I have tried a dozen different carry guns, but none of them satisfied my needs.

Finally, I have developed a bullet load that will give me power, and penetration with out carrying a "BAZOOKA". What is it,you say???
Surprisingly it is the old .32 S&W long.

I know what you are saying now between "CHORTLES,and "GUFFAWS" but I am very serious about this choice. Please, stop laughing and let me explain!!!!!

The revolver is a 2 inch Model 30, or you can use the 31. They are "J" frames. The 30 has a round butt, and the 31 has a square butt. Thats the only difference between the two. They are small enough for a shoulder holster, and ankle holster, or tucked away in your pant or jacket pocket. They are readily available at decent prices, and they are a perfect size for the ladies.

What I have done is to work up a simple load for the little revolver to give it a "BIG" bite.

Reading LYMANS 48th Edition of THE RELOADING HANDBOOK, I chose a 75 grain, lead alloy bullet.
Next, I chose 3.5 grains of #231 in a Winchester brass case. This is the "MAXIMUM" load suggested for this caliber. It is safe to shoot in any well maintained modern S&W,and is still below any of those +P "HOWITZER",loads.

This nice load is good on recoil, and will push the lead bullet out at 1,043 f.p.s. Thats axactly the same as a 9mm luger, 125 Grain FMJ bullet.

A lead bullet in the .32 will mushroom well at that speed, while the 9mm will travel straight through your intended target.

You can begin a new hobby of reloading bullets for under $100.00. It's fun, and safe when you follow the directions. Wild Cat loads can produce very dangerous results, so it is important to stay with in the guidelines.

ANY INPUT IS WELCOME,PRO or CON!!!

I have tried a dozen different carry guns, but none of them satisfied my needs.

Finally, I have developed a bullet load that will give me power, and penetration with out carrying a "BAZOOKA". What is it,you say???
Surprisingly it is the old .32 S&W long.

I know what you are saying now between "CHORTLES,and "GUFFAWS" but I am very serious about this choice. Please, stop laughing and let me explain!!!!!

The revolver is a 2 inch Model 30, or you can use the 31. They are "J" frames. The 30 has a round butt, and the 31 has a square butt. Thats the only difference between the two. They are small enough for a shoulder holster, and ankle holster, or tucked away in your pant or jacket pocket. They are readily available at decent prices, and they are a perfect size for the ladies.

What I have done is to work up a simple load for the little revolver to give it a "BIG" bite.

Reading LYMANS 48th Edition of THE RELOADING HANDBOOK, I chose a 75 grain, lead alloy bullet.
Next, I chose 3.5 grains of #231 in a Winchester brass case. This is the "MAXIMUM" load suggested for this caliber. It is safe to shoot in any well maintained modern S&W,and is still below any of those +P "HOWITZER",loads.

This nice load is good on recoil, and will push the lead bullet out at 1,043 f.p.s. Thats axactly the same as a 9mm luger, 125 Grain FMJ bullet.

A lead bullet in the .32 will mushroom well at that speed, while the 9mm will travel straight through your intended target.

You can begin a new hobby of reloading bullets for under $100.00. It's fun, and safe when you follow the directions. Wild Cat loads can produce very dangerous results, so it is important to stay with in the guidelines.

ANY INPUT IS WELCOME,PRO or CON!!!

Absolutely nothing wrong with a .32. My dad taught me how to shoot with one. Shot placement is the main thing with any caliber.

BTW I've got an H&R M732 with a 2.5 inch tube that I sometimes carry CCW.

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The Last Standing Knight

Each to his own. Very nice little revolver and if it works for you, that is all that matters. I am of the old school opinion that .380 is about as small and light as I would ever want to go and I am not real fond of A .380 OR A 9MM for that matter. I also believe that any gun that you have with you bests a hand cannon left at home.

The new .327 looks to me to be a good choice.

T

Is this a chronographed load or a published Velocity ??

FWIW
Based upon using the Foot Pounds of Energy Calculations @ http://www.reloadammo.com/footpound2.htm

The stated .32 load developes 181.1 Foot Pounds of Energy

The stated 9mm load developes 299.5 Foot Pounds of Energy

A .22 WMR (magmun) HP developes 131.1 from a 2 inch barrel

I would never POO HOO what a person decides what to carry for self defense.

Each of us has our own reasons for our choices.

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Semper FI

I'm not a cop, and all I know about "stopping power" is what I read, here & elsewhere.

What I've taken away from all that reading is summed up in one of our posters' tag line: "shot placement is king."

If you can shoot that little 32 well, you're better off than with a more potent cartridge that you aren't as skilled with.

So carry it with confidence, as long a that confidence is in yourself, rather than the tool.

I wish S&W would come out with that new 327 in a J frame...I like the 32 rounds I have a 32H&R magnum I love it.

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M.J.Hanna

there is an retired Yonkers cop at my range. he got on the force in the 60's and retired late eighties. he saw some action. carries that same gun with a similar load. best i can tell he fears nothing.
me? i like a .40 Glock but i aint the man he is.
Regards,
Rich

Beans.............Very informative. Yes you are right with those numbers delivered from the muzzle. My numbers are not chronographed but rather from the info contained in Lymans book. They did the Chronographing. I never intended to claim that the little 32 is above the total ballistics of the 9mm. There is no comparison on that level. My point was to show that extra power can be achieved by using their formula.

Some day, someone will invent a .45 colt cartridge to fit in a Model 30 or 36. Thanks for your input.

I'm still doing my research on good .32 S&W Long loads. My understanding is that you can load up to SLIGHTLY over book max loads if you use some common sense. Model stamped revolvers are stronger than the earliest guns chambered for this round. Load data has to consider these older guns. Anyone who wants to push the envelope with this round should do so with utmost caution. Small case and tiny charges slight increases could get you into trouble in a hurry. I know it's cliche but having a gun any gun when you need one is more important than what caliber it is.

B

I guess it's better late than never to the party as to my new found appreciation for the small j-frames, in general, and the .32 S&W Long caliber, in particular. I bought this Model 30-1 two months ago as NIB, original grips and box numbered to the gun, with all papers but no tool kit. Cost me $609. Might seem steep, but not to me, considering these will never be made again, and it was a chance to get a brand new one that had been sitting on a shelf or in someone's safe for the last 32 plus years for me to eventually wind up with it.

I have since put some smooth factory combats on it and, with the 3" barrel, it looks like a "miniature" all-business gun though, as many of you have noted above, a well placed .32 caliber round is going to be fairly effective.

This might get addictive.

Bob

________________________________
FBINA, 204th Session

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FBINA, 204th Session

just bought a little 31-1 2" this weekend (now begins the long California wait)... I don't reload... any opinions on the Magtech JHP for this gun?

Boatz....The Magtech jhp's will work very well in your revolver.

mulehide - mine looks just like yours and in just as nice a shape... I'm so excited! I'll be able to pick it up on the 23rd (drumming fingers on the desk).

Boatz........Get out of that dumb state. It's jinxed. On your way out, prctice with your .32 long on Ol ARNOLD!!!

I don't know about that 70gr. I'd prefer a heavier bullet (as heavy as you can get in .32), like 90-100gr. and a wadcutter or SWC.

My 32 Long loads are either the 100gn Lee TL SWC or the old 114gn Lyman RNFP. Though for carry purposes I often use 32 ACP shells.

I have six small frame Smiths in .32. I shoot the 95 gr Penn LSWC with 2.5 gr of Bullseye and have chronographed that load at 830 fpr from my 4 inch model 31. Dean

As the old saying goes, a hit with a .22 is better than a miss with a .44. If it works, shoot it!

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Vaya con Dios

The 32 is a nice round that anyone can use. Nice looking guns, have fun with them.

Stophel......I agree that the heavier bullet will improve hitting power, but you will also lose the speed that you will need for a lead bullet to mushroom properly. Wadcutters are a great option.

I would not really expect any of them to "mushroom", certainly not a non-hollowpoint bullet (and I don't know how reliable those would be). Your main goal should be penetration, which the heavier bullet is probably going to give you, even if it is going a tad slower. Then worry about the diameter of the bullet, and the size of the "wound channel". And since I don't think you're going to get any "mushrooming" with anything, it's best to start with the biggest, flattest point bullet you can get.

I think the Magtech jhp is a 98 grain - about as heavy as is commercially available...

what is the weight of the I frame?

Just realize that you will be "demonized" by the other sides lawyer if you ever have to shoot someone for using a handload. "Regular ammunition wasn't good enough for Mr. X. He had to make his own, more lethal loads, etc.."

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You do what you are.

I have a .32 hand ejector that I occasionally carry when the whim hits me. I carry wadcutters in it. Certainly not the hammer of thor but better than a sharp stick.

You're going to be "demonized" no matter what you do. If you use factory hollowpoints, you will be painted as a homocidal maniac, just itching to kill someone with the most deadly ammunition he can find...bullets to rip and tear flesh in the most grisly manner...

It is NOT something I would ever concern myself with. If you're that worried about lawsuits, leave the gun at home, locked up in a safe.

Somewhat related. I have 2" S&W in .32 H&R Mag. I reload for it. The factory loads offer an 85 gr. Jacketed H.P. or a 90 gr. lead solid.
I found I could get 115 gr. lead flat point .32-20 bullets from Oregon Bullet Company (Laser Cast) and they had a loading book too. Most of the commercial loading books give data for the 85 or 90 gr. bullets only. I loaded up these 115 gr. bullets with 4.3 gr. Unique and used some very old Remington 1 & 1/2 Primers and Federal brass. Chronographed the 2" at an average of
953 fps. This was set up about 18 feet from the muzzle and it was 24º f out. FYI, the book gave the maximum load at 4.5 gr. Unique. The bullet looks like it has very good sectional density and I am as happy as can be with this load.

There is supposed to be a factory .327 Magnum load with a 115 gr. Gold Dot bullet. I am not so interested in the .327 Mag. (too much blast), but wonder if the 115 gr. Gold Dot bullet might still be driven at effective velocity at .32 H&R Mag. pressures. The last time I posted an inquiry about this on this forum several months ago (in the Ammunition or Reloading section), a member posted that these Gold Dots were not yet available for purchase separately as component bullets yet. Anybody have any experience or knowledge on this 115 gr. Gold Dot bullet being loaded for .32 H&R Mag.?

Last I checked with Speer, it was going to be awhile before they are released.

Too much blast with a .327? I have not found that to be an issue with mine. I rather enjoy shooting it. 1400 fps (chrono'd) with the 115 Gold Dot. It really isn't much different than shooting my 3" model 60 (.357) with 125's.

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431pd

If I were to carry my 31, it would be loaded with 92-98 gr SWC. I want to ensure that it penetrates adequately. For those interested in speed, Speer 14 lists data for the 60 HP... as I recall, the .32 Long pushes it a tad over 1000 fps out of a 3" barrel.

In my 431pd, I carry the 85 HP backed up with a speed loader of 98 SWC at about a 1000 fps.

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431pd

Here's my 6 shot 32 Mag EDC; mdl 632, alloy frame with SS bbl & cyl:

Gaitorbaiter, now thats a sweet looking gun

Gator, that's a beautiful piece but wouldn't that be a 632 instead of a 642?

bro, im not going to discount any gun if somebody is willing and able to use it.....

but what youve done with the ballistics youve provided is nothing more than take a .32acp European load and stretch the brass and put it in your .32 wheely. not that that is a bad thing.

but if speed loading is not a concern you could have easily bought some of the European loads that we call "hot" but are actually standard design pressures and shot those same .32acp loads in your wheely. the .32acp is a semi rimmed case and will work in a wheely, its been done for decades.

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I'm only allowed 30 characters

Smith657, you are correct, and I made the change.

WOW you could sit at the head table at the BBQ with that 632. Sweet piece, Larry

I just picked up a Regulation Police 32 S&W Long today and plan of having some fun. I have a R.P. in 38 S&W with a 4" tube also and can load up that old round in 950-1000 foot range also. To my way of thinking a 38S&W at that velocity is all I'll even need. So needs a 38 special

I do, have 5 of them pretty M10's

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Slim, U.S. Army, Ret.

The problem with shooting 32acp rounds through a gun chambered for 32 s&w long, besides the extraction problem, is the point of impact will probably be significantly different.
Pushing 38 s&w rounds to 950-1000 fps seems very hot to me. Remington factory loads make 600 fps from my 5 inch K frame. Dean

Gatorbaiter:

That is a magnificent looking piece! My Model 432 is my EDC with a Seecamp .32ACP as back-up. I wasn't aware there was a Model 632, I guess I'll have to add that to my grail list. Can you tell me who did the engraving, what type of grips you have on it, was this an Internal lock? If so, how was it corrected (I just yanked the IL out of my 432).

Thank you.

Dave

It is all about confidence, and if this gun/load combo gives you that, then more power to you!

Here is a mdl.30-1 ser.#H3 that I like.

i recently picked up a model 16-4...wanted to complete my smith magnum calibers....it shoots great!

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SWCA#2208
KK4EMO

Who uses a 9 mm FMJ bullet today, anyway?

If this is all you can handle recoil-wise, then good luck. You're going to need it.

Nawww,

I disagree! As the good book says . . . be fruitful and MULTIPLY! What Kommiefornia needs is a mass infusion of good people with common sense . . . who vote, like their foes, "early AND often . . . and work hard to make their state what it needs to be.

We all need luck. Knowing what works for you and proceeding accordingly will serve you much better than carrying something you cannot control well and shoot accurately. I have nerve damage in my hands and have powered down recently to a 32 H&R Magnum and even sometimes a 25 ACP and i dont feel i need anymore luck than you do Wyatt.

Double-O-Dave,
The Mdl. 632 was only made in 1991-92, and does not have the lock. They came in 3" bbl with Uncle Mikes Santoprene grips (only made in 1991)and 2" bbl with wood grips. The grips on mine are genuine Ivory. I don't know who did the engraving. My gun is SN 147 and left the factory in July 1991 without the engraving.

Thank you, Gatorbaiter. I now have one more gun to add to my grail list.

Regards,

Dave

I will try and get my 632 engraved. That is some nice. Maybe have it by the summer, will post photos if I can get a good camera and learn how to post photos.

Irrelevant.

The lawyer could just as easily demonize HPs, FMJ or wadcutters.

"Hollowpoints! Even the military can't use them!" or "Full metal jacket! The same ammo our military uses!" or "HE had Gold Dot bullets! That's the same as our local police! Does he think he's a police officer?"

Carry what works for you. IF you ever have to use it, and IF you survive the experience, THEN worry about lawyers.