gunnut2u
Member
I have a derringer that is stamped .32H&R magnum . I can't find ammo . A few gun shops told me that .32 long is the same as .32 H&R magnum . I definitely don't want to fire the wrong ammo . Are these two cartridges the same ?
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.32 long vs .32 H&R magnum
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BUFF
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
No, they are different.
The .32 H&R Mag is, in short, a lengthened .32 S&W Long case loaded to higher pressures. Sort of like the relationship between the .44 Special and .44 Magnum or .38 Special and .357 Magnum.
You can shoot the shorter S&W Long cartridges in a .32 H&R Mag revolver, but if the chambers are in spec, the H&R Magnum cartridges won't chamber fully in a Long chamber.
The .32 H&R Mag is, in short, a lengthened .32 S&W Long case loaded to higher pressures. Sort of like the relationship between the .44 Special and .44 Magnum or .38 Special and .357 Magnum.
You can shoot the shorter S&W Long cartridges in a .32 H&R Mag revolver, but if the chambers are in spec, the H&R Magnum cartridges won't chamber fully in a Long chamber.
NFrameFred
Member
I predict anyone shooting a hundred rounds through a derringer would be ready to move on to something else. Not much you can do even plinking with one; you're just pulling the trigger to hear it go off.
Even with "serious practice" on a B27 silhouette, how many times you want to run that drill ?
Not knocking your derringer ( I have a High Standard 22 mag that has its place in the battery) . . . just reinforcing the idea that it's doubtful too many folks ever shoot one enough to wear it out.
Shoot the .32 longs until you can find the more effective mags - just clean the chamber good before you switch so the magnum empties extract easily.
Even with "serious practice" on a B27 silhouette, how many times you want to run that drill ?
Not knocking your derringer ( I have a High Standard 22 mag that has its place in the battery) . . . just reinforcing the idea that it's doubtful too many folks ever shoot one enough to wear it out.
Shoot the .32 longs until you can find the more effective mags - just clean the chamber good before you switch so the magnum empties extract easily.
stiab
US Veteran
And you can shoot .32 shorts also, sometimes just called .32 S&W.
Spotteddog
Member
A Derringer is a velcro gun. (A lot like many .25 auto's)
Unless you have it pressed up against the intended soon to be departed you've found yourself opposite, you'll miss. I can't count the amount of time and ammunition I wasted trying to gain "competency" with a Remington O/U Derringer clone in .38 Special.
FWIW, it's the type of gun that will be fired a maximum of 3 times. Once, to see if it fires. The second time (God forbid) when you've found it necessary to screw it into some miscreants sternum or under his chin. And third, when the crime lab is trying to see if the ballistics match.
IMHO, practice pulling and cocking it in a timely fashion. Buy a 20 round box of the Magnums (because that's the smallest quantity you can buy them in) and call it good.
YMMV?
Unless you have it pressed up against the intended soon to be departed you've found yourself opposite, you'll miss. I can't count the amount of time and ammunition I wasted trying to gain "competency" with a Remington O/U Derringer clone in .38 Special.
FWIW, it's the type of gun that will be fired a maximum of 3 times. Once, to see if it fires. The second time (God forbid) when you've found it necessary to screw it into some miscreants sternum or under his chin. And third, when the crime lab is trying to see if the ballistics match.
IMHO, practice pulling and cocking it in a timely fashion. Buy a 20 round box of the Magnums (because that's the smallest quantity you can buy them in) and call it good.
YMMV?
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To start a post on your 442,
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Click on S&W Revolvers, 1980 to the present
The New Thread button is on the upper left
Tex1001
Member
gerb:
The S&W models 30 and 31 can be safely rechambered to 32 mag. I would NOT do this in a S&W I frame or H&R 32 long. I've measured all of the cylinders and I frames and H&Rs are too thin. There hasn't been any mention in this thread, but FWIW, I absolutely wouldn't rechamber ANY of the above revolvers to 327 Federal.
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The S&W models 30 and 31 can be safely rechambered to 32 mag. I would NOT do this in a S&W I frame or H&R 32 long. I've measured all of the cylinders and I frames and H&Rs are too thin. There hasn't been any mention in this thread, but FWIW, I absolutely wouldn't rechamber ANY of the above revolvers to 327 Federal.
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Boxers or briefs? At my age, Depends.
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Gerb, welcome to the forum. Changing the 32 long to 32 magnum depends on how old the revolver is. Give us more details.
