Handload Arena: 32 S&W Long vs 327 Federal Magnum?

[keithhagan]

Which of the 32 caliber revolver cartridges benefits most from or is better for handloading?

This could be based on cost savings, performance, availability of components, low barrier to entry for new reloaders, something else entirely, or a combination.

 

[mtgianni]

It so depends on what you want. From the 4" Charter Arms Target I had the 327 needs to be loaded down for edible small game. The 32 long can be a custom target round for your gun. About equal for both. I would vote for the middle of the two, 32 H&R Mag.

 

[Green Frog]

There is no difference! You use the same primers, many of the same powders work well in both, and the range of useful bullet weights for both overlap heavily between about 100 and 115 grains. Did I mention the same dies work for both?
You might save a little more money on the 327s once you have the brass, but if you are regularly loading both and have access to necessary brass, the rest is a wash!
Yes, I do speak from rather extensive experience.
Froggie

 

[Green Frog]

PS to last: If you want to throw in the 32 H&R, the answer remains the same!

 

[BSA1]

I am also curious why you left out the H&R Magnum.

I voted for the .327 as it is suitable for self-defense when loaded hot and can be downloaded for small game hunting and target shooting.

 

[Nevada Ed]

One can always, down load.

A 38 will never be a .357 and
a Long will never be a Magnum.

However we all know, that a lot more longs will be shot during
"Play time".

 

[Skeet 028]

For the best?/ 32 H&R Mag. 32 Long is best used as a target and small game round 327 Barks a lot and with the right load is a useful self defense round..The middle round can be loaded a lot hotter in the right firearms or loaded down too. I like the 32s...but the most useful loaded up or down is the 32 H&R. BTW they all seem to be more accurate than me.

I still want to find a K-32

 

[mikld]

The only reason I reloaded 32 S&W Long is because I was waiting for some 32 H&R brass to arrive. I researched 327 Magnum revolvers and didn't see one that was attractive to me so I settled on a Charter Arms Professional w/3" bbl. (a few single actions and the Ruger LCR I just passed on, when I saw one in stock. I wanted a shooter not a pocket gun). Really like this gun...

 

[Green Frog]

Once again, the K frame rises like cream to the top. K-32s loaded with 32 S&w Longs have done well on paper targets for ove eight decades. When S&W briefly dipped their toes into the 32 H&R pool with the Model 16-4, in spite of lack of marketing, savvy shooters embraced them and found they had lots of potential when hand loaded as good brass and bullets (or bullet moulds) became available. The climax of 32 revolvers in the S&W lineup should have been the hypothetical Models 16-5 and 616, the K-327. Bill Jordan hailed the Model 19 in 357 as the perfect service revolver for law enforcement; I would submit that the K frame 327 might claim that title for the sportsman. Some folks are stuck on the idea of the 32 belonging in small frame guns, just like folks in the '40s and early '50s thought the 357 had to be housed in a large frame. Their loss!

Froggie

 

[Model19man]

Depends on the revolver. I happen to own a S&W I frame target. They never came in 32 Federal Mag.

 

[Green Frog]

Depends on the revolver. I happen to own a S&W I frame target. They never came in 32 Federal Mag.

I've got one of those too, but it's spiritual descendant, the Model 631, came in 32 H&R (magnum wannabe) and that's about my personal limit for a small frame. I reiterate, the ideal platform to wring everything possible out of the 32 series is the K frame. Don't confuse me with facts, I've made up my mind!

Froggie

 

[Marlin57M]

I want to put a plug in for the Ruger Single Six in 32 H&R Mag. It's accuracy rivals that of my 16-4 when shooting Mag loads. The H&R Mag is my favorite 32 to load and shoot.