ruger Single six it knocks down six inch steel plates easy at 65 yds with irons.
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Old 06-09-2018, 02:15 PM
Steve K Steve K is offline
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Thanks for all the great information. I do shoot 98 grain WC on top of 1.7 gr of BE. However, I can't find much data with 100 gr. LFP bullets and the recommended OAL. I've loaded some with 2.5 BE, 1.80 OAL, but haven't made it to the range yet. I will also try some with 2.2 HP-38.
Thanks again for putting me on the right track.
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Old 06-16-2018, 04:30 PM
TSQUARED TSQUARED is offline
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In my 16-4 I only used the 32 H&R Magnum brass which you can reload using the same 32 S&W dies. With 100 gr. lead bullets 2.2-2.4 gr. Bullsye gave me 644-789 fps. With the old Lyman #3118, 115 gr. lead bullet, 2.6-2.8 gr. Bulllseye gave me 826-889 fps.
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Old 06-16-2018, 07:12 PM
Steve K Steve K is offline
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I got to the range the other day and found 2.2 grains of HP-38 worked well. At 15 yards all the rounds were in the black both off hand and two handed. It is a nice soft load and gets me back on target fast. However, I have to try it at 25 and 50 yards.
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Old 06-16-2018, 07:43 PM
oneounceload oneounceload is offline
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Reloading .32 Smith & Wesson Long
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