I've been shooting my 31-1 several times at the range.

So far I've shot mostly Fiocchi wad cutter ammo.

Plus I've shot one box of Magtech semi-jacketed hollow points. I figure the Magtechs might be reasonable SD ammo.

Well, the Fiocchi wad cutters are very mild shooting and very accurate.

The Magtechs are also accurate, but much heavier loads.

The manufacturer says they reach 778 fps or a ME of 132 ft lbs.

My question is, has anyone used a Chrono on the Magtechs?

I'm wondering what I'm getting from my 2" 31-1.

Also, I wonder if the Magtechs would actually expand, or are they just going to act like SWCs?

Very nice example, but I'd personally choose a more potent caliber for personal defense unless this gun is your only choice.

From my experience I have noted that Fiocchi ammo is usually quite a bit hotter than normal USA loadings - at least in the 38 Super and 45 acp that I shot it in. No experience in .32 S&W cartridges. Sorry I can't be of more help on the M31.

I've heard good things about the Georgia Arms loads, but unfortunately they are out of stock and have been since I acquired my gun.

I'll order some if GA ever starts making them again.

Not my 1st choice on which to bet my life. Nor my 2nd or 3rd.

778 FPS is very unlikely to expand a JHP. My guess is you will get 35-50 FPS less from a 2" barrel.

You may actually do more damage by throwing the gun at an attacker. Aim right between the eyes. Worked for David.

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No life story has happy end.

Check the Buffalo Bore ammo.

This. Very respectable load for this cartridge.
A clean .32 caliber, free-bleeding he punched through an assailant is better than any rimfire or ball ammo.

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What would Jim Cirillo do?

If you are using wad cutters then both 32 and 38 will probably punch a hole clear through a human.

So the difference is a .313 inch vs a .358 inch hole which seems pretty close.

Yet .32 has such a bad reputation that some think you might as well throw the gun at a BG rather than shoot.

I would not want to get shot with it, and it certainly beats a mean look and harsh language, but unless it's your only choice for some reason, it would not be at all a good one. I suspect that a decent WC/SWC would be the best choice in ammo.

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NHI, 10-8.

"Try it..you'll like it".

The 31-1 is the smallest and easiest to conceal of the guns I own.

I also have a LCR 357, and I plan to make that my primary.

The 31-1 would be a backup or NY reload or if the Ruger needed repair

I'd use 38 special or +p in the Ruger

New York reload-Southern version.

The gun in your hand that you have practiced with and in which you have confidence is far superior to the super gun that is too big to carry/conceal readily. As the old ranger said, "...if I was expecting trouble, I'da brought my shotgun." A CCW for the average citizen is by definition a last resort weapon. JMHO, YMMV.

Froggie

Modern 32 sw loads for the M-30-1 This load hits harder and has more power than a 380 which most carry. 3.8grs of unigue with a flat point 100gr. hardcast is a powerfull defence defence load in the 30-1 3".

Shot placement trumps all.

My 31-1 is not my first choice.
My 36 goes everywhere with me.
That said, I can hit fast and accurately with the 31-1.

Yes, a .38 wadcutter will make a bigger he than a .32 wadcutter.
A .32 wadcutter makes a bigger hole than a RN or an I expanded HP, or just about any caliber FMJ

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What would Jim Cirillo do?

Really????

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Because of the metric system?

Most HP's do not open under 1000fps and in a snubnose penatration is gueen to reach the vitals. Even the HPSWC +p in 2 inch barrels will most likely not open out of a snub,but its SWC 158gr. profile will reach vitals and stop a attacker. In the 32 SW long with 3.8 grs.of Unique with 100gr.hardcast flat tip will hit 900+ fps in my SW30-1 with 3" barrel and get 18"penatration in Ballistic jelly. This is the same as a. 32 HR magnum in the short barrel.A very potent load. In the 38 spec. 442 I use the 158 hardcast SWC with 4.8grs.of Unique and its a good load too.

Those are pretty much the specs for the buffalobore WC load 10B-20 .