.32 WCF to .32 S&W Long

[algrennathan]

I saw S&W hand ejector being sold here in our country and I'm pretty interested, problem is, its chambered for the .32 WCF or .32-20 which is no longer available here. I would just like to know if I can chamber the .32 S&W Long or .32 Auto in it.


Appreciate it!

 

[glowe]

If you are not reloading, you could shoot 32 Long, but the base dimension is smaller than the 32 WCF. My 32-20 reloads measure .348", while my 32 Long base measures .332". The bullet is the same, .312", but you may get quite a bit of blow-back through the cylinder. .32 ACP would be an option, but the rim is small and can easily slip behind the extractor. Accuracy will suffer, since the bullet diameter is only .309". .32 S&W would chamber like the 32 Long, but would be greatly under-powered.

 

[DWalt]

I saw S&W hand ejector being sold here in our country and I'm pretty interested, problem is, its chambered for the .32 WCF or .32-20 which is no longer available here. I would just like to know if I can chamber the .32 S&W Long or .32 Auto in it.


Appreciate it!

I have no idea what country you are in, but is it possible to get reloading components and tools there?

 

[algrennathan]

I have no idea what country you are in, but is it possible to get reloading components and tools there?

Reloading components and tools? I have no idea. But most probably, no. They're pretty strict with regards to the importation of firearms parts and accessories. I was told before that if I wanna buy a MSH for my 1911 or a barrel for my PT22 I must order them through a registered gun store. Talk about hassel. Plus, I really don't know anything about reloading. Though I wanna get in to it or learn how to do it myself since I plan to buy a gun that has an obsolete type of ammo. By the way, I'm from the Philippines.

 

[DWalt]

Unfortunate. .32-20 brass cases and proper bullets are easily available in the US, as are reloading tools, and could probably be shipped to you if it is legal for you to receive them. Reloading is a fairly simple procedure if you have the proper equipment. In fact there are very basic reloading tools available at low cost in the USA that would be ideal for your use. You would have to obtain smokeless powder and primers locally. But from what you describe, that might be a most difficult task.

 

[algrennathan]

Unfortunate. .32-20 brass cases and proper bullets are easily available in the US, as are reloading tools, and could probably be shipped to you if it is legal for you to receive them. Reloading is a fairly simple procedure if you have the proper equipment. In fact there are very basic reloading tools available at low cost in the USA that would be ideal for your use. You would have to obtain smokeless powder and primers locally. But from what you describe, that might be a most difficult task.

Please tell me more, if I were to able acquire these "tools", could I also use them for other types of ammo like .45 ACP or .38 special? What are these tools anyway?

 

[Green Frog]

Reloading components and tools? I have no idea. But most probably, no. They're pretty strict with regards to the importation of firearms parts and accessories. I was told before that if I wanna buy a MSH for my 1911 or a barrel for my PT22 I must order them through a registered gun store. Talk about hassel. Plus, I really don't know anything about reloading. Though I wanna get in to it or learn how to do it myself since I plan to buy a gun that has an obsolete type of ammo. By the way, I'm from the Philippines.

It would be easy to go the other way and ream a 32 S&W out to 32-20, but since the chambers are already too big at their bases, you would have to make them smaller for them to work with the 32 S&W.

On the other hand, reloading would be pretty cheap and simple if you can get the basics, powder, primer and lead to cast bullets, along with minimal dies and a press (or not.) If you could get a Lee Loader in that caliber (formerly made but now discontinued... sometimes available on flea-Bay or other sites) then a bullet mould would be the only big thing and you would be in business. If you need any further info, please don't hesitate to ask.

Froggie

 

[algrennathan]

I think I might be able to get the bullet head, and primer. Problem is the case. But anyway, if I can use .32 long in the gun I figured I'll just reload it since I don't think I'd be able to find any brass for .32-20 or .32 S&W. By the way, can I do reloads even without the press?

 

[DWalt]

You would probably have to get someone to send you .32-20 brass from the USA. And that may not be legal in the Philippines if there is ammunition control there. Using .32 S&W Long instead of .32-20 is a poor alternative, and should be avoided if there is any other available. In your case there may not be. You might want to find out exactly what the legal regulations are on receiving ammunition components and performing reloading in the Philippines.

 

[glowe]

You will not be able to reload your 32 Long cases without a press if you shoot them in a 32-20 chamber. The case is short and will will probably bulge so much that a new bullet will fall into the case. This would mean that you would have to use a resizing die in order to reload them. Best bet is somehow get 32-20 brass to reload. Other choice is to shoot factory 32 Long and discard the cases.

 

[algrennathan]

You will not be able to reload your 32 Long cases without a press if you shoot them in a 32-20 chamber. The case is short and will will probably bulge so much that a new bullet will fall into the case. This would mean that you would have to use a resizing die in order to reload them. Best bet is somehow get 32-20 brass to reload. Other choice is to shoot factory 32 Long and discard the cases.

Sounds like its an expensive endeavor for me if I buy that pistol. Any idea on how much is the press and resizing die?

 

[DWalt]

Before getting into that, the legality of obtaining equipment, components, and even performing reloading there needs to be answered. There are some fairly cheap (at least for the USA) tools and dies available on places like eBay, but they may not even be available to you. You might want to see if you can find someone nearby that does reloading who could give you some guidance and advice.

My very first attempts at reloading were performed with home-made tools, really not much more than steel plates with holes drilled in them, and some hand-made punches, and they worked. But it was very slow and crude. You could go that direction, but you still need cases, powder, primers, and bullets.

 

[tlay]

Have you thought of trading off your 32-20 to someone else, maybe a collector, for something you can buy ammo for? I would think you would have a huge expense to get into reloading for one caliber.