31-1 question

[bgrafsr]

I have several boxes of Buffalo Bore .32 H&R Mag +P.
I'm having the cylinder reamed for .32 H&R Mag and was wondering if I can safely shoot the +P ammo in the gun.

 

[Green Frog]

I have no experience with Buffalo Bore ammo and how they reach their "+P" status in 32 H&R. I will say that I accidentally loaded some 32 S&W Long cases with borderline excessive charges of 231 for 32 H&R cases. Before I discovered my error I shot a cylinder full of them in my 1950 old style I frame snub. They were very obviously stout and the recoil in the little gun approached obnoxious, but no damage was done. I wouldn't make a regular practice of it though. Come to think of it, I haven't been able to find that I frame for a while... I wonder if it's hiding?
Froggie

 

[Hondo44]

Unless you shoot a grossly overloaded or double charged round, you're not likely to do observable damage. The damage from hot loads is cumulative over time. The gun will loosen up. The cylinder will develop end play, barrel throat erosion, etc., after too many hot rounds. Even in revolvers rated safe for +P loads, they're not recommended as a steady diet because wear is accelerated.

I recommend shooting the +P ammo in a larger frame .32 caliber revolver or a Ruger. Or trade the ammo for standard pressure .32 Mag or .32 Long ammo.

If your gun is for self defense keep a dozen +P Mag just to carry in your gun for that purpose only. They will not be fun to shoot in your J frame, I can guarantee it.

 

[steelslaver]

I can not and would not guarantee there would never be a problem

But, here is what I do know for sure. S&W made a J frame 327, using the longer new style cylinders, which had same OD are older J frames.

I also reamed a new style cylinder to 327 and have fired a few cylinders full from it installed in a 431 frame then a 642 frame with a 32 barrel installed. Those are alloy frames and the recoil was pretty snappy.

I doubt the extra length had anything to do with it other than making them long enough that the 327 didn't stick out the end.


Buffalo Bore is claiming ➤ 1,187 fps - Ruger SP101 3-inch barrel with their 100 gr +P and 327 mags are claiming 1400fps from 5" guns

My question is how much deader or more wounded will a 100fps achieve especially vs more recoil = more recovery time for god 2nd shot.