32 HE Long/ 32 Mag question

45NUTT

45NUTT

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I have a pre model 30 on the way and wondered if this could shoot both rounds. I have a feeling that the 32 Mag is pretty hot although I have not shot one. I do like the mild recoil of the 32 long and have some JHP's for it.

I'm just wondering. Probably best you just get a revolver for the 32 Magnum instead of bubba-ing a nice 32 long.
 
Assuming that when you say "32 Mag" you mean the H&R 32 Magnum, and NOT the 327 Federal Magnum...

The M30 is chambered for 32 S&W Long, and won't chamber the 32 H&R magnum. The cylinder isn't reamed deep enough to chamber the longer 32 H&R magnum brass.

HOWEVER, from what I have read on this and other sites, it is pretty easy, and safe, to ream the chambers of the cylinder on a M30 a bit deeper to accept the 32 H&R magnum rounds.

Personally I wouldn't modify a vintage "pre" M30 this way. If I was that interested in shooting 32 H&R magnums, I'd be more inclined to buy another gun chambered for that round. Like one of the guns offered by Charter Arms. I'd keep that classic S&W as close to original as possible.

But that's just me.
 
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I own a Colt DS chambered for .32 long. It is a refinished shooter and not a collector so I asked my gunmaker about issues with reaming it out to .32 H&R mag. He said NO PROBLEM, the gun will handle it just fine and did the job for me. Works just fine. It would NOT attempt that with the .327 cartridge, it is a MUCH higher pressure round.
 
Thanks guys! Mine is serial number 5389XX and it is post WWII but that is all I know. I should get it in this week. I think it's a pre model 30 which would mean the cylinder isn't long enough to ream. So be it. The Magtech JHP's will do the job just fine.

I was looking at 32 H&R mag revolvers, but I have been spoiled by my Smiths and really don't want to go back to a Charter Arms revolver.:D
 
45Nutt,

If you are getting a “pre-Model 30”, it is an I frame gun. It may be either a leaf spring (earlier, Transitional) example, or the Improved I frame with coil mainspring. You can tell at a glance by looking for the strain screw at the bottom of the front grip strap… present on leaf spring, absent on coil spring.

Either way, as long as it is a “pre Model #” it has a short, I frame cylinder. While fully as strong as the J frame cylinder, it’s still a little shorter. There have been discussions here ad nauseum about this very thing, and it seems to me the consensus has been that it’s better to leave the I frame cylinder in 32 S&W L chambering. With serious S&W L loads, you’ll still get good, safe performance from the gun.

If you ream the I frame cylinder to 32 H&R depth, it will work, but you will be severely limited in bullet length and C.O.A.L. I just got out my 1950 transitional 32 HE and double checked… it would take a 32 H&R with a wadcutter bullet flush seated, but most RN and SWC bullets would extend beyond the cylinder face.

Enjoy your I frame 32 S&W Long in the original chambering. If you want ammo hotter than the rather anemic loads from most factory sources, you can go to the boutique loaders like Buffalo Bore or do as I do a load your own. The results will be satisfying.

Froggie
 
Shoot the 32 S&W Long in your revolver .
The various 32 "magnums" ... 32 H&R Magnum and 327 Federal Magnum should not be fired in the pre-modle 30 hand ejector , although adequate for the time and 32 S&W Long ... Don't push the envelope on this one .
In fact your revolver should not be able to chamber the longer 32 magnum rounds ... but you never know ... it might and if it does chamber a Magnum cartridge ... Please do not shoot them in the old girl !
Gary
 
I type slowly. The serial number you posted is almost surely a leaf spring gun. It may even be late pre-War. Lucky you! I mostly shoot 32 S&W L WCs and SWCs in the 95-105 grain range in my example that is about 20,000 numbers later than yours. Strength wise, I have loaded some fairly stout loads of 32 S&W L… in fact I once got mixed up and loaded hot H&R loads in the S&W L cases, a mistake I will not repeat!. Other than recoil they did OK for a cylinder full, but I finished shooting them in one of my 327s. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME! That was a confession not a suggestion.

Be sure and post pictures of your new I frame when it arrives. You know how much we love pictures here!

Froggie
 
There are plenty of guns out there that will chamber 32 mag, sell the pre 30 and buy one that was built to shoot 32mag and 327 mag.
I personally like my 32s, very comfortable to shoot, if I have to shoot a bad guy or rabid dog, I will not grab a 32.
 
I tend to stick with what caliber is stamped on the gun!! Even if other cartridges fit, how many people know what the pressures are? Turns out that there is a huge difference in pressures between the three calibers.

Standard 32 Long SAAMI states 12,000 CUP or 15,000psi.

Standard 327 Federal Magnum is 45,000psi and a cylinder full might be all it takes to destroy the gun.

Standard 32 H&R Mag is 21,000CUP or 25,000psi so maybe it would take longer to damage your little 32 Long revolver than 327 Fed Mag.

Which caliber would you choose to shoot??
 
steelslaver said:
Depends on the vintage of J frame 32. The I frames and early J frames had a shorter cylinder. It wasn't until 1961 and the 30-1 that the cylinder was lengthened.
Click to expand...
Thanks for that clarification. I didn't realize the 32HE stuck with the I-frame that long. I always thought they changed to the J-frame in the 1950's.
 
I agree it would be better to find a S&W 32 h&r magnum. Lipsey's is having more made in the 2 inch barrel.
 
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