Looking for loading data for S&W K-32 or Model 16

[Green Frog]

I’ve used everything from a Lyman 310 tool (really!) to standard 7/8x14 die sets from Lyman, Lee, and RCBS, all with carbide sizers,to load 32 S&WL and own, but haven’t used, a Lee Loader set for 32 S&WL. I can say, without fear of contradiction that this is the easiest cartridge to load that has ever crossed my bench. I’ve never heard anyone mention any difficulty with them either.
As for formulae of bullet weights and powder charges, that K frame 32 will literally absorb any load recommended by any reputable source. My infamous Project 616, other than having a 4” full lug barrel and deeper holes in the chambers is the same gun, and look what it can handle!
You don’t have to overthink a K32, just enjoy the heck out of it.
BTW, Inland7-45, I load for an old I frame snub in 32 S&WL. I won’t publish the charge I once mistakenly loaded for it, but other than very rowdy recoil, the snub did fine with them. My K frames ate them with gusto. I love me some 32s, regardless of size!
Froggie
PS I’ll a
So mention that I loaded some 32 S&W (ie “short”) ammo with an antique set of S&W hand tools that work in a similar fashion to the Lee Loader but simpler. The 32 revolver rounds are a piece of cake to load.

 

[Troystat]

Check out the Bullseye.net forum, there are more than several .32 shooters on that forum. I would love a 17-3 or 4 but they are priced a little out of my price range.

 

[The Kid]

I loaded some RCBS 98 SWCs I cast over 4.0gr of AA5 in Long cases. They shot great out of my 16-4 and were noticeably more snappy than factory Federal loads. Probably be good load for shooting armadillos and skunks.

 

[gwpercle]

Check out the Bullseye.net forum, there are more than several .32 shooters on that forum. I would love a 17-3 or 4 but they are priced a little out of my price range.

This is correct ... A lot of NRA Bullseye Match shooters have very sweet spots for the 32 Long and S&W revolvers .
Interesting readings on Bullseye.net site ...
Gary

 

[Deadeye_Dan]

32 S&W Long

Deadeye_Dan,

Your post has revealed how exciting and hard to find your Model 16-3 is. You have gotten responses from a variety of sources with a great deal of knowledge and you will really enjoy owning and shooting it, assisted by that knowledge.

In return, please be so kind as to provide us with pictures of the revolver when it arrives and a full range report. We feed on that kind of thing around here!

Regards,
Green Frog

Green One,
I would happily post images, if I could figure out how to load pics off my confuser to this forum!

In the interim, you can see them again at "that other community where they can't spell"

 

[Inland7-45]

.32 SW Long Data

Missouri bullet company has an excellent bullet for the .32SWL.

The Cowboy #6 100 grain .313 diameter RNFP at $38 per 500 performs well with Unique or Bullseye.

The most interesting and useful data I have found is from Ken Water's Pet Loads.

His insight into load performance helps in choosing a good load for the .32SWL.

OTOH data from Speer #10 is quite mild and safe. However I find light loads of Unique tends to leave some unburned powder granules.

I would love to have a model 16 but find them to be unobtainable here on the left coast.

Bruce 51

I have also used the Missouri 100gr RNFP with W231 with good results. I also have the RCBS mold for a similar bullet but have’nt used it yet. For .32s I have 2 pre war I frames and a pre model no 30. Gun caliber to shoot and reload for.

 

[Deadeye_Dan]

Deadeye_Dan,

Your post has revealed how exciting and hard to find your Model 16-3 is. You have gotten responses from a variety of sources with a great deal of knowledge and you will really enjoy owning and shooting it, assisted by that knowledge.

In return, please be so kind as to provide us with pictures of the revolver when it arrives and a full range report. We feed on that kind of thing around here!

Regards,
Green Frog

Green one,
I think I may have figured it out! Here ya go!!

 

[Deadeye_Dan]

. Not sure about availability of Starline right now but I will think that PPU is available again. I have been using data from the RCBS manual for their 98-100 gr RNFP with CCI small pistol primers and W231. Dies are RCBS Cowboy with carbide sizer.

Congratulations on finding a K-32.

FWIW, I just got 500 rnds of brass from Starline. They seem to have a pretty good supply should anyone be in need!