Question for .32 Magnum Reloaders

[D Brown]

Does anyone have any experience loading the old Remington 100 grain .311 JSP in the 32 Magnum? This bullet was loaded in the factory 32-20's and was also available as a component for reloading.

The reason I'm asking about it is I recently did a quick check and found I have a significant number of these bullets and I no longer own any firearms chambered for the 32-20. It would be nice to be able to repurpose them to the 32 Magnum if it's compatible with the smaller round.

Thank you in advance for any input you can provide.

 

[CH4]

The neck expander of my RCBS and Lee dies measured .312. They didn’t provide enough neck tension with .311 bullets - I could push the bullet in with my finger.

 

[Bastogne71]

Dave,

I don’t see any problem at all firing a 0.311” bullet in a 0.312” barrel. That small a difference is really insignificant especially since you’re using a slightly smaller diameter projectile. Load them up and have fun shooting them.

What will you be shooting them in? My favorite 32 Mag is my S&W model 16-4.

 

[H Richard]

You could order a new neck expander from RCBS, and put it in your drill press and with a file or emery paper turn the neck expander down to .3105 and you should have sufficient tension to hold the bullet.

 

[D Brown]

Dave,

I don’t see any problem at all firing a 0.311” bullet in a 0.312” barrel. That small a difference is really insignificant especially since you’re using a slightly smaller diameter projectile. Load them up and have fun shooting them.

What will you be shooting them in? My favorite 32 Mag is my S&W model 16-4.

My 6" Model 16-4 that I purchased new in 1989.

My 4" Model 631 that I purchased new in 1990.

Thank you to everyone for the good information on the .311 diameter Remingtons. I have a little over 2,000 of these bullets, so making them work in the .32 Magnum will definitely be worthwhile.

 

[series guy]

Loading the .32 H&R Magnum cartridge wouldn't involve a neck expander. The die should be adjustable for the amount of bell on the case mouth and then the crimp will hold the bullet. We are talking about a straight wall case.