A friend and I were just discussing this. Is my little .32 Hand Ejector Third Change okay to used with .32 Auto? I certainly never would have thought of that one. He has a little Ruger .32 H&R Mag that also takes .32 S&W Long (and presumably .32 S&W) AND .32 Auto he tells me.
.32 Auto/.32 S&W Long swap?
- Thread starter iwanna
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Comrad
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It's not really ok but people do it, so I've been told. I wish it was ok, around here, .32 long is hard to find but everybody has .32 acp .
Alk8944
US Veteran
In a solid frame revolver .32 ACP is a perfectly acceptable alternative cartridge for .32 S&W Long/Colt New Police. The .32 ACP SAAMI standard pressure is 15,000 PSI compared to the S&W/Colt cartridge at 12,000 PSI. In the realm of handgun cartridge pressures this isn't a concern. Basically the same revolver as yours is chambered in .38 Special at 17,000 PSI and causes no problems.
The only problem you may have in your gun is with ignition. The ACP rim (It is semi-rimmed, not rimless) is thinner than the .32 S&W Long. If your gun is on the long side for headspace and short side for firing pin protrusion you may experience an occasional failure to fire. Usually this isn't a problem however.
Anyone who tells you any different doesn't know what he is talking about. NOTE: This interchangeability does not apply to .32 S&W (A different cartridge) when used in hinged-frame revolvers!
I challenge Comrad, or anyone else, to rationally articulate why this not correct!
The only problem you may have in your gun is with ignition. The ACP rim (It is semi-rimmed, not rimless) is thinner than the .32 S&W Long. If your gun is on the long side for headspace and short side for firing pin protrusion you may experience an occasional failure to fire. Usually this isn't a problem however.
Anyone who tells you any different doesn't know what he is talking about. NOTE: This interchangeability does not apply to .32 S&W (A different cartridge) when used in hinged-frame revolvers!
I challenge Comrad, or anyone else, to rationally articulate why this not correct!
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CTG_COLLECTOR
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ONLY USE AMMUNITION IN WHICH YOUR FIREARM IS CHAMBERED FOR!
To quote Obi Wan: Who's the more foolish, the fool or the fool who follows him?
If you follow a fool's advise, you get what you deserve.
To quote Obi Wan: Who's the more foolish, the fool or the fool who follows him?
If you follow a fool's advise, you get what you deserve.
Alk8944
US Veteran
Do you mean to say that you believe it to someway be dangerous to shoot .32 H&R, .32 S&W Long and .32 S&W in a .327 Magnum, all of which are accepted as ligitimate alternative cartridges? Likewise .38 Special and .38 Long Colt in a .357 Magnum, or .44 Spl, or .44 Russian in a .44 Magnum? .22 Short or Long in a Long Rifle chambered gun? Or various length shot shells in the longer chamber. These are relationships which were published in manufacturers ammunition lists at least into the 1960s, not to mention S&W and other firearms manufacturers advertised their guns as being able to use these various cartridges.
Since you thought you could break the rules and call me a fool by quoting a Star Wars character I will ask you now who is the fool? Take note that I said "Rationally articulate", not a simple minded generality which was never intended for any but those who do not understand these relationships. It would appear you are a collector only, not a shooter with any experience, to make such an inane remark.
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Jim Watson
Member
While I do not think the off-label substitution described in this specific case is immediately hazardous, there are a couple of things I found:
"These are relationships which were published in manufacturers ammunition lists at least into the 1960s, not to mention S&W and other firearms manufacturers advertised their guns as being able to use these various cartridges."
And I daresay none of them included .32 ACP in a .32 revolver.
MY copy of SAAMI specifications shows .32 ACP with a maximum chamber pressure of 20,500 psi versus .32 S&W Long at 15,000 psi.
I don't know why it differs from yours with 15,000 and 12,000, respectively.
While they do not list that as an unsafe combination, I would not care to use ammo of 35% higher pressure routinely. There is a name for a 1/3 increase in pressure: Proof Load. Maybe in emergency, if my .32 auto were broken and my .32 revolver ammunition exhausted.
As Grandma said, you all be careful, now, you hear.
"These are relationships which were published in manufacturers ammunition lists at least into the 1960s, not to mention S&W and other firearms manufacturers advertised their guns as being able to use these various cartridges."
And I daresay none of them included .32 ACP in a .32 revolver.
MY copy of SAAMI specifications shows .32 ACP with a maximum chamber pressure of 20,500 psi versus .32 S&W Long at 15,000 psi.
I don't know why it differs from yours with 15,000 and 12,000, respectively.
While they do not list that as an unsafe combination, I would not care to use ammo of 35% higher pressure routinely. There is a name for a 1/3 increase in pressure: Proof Load. Maybe in emergency, if my .32 auto were broken and my .32 revolver ammunition exhausted.
As Grandma said, you all be careful, now, you hear.
I'm glad I asked. Now it so happens that I'm sitting on 3-1/2 boxes of S&W .32 Long that I bought for 50.00 at a recent show. (Thanks to my eagle-eyed friend for finding that bargain!) And, I'm the conservative type when it comes to ammo suitability.
This all started when my friend bought the Ruger in .32 H&R Mag. He was searching for ammo when he discovered the alternative cartridges for his revolver. He's happy because .32 H&R mag is hard to find and so is .32 S&W Long which his takes both. But, he has a ton of .32 acp.
I no longer own a .32 auto (stupid Tomcat developed a cracked frame that they're known for!), but I like the cartridge more than most Americans do. I'd love to own another .32 acp some day.
This all started when my friend bought the Ruger in .32 H&R Mag. He was searching for ammo when he discovered the alternative cartridges for his revolver. He's happy because .32 H&R mag is hard to find and so is .32 S&W Long which his takes both. But, he has a ton of .32 acp.
I no longer own a .32 auto (stupid Tomcat developed a cracked frame that they're known for!), but I like the cartridge more than most Americans do. I'd love to own another .32 acp some day.
locodriver999
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5 calibers I shoot in mine
I have a Ruger Single six in 32 hr mag.
I ran a 327 magnum reamer in mine and shoot 5 different 32 in mine including the 32 acp. I have done this for several years.
I also shoot 45 Colt.454 Casull and 460 in my smith & Wesson
But I am the guy that has shot the 454 Casull converted Winchester 94 and working on converting my marlin 32 mag to 327 also.
And I shoot 40-60 and the 40-65 all in my 1886 40-82 Winchester.
It can be done..
Locodriver
I have a Ruger Single six in 32 hr mag.
I ran a 327 magnum reamer in mine and shoot 5 different 32 in mine including the 32 acp. I have done this for several years.
I also shoot 45 Colt.454 Casull and 460 in my smith & Wesson
But I am the guy that has shot the 454 Casull converted Winchester 94 and working on converting my marlin 32 mag to 327 also.
And I shoot 40-60 and the 40-65 all in my 1886 40-82 Winchester.
It can be done..
Locodriver
CTG_COLLECTOR
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Please, don't be a complete moron and stop giving dangerous advise to those who may not be knowledgeable enough to realize that you're giving dangerous advise.
Mike Gordon
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I wouldn't shoot .32ACP in an old S&W hand ejector
This same topic came up at the Cast Bullet Association' s forum some time ago. Ed Harris one of the forum's gurus and former technical editor of the American Rifleman magazine pointed out that the combination of higher pressure and excessive headspace will lead to peening of the recoil shield and over time ruin the revolver. He said he had seen this in several Colt Pocket Positive revolvers.
I bought a1916 vintage 32 Hand Ejector several years ago and immediately ordered reloading dies and 500 Starline cases for about what two to three boxes of factory ammo would have cost. I also ordered a Lee mold for the .32, but you can buy lead bullets for the .32 cheaply enough. Shooting a 32 revolver today means either you must reload or at least find a friend who reloads.
Getting back to my main point, don' t shoot .32ACP in a 32S&W revolver.
This same topic came up at the Cast Bullet Association' s forum some time ago. Ed Harris one of the forum's gurus and former technical editor of the American Rifleman magazine pointed out that the combination of higher pressure and excessive headspace will lead to peening of the recoil shield and over time ruin the revolver. He said he had seen this in several Colt Pocket Positive revolvers.
I bought a1916 vintage 32 Hand Ejector several years ago and immediately ordered reloading dies and 500 Starline cases for about what two to three boxes of factory ammo would have cost. I also ordered a Lee mold for the .32, but you can buy lead bullets for the .32 cheaply enough. Shooting a 32 revolver today means either you must reload or at least find a friend who reloads.
Getting back to my main point, don' t shoot .32ACP in a 32S&W revolver.
Mike Gordon
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One more thing...
Ruger revolvers are know for being close to indestructible. So a Ruger in 32H&R mag could very likely handle a lot of .32ACP without any damage. A S&W hand ejector is much more delicate. Don' t do it.
Ruger revolvers are know for being close to indestructible. So a Ruger in 32H&R mag could very likely handle a lot of .32ACP without any damage. A S&W hand ejector is much more delicate. Don' t do it.
I won't. This has been a most-interesting and informative thread. It's so nice to be able to come here and have people show an interest in my questions and concerns. Prompt replies, too. Thank you once again.
rburg
Member
Just to add some additional confusion 
. The 32 Colt is a completely different cartridge than the 32 S&W. And the 32 Colt long is completely different than the 32 S&W long. They even have different bullet diameters, with the Colt being .299. Go read up on it sometime.
The advice that in dire circumstances a 32 ACP can be used in the 32 S&W long revolvers isn't bad advice. If its life or death, use the ammo and be happy. OK, it might or even probably will result in split cases and also probably won't extract because the extractor will slip over the "semi rim" and the fact it split will require a cleaning or range rod to remove. But you can do it.
I have no idea if you can use 32 Colt in a revolver chambered for 32 S&W. The rim might catch and if it would, I assume it would fire. Maybe I'll go try one in my prewar K32.
I would assume the tiny bullet would find its way out the barrel.
I know for a fact the 32 S&W won't chamber in the Colt revolver.
. The 32 Colt is a completely different cartridge than the 32 S&W. And the 32 Colt long is completely different than the 32 S&W long. They even have different bullet diameters, with the Colt being .299. Go read up on it sometime.The advice that in dire circumstances a 32 ACP can be used in the 32 S&W long revolvers isn't bad advice. If its life or death, use the ammo and be happy. OK, it might or even probably will result in split cases and also probably won't extract because the extractor will slip over the "semi rim" and the fact it split will require a cleaning or range rod to remove. But you can do it.
I have no idea if you can use 32 Colt in a revolver chambered for 32 S&W. The rim might catch and if it would, I assume it would fire. Maybe I'll go try one in my prewar K32.
I would assume the tiny bullet would find its way out the barrel. I know for a fact the 32 S&W won't chamber in the Colt revolver.
Alk8944
US Veteran
This is a general comment, not taking any position in the current argument, but let's start with primary sources.
My pressure reference in this case is ANSI/SAAMI Standards Z299.3-1993. "Voluntary Industry Standard for Pressure and Velocity of Centerfire Pistol and Revolver Ammunition for Use of Manufacturers" .32 ACP is found on page 11. Maximum Average Pressure reference for the cartridge is 15,000 CUP, which is still the standard for many handgun cartridges. This is not a number I pulled out of the air, and not a "loading manual reference", which are often inaccurate.
RBurg,
I have no idea where you got the idea I had said anything about .32 Long Colt. I was speaking of .32 Colt New Police, a cartridge which is for all practical purposes identical to the .32 S&W Long. You made several other erroneous statements. The .32 ACP cartridge case is semi-rimmed, not rimless, and has a perfectly adequate rim to function in a revolver. Try it before making a critical remark. Likewise the .32 ACP and all the other previously mentioned cartridges have the same outside diameter to the case, how would this result in split cases?
Back to the .32 Long Colt. While this does have a smaller diameter case, the same as the .32 rimfires, bullet diameter depends on period of manufacture. Like the rimfire .32s, (and current .22 rimfire ammunition) the original .32 LC used a full diameter heeled bullet of ca. .312". Only late production used the .299 diameter inside lubricated bullet and depended on being bumped-up on firing to fill the bore. This is exactly the same as .41 Long Colt which could have bullets of either .406 or .389". If you have a box for a K-32 check inside the lid. You will find that .32 Colt and .32 Long Colt, although smaller in diameter, were listed by S&W as acceptable alternative cartridges. At least my K-32 box does!
Nothing I have said is the least bit dangerous for either the shooter or gun. I fully agree that the best practice is use the primary cartridge which the gun was intended for. The origjnal question by iwanna was, in case everyone forgot, "Is it OK to use .32 ACP in my .32 H.E. The answer is, in spite of all the naysayers, YES. Is it the best thing for extended use? NO! There are two reasons. First, the jacketed bullet will not properly obturate (Look it up, it doesn't mean what you think it does!), allowing blow-by which results in erosion of the bore over time. Look at any old .45, 9mm, .32 ACP, etc. pistol and note that the center of the grooves is smooth, while the corners show roughness. Second is that the jacketed bullet has a higher coefficient of friction than lead and will cause friction wear of the rifling much sooner. High pressure is not one of them! For expedient use there is no reason to not shoot .32 ACP in a .32 S&W Long revolver. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE .32 S&W TOP-BREAKS!
Jim Watson worries about the .32 ACP having equal pressure to a .32 S&W Long proof load. While theoretically correct, the truth is that proof loads do not come anywhere near stressing a firearm in good condition. Most guns have a safety margin sometimes exceeding 200%, and the average revolver is no exception, thank goodness! While causing accelerated wear higher pressure than standard loads will not cause catastrophic failure, within reason. The immediate situation falls well withim the classification of "Within reason". This is particularly true of guns manufactured by S&W since heat-treating of cylinders was instituted. For the OPs revolver the vast makority of .32 HE 3rd Model occurred after heat-treating.
The unfortunate truth is that most of you know a whole lot less than you think you do, and even less than you want others to believe you do.
My pressure reference in this case is ANSI/SAAMI Standards Z299.3-1993. "Voluntary Industry Standard for Pressure and Velocity of Centerfire Pistol and Revolver Ammunition for Use of Manufacturers" .32 ACP is found on page 11. Maximum Average Pressure reference for the cartridge is 15,000 CUP, which is still the standard for many handgun cartridges. This is not a number I pulled out of the air, and not a "loading manual reference", which are often inaccurate.
RBurg,
I have no idea where you got the idea I had said anything about .32 Long Colt. I was speaking of .32 Colt New Police, a cartridge which is for all practical purposes identical to the .32 S&W Long. You made several other erroneous statements. The .32 ACP cartridge case is semi-rimmed, not rimless, and has a perfectly adequate rim to function in a revolver. Try it before making a critical remark. Likewise the .32 ACP and all the other previously mentioned cartridges have the same outside diameter to the case, how would this result in split cases?
Back to the .32 Long Colt. While this does have a smaller diameter case, the same as the .32 rimfires, bullet diameter depends on period of manufacture. Like the rimfire .32s, (and current .22 rimfire ammunition) the original .32 LC used a full diameter heeled bullet of ca. .312". Only late production used the .299 diameter inside lubricated bullet and depended on being bumped-up on firing to fill the bore. This is exactly the same as .41 Long Colt which could have bullets of either .406 or .389". If you have a box for a K-32 check inside the lid. You will find that .32 Colt and .32 Long Colt, although smaller in diameter, were listed by S&W as acceptable alternative cartridges. At least my K-32 box does!
Nothing I have said is the least bit dangerous for either the shooter or gun. I fully agree that the best practice is use the primary cartridge which the gun was intended for. The origjnal question by iwanna was, in case everyone forgot, "Is it OK to use .32 ACP in my .32 H.E. The answer is, in spite of all the naysayers, YES. Is it the best thing for extended use? NO! There are two reasons. First, the jacketed bullet will not properly obturate (Look it up, it doesn't mean what you think it does!), allowing blow-by which results in erosion of the bore over time. Look at any old .45, 9mm, .32 ACP, etc. pistol and note that the center of the grooves is smooth, while the corners show roughness. Second is that the jacketed bullet has a higher coefficient of friction than lead and will cause friction wear of the rifling much sooner. High pressure is not one of them! For expedient use there is no reason to not shoot .32 ACP in a .32 S&W Long revolver. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE .32 S&W TOP-BREAKS!
Jim Watson worries about the .32 ACP having equal pressure to a .32 S&W Long proof load. While theoretically correct, the truth is that proof loads do not come anywhere near stressing a firearm in good condition. Most guns have a safety margin sometimes exceeding 200%, and the average revolver is no exception, thank goodness! While causing accelerated wear higher pressure than standard loads will not cause catastrophic failure, within reason. The immediate situation falls well withim the classification of "Within reason". This is particularly true of guns manufactured by S&W since heat-treating of cylinders was instituted. For the OPs revolver the vast makority of .32 HE 3rd Model occurred after heat-treating.
The unfortunate truth is that most of you know a whole lot less than you think you do, and even less than you want others to believe you do.
Alk8944,
I agree 100%. Those that don't know that much are wise to be conservative, but shouldn't preach "the sky is falling" to others until and unless they do learn more. Too many 'urban myths' are started just that way.
I agree 100%. Those that don't know that much are wise to be conservative, but shouldn't preach "the sky is falling" to others until and unless they do learn more. Too many 'urban myths' are started just that way.
