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Has anyone "covered the waterfront" and come up with, determined, what is the "stoutest" (most powerful? most energy?) factory, .32 S&W Long ammo?

I know that .32 S&W Long isn't .38 Special or .357 Magnum.
.32 S&W Long is what it is.

But:
- to the extent that there will be stronger and weaker rounds,
- if someone WERE to carry a Smith revolver in .32 S&W Long (30-1 or 31-1)
...what would be the best/strongest/most powerful factory load, I am wondering?

Anybody done the research and know the answer to this question?

Much obliged for any data.

James

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Buffalo Bore 100 gr wadcutters in the speed loader below.

Buffalo Bore 115 gr round nose flat point in the speed strip.

I carry the 31-1 with the 100 gr wadcutters loaded and carry the speed strip as a reload.

I think the wadcutter is a slightly better round, but it's hard to reload the gun quickly -- hence the round nose as reloads.

(I keep the wadcutters in the speed loader to keep track of them when the gun is in the safe unloaded. I don't carry full wadcutters as reloads).

These are the stoutest loads in 32 S&W long I've found.

BB's web site gives info about ballistics and claims significant penetration for the wadcutters.

Attached Images

31 carry.jpg (60.3 KB, 2692 views)

I like the Magtech 32 S&W Long JHP, but do not know how it compares to Buffalo Bore.
That was all that was available locally just before the ammo shortage dried up everything.

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Jeepers Cal!
See, that's what a good forum is for.
Thanks!

Can I ask you a couple of follow up questions?

1-
Those are some (relatively) powerful loads.
Are our "antique" Smiths (30-1 and 31-1) perfectly cool with those loads?
You've seen no indication of any excess wear or effects of "battering"?

2-
And the Buffalo web site says, "We alloy and lube these bullets properly so they will NOT substantially lead foul any normal barrel."
That so?
Or... there is that word "substantially".
Do you find it advisable to use any special "cleaner/solvent" on your revolvers to keep the lead at bay?

3-
The energy levels Buffalo quotes are higher than the factory .32 H&R Magnum ammo I am currently using in my 431PD!!!
So...do I just start using the Buffalo .32 S&W Long ammo in my .32 Magnum revolvers instead of the "weak" .32 Magnum ammo I am currently using? (Do you have any .32 Magnum revolvers? What do you shoot in them?)


I have been completely unaware of the Buffalo company.
New frontiers opening up?
New life for my various .32s?
I still have the caveats reflected in my questions above, but my head is sorta spinning about this all.

James

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The Buffalo Bore loads are the only way to turn a 32 into a self-defense weapon (unless you reload). Just use them in a modern gun and not a top break. I would feel adequately armed in most situations with them in my 32 Smith. On the other hand, I sure wouldn't go fight a war with them.

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Dr. B

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P.S.

I just took another quick look at the BB web site.

And man they give whole separate charts at bunches of different muzzle velocities.

Which, among other things, probably involves different barrel lengths.

Other companies, usually don't really say, or give that level of information.

And different velocities really changes energy!

Makes it real hard to know, if you aren't comparing apples to apples.

Looks like... maybe I'll be heading to the range, and chrony various rounds that I have, along with some Buffalo ammo that I will get.

If you know velocity and bullet weight, you can sort of find your way to "apples to apples" energy data. Right?
(I guess, I'm not NEAR a pro at this!).

Either way, it'll be an excuse to spend a day outside, at the range, shootin' guns!

James

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Thanks Doc.
And I'm with ya.

And... if I'm going to war, I want a company with me, or at least a squad. Somebody with a flamethrower would be nice!

But short of that, we do what we can do. Wish it weren't so but sometimes, weather, dress, convenience, concealablity, etc. argues for compromises to be made.

A 1911 or a double stack 9 with several mags on you belt, would always be better. But sometimes it's just hard to manage.

So any help with our little J frames is always a plus for when that's what we may have that day.

Thanks to everybody so far.

What a forum!

James

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James,

I haven't shot many of these yet. They are expensive, so I practice with cheaper stuff.

That said, I see no signs of pressure problems and wouldn't expect any when these BB loads are used in M30 and M31 model marked guns.

My gun in particular was made in the early 1980's and so I figure has the benefit or modern metallurgy.

Also, I'm heard of people reaming the cylinder on M30s and M31s so they can chamber 32 H&R mag.

These guns are the same frames used for 38 special which is a higher pressure round than any 32 S&L long.

Another thing about Buffalo Bore is their quoted ballistics have been verified by members of this forum, and unlike the specs some other manufacturers give, BB bore's number are usually accurate.

Another comment. I've tried the Magtech jacketed hollow points.

But I don't have a chronograph.

I've found reports giving highly variable velocity results for the Magtech loads.

Plus I question whether you would see expansion out of a snub.

Does the speedstrip hold the .32 rounds securely? I am assuming it was intended for .38 special?

The only way a hollow point .32 S&W Long would work is because it WON'T expand. There isn't enough energy or bullet to make an expanded bullet punch deep enough. The worst thing that bullet could do is expand, because it just doesnt' have the guts to get deep enough if there was any added resistance. If you want a HP that would work in that caliber, get a .32 magnum of some sort.

No. The ones I use are specifically for 32 caliber.

Quick Strips*„¢ - 2 Strips per Package

Just be aware, their charts are odd. For example, the .32 S&W Long in 115gr, the first chart starts with a 1200 fps muzzle velocity. However, in the 5 firearms they tested it in, it had a muzzle velocity from 715-840 fps. So that chart of energy, drop, etc, is not in any way applicable.

If you scroll far enough down, there are charts for 900, 800, and 700 fps starting velocities, though. You have to decide which is closest to what you expect. Though if you want to know the drop of your .32 S&W Long at 600 yards, you'll probably want to find out the exact velocity.

Maybe I don't quite understand the goal, but it always struck me as them providing lots of irrelevant info just to give the appearance that they've done a lot of testing to create a lot of info. But it's just generic ballistic calculations at a set of starting velocities that may have no relation to the ammo being listed.

Those are the only two things you need to know to calculate the kinetic energy of an object. There are many free calculators online for this, search "bullet kinetic energy" or similar.

32 S&W would be an ideal round if you want to hunt hamsters at 600 yards.

This article talks a little about the buffalo bore loads for 32 s&w long:

His results from a 2" revolver:

"The Buffalo Bore 115 .32 S&W Long yielded about 771 fps from a S&W 2″ barrel, while the 100-gr. WC delivered 852 fps. from the same gun."

The .32 S&W Long & .38 Smith & WessonAmerican Handgunner | American Handgunner

Note that the 100 gr WC at 852 fps develops a muzzle energy of 161 ft lbs.

In this article, Federal Target 148 gr Wadcutters in 38 special only developed 656 fps for a muzzle energy of 141 ft lbs from a 2 inch snub.

Pocket Guns and Gear: Federal Gold Medal Match 38 Special Wadcutter Denim and Clear Gel Test

And some people suggest target wadcutters in 38 special for defense.

Well, 32 BB wadcutters are significantly faster and higher energy from a 2" snub, although they are lighter and smaller diameter than the 38 wc target loads.

It's hard to find data for snub revolvers, and most of the data for 4" guns greatly overstate velocity.

I'm relying on this published data because it's all I have, but if anyone here runs their own chronograph tests, I'd encourage you to post the results.

There isn't a lot of good data out there on 32 caliber revolver loads.

I'm not sure those people tend to suggest them at target velocities, though? But there is certainly some anemic .38 ammo out there. I've only tested two from a snub. Federal 125gr +P 38E went 890 fps from my 2.25" SP101, and Estate 130gr went a pathetic 720 fps.

I wasn't trying to speak about .32 S&W's effectiveness though, just to try to clarify the charts BB uses for the OP.

We use a 100gr. Hardcast flat tip over 3.8 grs. Of Unique. In our SW 30-1 3". 900+ fps 20" penatration. Better than 380!

I spent a good deal of money testing this out in a S&W 2 inch .32 H&R snubby 3 years ago or so. Short answer: NONE of the .32 mag loads (BB, Federal, Hornady) expanded using the old Firearms Tactical water filled cartons test. The Fiocchi .32 S&W long 100gr full wadcutter penetrated adequately (I can't remember and I didn't write it down, sorry). It didn't recoil much and it met the standards, easy choice. Save your bucks.

Gentlemen,
Hope to get an answer to this. A friend purchased an older S&W 32 Cal revolver, chambered for 32 Long ammo. Can he safely use 32 S&W short ammo in this revolver. I have heard that he can, but he has heard differently from a gun store in our area, please advise, thanks for your help on this.

Yes, they will work fine. I ran across a batch of .32 S&W empties one time and loaded them for my post-war .32 Long Hand Ejector. I used 1.8 grains of Bullseye and a Lee 93 grain cast round nose bullet. Velocity was 575 fps. The sun was coming up behind me that morning and the bullets could be clearly seen on their leisurely trip down range. ".32 pellet gun" came to mind.

The only economical way to get what you want is to load your own, combined with load development. If you want to spend $1.25-$1.50 per shot for Buffalo Bore, have at it, but not for me. For some time, I have used a load of 3.0 grains of Bullseye with the Hornady 90 grain .313" SWC. From a 6" K-frame barrel, MV clocks at around 900 ft/sec. No signs of excessive chamber pressure are noted, i.e., cases do not stick in the chambers and primers are not cratered. I think I could safely push it quite a bit higher, but I have no need to. I have one powder measure I keep permanently set to throw 3.0 grains of Bullseye, for use in .32 Long, .32-20, and .38 Special wadcutter loads.

Once upon a decade , when I used a 3in M31 as a BUG, I used boutique ammo from a company that long ago changed ownership , and discontinued .32Long offerings. When my supply reached the point where it was past the rotation date, I retired the gun from BUG rotation. Today, I would use the Buffalo Bore 115gr.

Yes, handloads in Mdl numbered J Frames can easily match .32Mag factory loads in similar bbl lengths.

Yes, .32S&W can be fired in .32S&W Long guns. But .32S&W is harder to find, and more expensive than generic .32S&W Long.

Any current or recently produced .32S&W Long ammo that is not Buffalo Bore will have velocities that round off to warm spit, and even if HP , won't expand. Not to seem to be dissing the ctg, low recoil, good accuraccy, and decent penetration , with a cross sectional area substantially larger than a .22 represents an interesting and useful niche.

Guys,
Great answers to my question regarding 32 S&W short ammo.
I will let my friend know that he is good to go. Keep your heads down and your powder dry.

Merry Christmas!

How did my thread about looking for the "stoutest" S&W Long cartridge
become a thread about the .32 S&W short?

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You got "piggy-backed" by someone who should of started his own thread. BTW, there are the .32 S&W and .32 S&W Long cartridges. No "Short", Colt did that.

Here is an ancient box of .32 S&W ammo with my S&W 30-1.

Thanks fellow Georgian Colby.
And thanks for the correction.
I do not like poor scholarship.
I will not make that mistake again.

Jim

Although, you know... I could have argued that,
since I didn't capitalize the word "short",
that I was not using it as part of a proper name,
but merely using it as an adjective to describe that wee little round. :-)

Would you have bought that?

_

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The .32 S&W cartridge is an oldie from the black powder period, and was originally used in top break revolvers (S&W and other brands). The .32 Long cartridge was, I believe, always intended as a smokeless load (although I can't say if there was ever a BP .32 Long loading). And it could not be used in the older .32 top break revolvers, only in newer solid frame revolvers, as it was too long to fit. While it is certainly possible to safely fire .32 S&W cartridges in any revolver chambered for .32 Long, I can see no reason why anyone would want to do so so long as .32 Long ammunition was available. I remember a very informative article comparing the .32 S&W and .32 Long cartridges, along with considerable reloading data for both, appearing in one of the earlier editions of Gun Digest, maybe from the 1980s. If you have a CD set covering the entire run of Gun Digest editions, you can look it up.

WHEW!
Thank goodness we're back on the .32S&W topic.
For a minute there we were dangerously close to getting back on the OP's topic of the Stoutest S&W Long load.

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I'll throw in a hook shot and go back to the 32 S&W Long topic.

Georgia Arms has some hollow point loads in 32 S&W Long.

I've heard good things about these loads, but have never seen Chrono data.

If anyone can get their hands on a Chronograph, I'd love to see some results for both the GA loads and the Magtech hollow points.

A gel test on both loads would be nice also.

The Georgia Arms load goes in and out of stock, and so if you try them and like them, best stock up when you can.

Wow Cal, that's a blast from the past! For me anyway.

I bought a bit of ammo from Georgia Arms years ago.
But there was a spell when they seemed to just not be able to get components! For the rounds I was after anyway.
And it was always just "out of stock", "out of stock", "out of stock".

At some point I just quit checking and eventually forgot about them.
And them just down the road in Villa Rica!

Good to see they're still kickin'.

I went to their site and looked at the .32 S&W Long round -
85gr. at 850 fps (and I bet it would be less out of a 2" snub)

I feel the same about this round as I always did about a lot of their "lighter loads".

I wish they would make that as a FMH flat nose round, instead of a JHP.

It would be cheaper, and a better round, for whatEVER use you put it to.
Don't'cha think?

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I have some of the Georgia Arms hollow point ammo, it doesn't seem to expand out of my 2" & 3" barrel S&W's but did expand when fired from the 4" barrel Colt PPS I used to own.

All I know is from all the flyers from all the sporting goods stores...................

Now is the time to stock up on 32 ammo, no matter what kind it is. $32 for 50 is not too bad.......... but it should get even better from the local sporting good stores.
$25 a box on line but plus shipping.

I just checked, and right now ammoseek.com shows a bunch of on-line ammo stores with Fiocchi 32 S&W long 100 gr wad cutters in 50 round boxes for less than $17.

This is more than 38 special, but not too bad.

I have shot a lot of this load in my 31-1. It is accurate and a nice mild practice load. I recommend it for practice ammo.

It's a pretty anemic for defense, so for that Buffalo Bore is better.

But it punches paper very well.

I believe Buffalo Bore Ammo still makes several loads of .32 Revolver ammo; look at their website. I am not really well versed on .32 ammo as I do not own one. That said, BB has consistently been about the most powerful, consistent and accurate ammo available anywhere. Worth a look.

If you reload and chronograph you might find 32 S&W long loaded with a full charge of black powder might gove the highest velocity while still being well within pressure limits for the cartridge
On another option, I had a smith j frame 32 that would fire and extract 32 auto just fine and there may be more options in defensive loads in that caliber that you might consider if your revolver will run it like mine did.
The 32 auto is a semi rimmed case and in some guns has just enough rim to head space and extract

I just bought a Colt Police Positive in 32 Colt New Police. Same as 32 S&W L... This gun from 1930 is not yet in my hands, but when it comes it will be fed 32 wadcutter ammo..The fastest l can find.. I think Lapua....98gr 700fps....85gr 800fps.....Totally adequate l think...
Remember Charles Bronson in "Death Wish"? He carried a 32 COLT..He was as much a man as Dirty Harry