Hey all, I will be picking up my new Smith & Wesson 632UC soon and I plan on putting it in my carry rotation. So, I’m looking into choosing a defensive ammo to load it with.

Question: Can the new S&W 632UC be loaded with +P rated ammo. More specifically, Buffalo Bore 32 H&R Magnum +P?

I would read the instructions with the gun, and if there is no mention of this question would contact the factory. If there is a SAAMI standard for + P .32 Magnum they may say yes, but otherwise it will probably be a hard no.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

-REALLY- frustrates me that such an innovative company and possibly the undisputed greatest boutique ammo manufacturer ever continues to use the +P moniker outside of the industry standard.

I don’t think the average casual gun owner realizes the tremendous value in a strict industry standard such as SAAMI.

Furthermore, I don’t believe the casual gun owner knows that the +P designation only exists for a select few cartridges.

+P does not (strictly) mean “oh it’s higher pressure.”

In fact, +P means that it peaks at a very specific limited pressure which is indeed higher.

Simple example:
The .357 Magnum is a SAAMI established cartridge. It’s max peak pressure is limited to 35,000 PSI. This is an agreed upon industry standard. If some boutique ammo maker were to market a hotter .357 Magnum cartridge that runs 37,500 PSI, they should call it something (anything) other than .357 Magnum+P. Because there is NO STANDARD for .357 Magnum+P and as such, from one company it could be 37,500 PSI and from another it could be 52,000 PSI.

Buffalo Bore knows infinitely more about producing and marketing fantastic ammunition than I ever will, but their failure to see this and agree to it is frustrating.

You phrased that so nice, Sevens. Whereas everytime I see reference to a non-SAAMI pressure claim as an advertising feature, I hear the voice of my dear Uncle Art (of the Tort Bar) saying, "It's a liability nightmare!"

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There is no SAAMI specification for 32 H&R "+P".
If Buffalo Bore is selling ammo with that designation, then they are making up their own standards.
In response to the OP's question, the answer is NO.
The new S&W is NOT rated for a non-existent "+P" standard.
You can choose to shoot the Buffalo Bore "+P" ammo, but don't be surprised or whine & cry if it damages your gun and S&W won't honor the warranty.
JMO and YMMV.

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Handloader from October/November 2018 has an interesting .32 H&R article by Brian Pearce that includes +P (yes, I know it is not a thing for .32 H&R) discussion and J frames.

I tried shooting the Buffalo Bore 32h&R +p load in my 431pd.

It didn't damage the gun, but had sticky extraction.

Sticky to the point that I needed a pliers to get the empty cases out

I decided not to shoot any more of that load.

At at some point I might use the 32h&r +p rounds in my LCR 327.
I doubt it will damage a gun chambered in 327 Federal.

I looked up both of the company's loads. As noted above, no pressure estimate or measurement in the specs. Look perfect - for a model 16-4.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I have no problem with "standards" but do in the case of what SAAMI bases it on...the lowest what they feel common denominator...

The .38 Special is a perfect example. The pressure ratings for both standard and +P are based on any .38 ever made...things have changed in the over 100 years that the .38 has been out.

Remember the .38-44..was available as the HIGH-SPEED 1115-1350 fps loadings from the early 1930 to the early 1970s... Was approved by Colt for use in guns as small as the Detective Special. It was loaded by both Winchester and Remington...where is it today, gone from the Big Three but companies like Buffalo Bore, Lost River and Underwood make the same round... The tested load is 27.7k psi and they declare safe in "all modern firearms" chambered for .38 Special.

In the same boat is the .44 Special and .45 AUTO RIM which has a lower SAAMI max than the .45 ACP...go figure that one as the 1917 revolvers were made to shoot .45 ACP...

When SAAMI rewrites their specs to reflect modern reality I'll listen...till then I'll just use what shoots best in my guns...

Bob

I hope I don't get kicked off this forum for saying this but if you want a 6 shot J frame sized revolver with more power than 32 H&R Ruger chambers their LCR for 327 Federal. I would rather have the S&W UC but the Ruger is a nice gun too.

SAAMI specifications and standards are voluntary. Any manufacturer is free to make anything they like and call it whatever they like. Making your own “delinquent handloads” is one thing. In today’s environment, the reality is that for a manufacturer to deliberately step outside of accepted standards is… (See post #4 )

I agree that SAAMI standards are deliberately conservative, as are the recommendations from the factory about suitable ammunition for a particular gun. My opinion is there at least is a standard that is based on some scientific data, whether or not someone agrees with it.

And I’ve said this before…you’re a customer service rep at the factory and fielding a call. “I have this .38 Special, is it safe for + P?” Without having any idea of the condition of the gun or what ammunition is being proposed, how would you respond?

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

My thought's ... buy a box and test them .
Things like sticky extraction , excessive recoil , poor shotability are all reasons to consider another load .

Only hits count ... missing with a +P Load will do you no good .Test several loads carefully and choose one you can shoot accurately and fast .
Gary

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NRA Member

Ah, but Mr. Pearce is writing for a sophisticated audience of hobbyist/enthusiasts who understand the nuance and the risks involved, and the article makes these things very clear. Advertising a nonexistent "standard" to whomever happens to see it on the shelf? Well, products liability isn't my kind of law, but . . . let me know when you see Steve Hornady or CSG do it.

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That's the only way I'd shoot those over-pressure rounds.
Since it is commercial ammo it is pretty safe to bet it is loaded below 327 magnum pressures.

The 327 magnum standard is max 45000 PSI and the H&R magnum standard is a max 21000 PSI.

So while the Buffalo Bore 32 H&R "+P" is loaded higher than 21000 PSI, it has to be less than the 45000 PSI allowed for 327 magnum. Otherwise there would be a lot of stories on the 'net about damaged 32 H&R guns from these rounds.

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