.32 S&W Long and Alternate Cartridges

[Alk8944]

While on the .32 S&W Long theme another question came to mind. Why is it that almost always whenever someone asks if .32 ACP can be fired in a .32 S&W Long revolver that many jump on the bandwagon explaining how this is so dangerous (BS), it is like firing a proof load on every shot, the smaller diameter bullet (.001-.003") will be so inaccurate, and on, and on........ .32 ACP is only a 20,000 PSI cartridge, just like .32 H&R Magnum and .38 Spl. +P.

Yet when the next person suggests re-chambering (It is reaming people, NOT re-boring!!!!) their modern .32 S&W Long or .32 H&R Magnum chambered S&W revolver to .327 Federal Magnum, a 45,000 PSI cartridge, no one raises the slightest objection? Doesn't anyone else wonder just a little bit about this?

 

[Beachblaster]

Not a bad question. All I can offer is that my Ruger Single Seven shoots .32 ACP flawlessly along with .32 S&W Long, .32 S&W, .32 H&R Magnum and of course .327 Federal Magnum. I was not sure about the .32 ACP, so I went to a trusted source. My gunsmith. Internet forums are good for comparing opinions and considering tips offered, but I never use anything without running it by professionals I trust.

 

[Green Frog]

One day, just to prove to myself it could be done, I took my Project 616 (it's chambered in 327 Fed Mag, of course) to the range with a box full of different 32 ammo. Knowing ahead of time that 32-20 wouldn't chamber, I tried 32 acp, 32 S&W, 32 S&W Long, 32 H&R and 327 FM, one after the other. All worked without a bobble. The only limit is the length of your chamber, and you can go to shorter case lengths with absolutely no problem. I did the same thing with my 327 Ruger Blackhawk (stainless 8-shooter) with similar results. I wouldn't worry about rechambering a Model 30-1 or similar J-frame to 32 H&R, but I'd be a bit leery of that 45,000 psi of the 327... I like the extra steel in the K-frame.

Froggie

 

[DWalt]

As I have said before on several occasions, .32 ACP in a .32 Long chamber is fine for recreational shooting. But I wouldn't bet my life on using it in a defensive situation. My experience with it is having occasional misfires due to excessive headspace.

 

[H Richard]

I believe all the cautions stem from post WW1 when many very cheap 32 pocket pistols were in circulation, and war surplus 32 apc from Germany, etc was getting to the U.S. A S&W in proper condition should not have a problem, but be aware that the shorter cases can get stuck under the extractor star when ejecting, causing the gun to be tied up. 32 Longs are available most everywhere and not overly expensive, why shoot rounds not designed for the revolver?

 

[Cal44]

32 Longs are available most everywhere and not overly expensive, why shoot rounds not designed for the revolver?

I have only ever seen one box of 32 S&W long available at the gun stores I frequent. And it was double the on-line price.

On the other hand, there is always at least one, and usually more kinds of 32 ACP available.

I order on-line for 32 S&W long and that's fine for now.

But there is a bill in the CA legislature that may make on-line ordering no longer possible.

(And don't tell me to move to another state. That's not practical for now).

Hence my interest in using 32 acp in my revolvers.

I've laid in many years supply of SD rounds in 32 long and 32 H&R so the problem is practice ammo.

 

[reddog81]

I guess it would depend on the gun. If someone is talking about a early 1900's S&W it is a lot different than someone with a Ruger SP101.

Shooting an ACP round in a 100+ year old S&W isn't something I would do unless necessary. Re-chambering an SP101 to 327 might be a feasible option assuming you are aware of the risks and have someone competent do the conversion. It's not like 45,000 PSI is going to blow up the SP101, but it would obviously accelerate the wear.

 

[2152hq]

Depends on the gun.
They're not all equal and people shouldn't be lead to believe they are.

Would you shoot 38+p in your K38?
That's pretty much what shooting 32acp in your I-frame 32 Long is.

Would you rechamber your K38 to 357 magnum and shoot it?
That's about what you're doing to a K frame 32 Long caliber revolver when it's rechambered to 327 Fed Mag.

Can be done, has been done, but shouldn't be done.
Look at the numbers and it'll tell you it's just common sense.