being rather new to reloading I'd like opinions on this load I'm considering...100 gr. Mo. bullet co. coated rnfp over 1.9 gr. Red Dot....federal sm pistol primer, 1.280 oal...love to hear your opinions,Thanks

Sounds like it's in the range of what I've been seeing posted, although I have to admit I've never felt the urge to load a 32 S&W L with Red Dot... seems like the cans of Bullseye just keep coming to hand.

How about a range report when you get back?

Froggie

You asked for opinions so here is mine:

I don’t like Red Dot. I’d rather use something that meters better and if I’m stuck using a bulky flake powder that doesn’t meter well (such as Red Dot) then I would be far more comfortable using it somewhere with a much heavier charge weight. A poor powder dump with Red Dot will affect the load far less at 5+ grains than at 1.9 grains.

Furthermore, a powder that I don’t trust to drop consistently is in my opinion and demonstrated experience is a much bigger liability in a revolver with a flash gap than it is in a pistol barrel.

I use Titegroup and Bullseye in my .32 Long loads and I don’t use Red Dot anywhere at all since I burned the last of it over 12,000 rounds of .45 ACP.

I bought six like new fairly late model S&Ws (1970s, I think) about ten or so years ago. In the mix were two .32 Long revolvers, a 3" and a 4". One had an adjustable rear sight but don't remember which one.

I tried a variety of of loads, but the most accurate used a wheelweight alloy bullet cast from an RCBS mould, weighed about 88 grs. and I ran it through a .314" size die (though the bullet may have been slightly smaller than that, maybe .313"). If you find a cast bullet that fits and is of the right alloy mix for the load, there is absolutely no advantage to using a jacketed bullet in this cartridge. In fact, I'm pretty sure the right cast bullet will be more accurate than any jacketed bullet.

I used Bullseye powder for a muzzle velocity of 830 fps in a 4" barrel. I think there is a good bit of current load data available. I quickly lost interest in the cartridge and sold both revolvers.

I have several .32's, and load a couple different bullets (Inc. the 100 Gr. Mo Bullet). I use W231, and in the Lyman loading manual it is listed as potentially most accurate powder.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Thank you all.....H Richard, how much W231 do you use? I want a mild target load. safe in my old Colt Police ***....am I close with the OAL? where is your OAL with the Mo bullet 100 grain?

My plinking, small game, teach new shooters load is that same bullet over 1.7 of either Tiregroup or Bullseye, shot in my 30-1. Accurate, quieter than a high velocity .22, and nearly as cheap to shoot. I use a custom dipper to measure powder in that small of loads because I haven't yet found a measure that I trusted at those low of volumes.

Patrick

any thoughts on 2.5 Unique?? same 100 gr bullet

I also prefer W 231 and bullets sized 0.314". I don't discuss the charge weight because it doesn't seem to be published any longer, but I continue to use it. I think it is OK to use in modern, solid-frame .32s, but maybe not a great thing in older designs that are not as strong. It was published in an older Lyman manual. My bullet of choice is the RCBS ~100 gr Keith type. This one sits further out of the case than most round nose designs.

I run the 100 Gr MO Bullet RNFP over 3.2 Gr 231, with an OAL of 1.236 and gives me 853 fps velocity.

The Speer 98 Gr HBWC I run over 2.3 Ge 231, with an OAL of .933 and it runs out at 873fps velocity.

I always thought HBWC having a higher vel over a smaller load crazy, until I think about the flush seating depth, and the smaller left case capacity giving a higher velocity.

These loads are right out of the Lyman handbook. I shoot in pre-30's and 31-1's as well as a 16-4.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

That load seems a bit “enthusiastic” to me. I use 2.5 of Bullseye, though, so if you can find manufacturer’s published info confirming it, I guess it might be OK. Where did you get that suggestion?

Froggie

I'm using Bullseye and IMR 7625 (discontinued) which I really like. Forget about 2400 as it leaves unburnt powder everywhere. I don't like it for 32 Long. Here are some loads to consider.

Reloading .32 Smith & Wesson Long

I don't see red dot listed above but if you insist on Red Dot try this.

32 long data Speer.PDF - Microsoft Word Online

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