My new to me model 16-4 .32 H&R Magnum (6 inch barrel) will arrive sometime next week.
Suggestions for small game friendly loads (squirrels)?
Thanks!
Jim

Sure wish there was one on its way to me too!! Good for you glad you found one.

Model 16 Dash? Is this a 32 Smith & Wesson Long or a .32 H & R Magnum? That could have some bearing on load suggestions.

__________________
Dave Brown
SWCA #3279

Congrats!!

An original Model 16 would be chambered for the .32 S&W Long. I typically use two loads in .32 S&W Long cases:

My preferred home cast semi wadcutter is the RCBS 98 gr. SWC ahead of 3.0 grs of HP38.Win231. My mould is a five cavity NOE for a correct copy of the RCBS bullet.

I also use a Mihec dbl. ended 100 gr. wadcutter ahead of 2.5 grs. of HP38/Win 231. This is my preference for squirrels as this bullet, being a wadcutter, will become unstable somewhat past fifty yards and will tumble greatly reducing it's range if you should miss. I always make a point of having a tree behind the squirrel but if things don't go according to plan, it's good to have range limitations.

NOTE: These loads are only meant for a solid frame S&W, Colt or Ruger. Do NOT use these loads in a break top, PERIOD! I shoot them routinely in my S&W Model 16-4 and my S&W Model 631 with excellent results.

FWIW
Dale53

Congrats and post pics when you get the chance.
I have a couple 4" -4's. One is unmolested while the other has been reamed to .327 Fed. I'm not implying that you should with yours but that .327 is a hoot to shoot and probably even more so with 6" tube.
And the 98/100 gr LWC in the Long version is also fun.

Since the op hasn't posted pics yet, here's a couple -4's.
Top is .327, other remains .32 H&R



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Here's my 6" Model 16-4:



Here's my Model 631:



Dale53

Dale,
Is your -4 in .32 mag or .327? I think a 6" .327 would be fun.

Thanks for the picture! I am 64, and never shot a .32 revolver. It is another endeavor I am thinking about. Bob

Bob,
I like the Long for plinking fun but IMO, the .327 Fed. is probably what the .32 H&R should've been. But the H&R does fill the considerable gap.
I will say that with the .327 Fed chambered, I don't foresee myself shooting very much .32 H&R.
For .327 factory loads, I really like the Federal American Eagle 100 gr. JSP at advertised 1500 fps.

Unless he's had it reamed in the last few months, it's still original H&R chambering. Dale told me he liked the power level of the H&R better than my K-frame (Project 616) in 327 FM. I tease him about being a sissy, but he does spend a lot of time with his big bores, so I guess he wants the 32 H&R as a change of pace.

We have discussed this topic at length, and I bet if he were out hunting with the Model 16, the chambers would be deeper! Actually, I find myself using a lot of 32 S&W Longs in mine... sorta makes me wonder why I'm keeping all of those I-frames! I'm still in the midst of building a recreation of the early post-war K-32 and it's going to have a 32 S&W Long chambering. I guess "variety is the spice of life" after all!

Froggie

Jack;
My 16-4 is an original .32 H&R Magnum. I have used my 16-4 in the field quite a bit, actually. My desired power level is really a somewhat warm .32 S&W Long with a properly designed home cast bullet.

I do NOT want magnum level loads when hunting edible small game. A good 100 gr. or so SWC (I use a NOE version of the RCBS 98 gr. SWC) or a 100 gr. dbl. ended wadcutter at reasonable velocities does just fine for either "On the Range or in the Field". The only time I have used "magnum' loads in the field is when I was hunting varmints (mostly groundhogs). Then a full load at magnum levels (and with a hollow point if available) works just dandy.

After all, small game is a relatively short range affair, and I do NOT want unnecessary damage to the meat. Good S&W Long loads do just fine. I used either head shots for close range, and "through the slats" for longer ranges. I never had even snowshoe rabbits run after a solid hit with a properly shaped bullet. Grouse, cottontails, squirrels, and snowshoes are taken easily with the .32 S&W Long.

Understand, using H&R Magnum cases with a proper cast bullet and S&W Long velocities will work just as well. I use both (or either (:>)).

Froggie, my brother with a different mother, in your heart, you know I'm right (:>)).

FWIW
Dale53

It appears you have the same .32 Magnums that I have.

Model 16-4:
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Model 631:
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__________________
Dave Brown
SWCA #3279

I haven't hunted with it but this load certainly shoots great on paper with my six inch 16-4. I'm sure it would work just fine on small game.

100 grain Cast SWC bullet
3 grains Titegroup
CCI 500 small pistol primer
Starline brass

Great guns, and I'd sure like to have a four inch too. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Jeff;
I presume the 3.0 grs. Of Titegroup is in .32 H&R Magnum cases?

Dale53

For a factory small game load my 16-4 (4") is extremely accurate with the Fiocci .32L wadcutter, 100 grain I think. Total tack driver.

__________________
Jim
Many K and N Frames

I have some of those and I would agree.