Model 16 On the Way

[ohiochuck]

My new to me model 16-4 .32 H&R Magnum (6 inch barrel) will arrive sometime next week.
Suggestions for small game friendly loads (squirrels)?
Thanks!
Jim

 

[daddio202]

Sure wish there was one on its way to me too!! Good for you glad you found one.

 

[D Brown]

Model 16 Dash? Is this a 32 Smith & Wesson Long or a .32 H & R Magnum? That could have some bearing on load suggestions.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Congrats!!

 

[Dale53]

An original Model 16 would be chambered for the .32 S&W Long. I typically use two loads in .32 S&W Long cases:

My preferred home cast semi wadcutter is the RCBS 98 gr. SWC ahead of 3.0 grs of HP38.Win231. My mould is a five cavity NOE for a correct copy of the RCBS bullet.

I also use a Mihec dbl. ended 100 gr. wadcutter ahead of 2.5 grs. of HP38/Win 231. This is my preference for squirrels as this bullet, being a wadcutter, will become unstable somewhat past fifty yards and will tumble greatly reducing it's range if you should miss. I always make a point of having a tree behind the squirrel but if things don't go according to plan, it's good to have range limitations.

NOTE: These loads are only meant for a solid frame S&W, Colt or Ruger. Do NOT use these loads in a break top, PERIOD! I shoot them routinely in my S&W Model 16-4 and my S&W Model 631 with excellent results.

FWIW
Dale53

 

[jack the toad]

Congrats and post pics when you get the chance.
I have a couple 4" -4's. One is unmolested while the other has been reamed to .327 Fed. I'm not implying that you should with yours but that .327 is a hoot to shoot and probably even more so with 6" tube.
And the 98/100 gr LWC in the Long version is also fun.

 

[jack the toad]

Since the op hasn't posted pics yet, here's a couple -4's.
Top is .327, other remains .32 H&R

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Dale53]

Here's my 6" Model 16-4:



Here's my Model 631:



Dale53

 

[jack the toad]

Dale,
Is your -4 in .32 mag or .327? I think a 6" .327 would be fun.

 

[bananaman]

Since the op hasn't posted pics yet, here's a couple -4's.
Top is .327, other remains .32 H&R

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the picture! I am 64, and never shot a .32 revolver. It is another endeavor I am thinking about. Bob

 

[jack the toad]

Bob,
I like the Long for plinking fun but IMO, the .327 Fed. is probably what the .32 H&R should've been. But the H&R does fill the considerable gap.
I will say that with the .327 Fed chambered, I don't foresee myself shooting very much .32 H&R.
For .327 factory loads, I really like the Federal American Eagle 100 gr. JSP at advertised 1500 fps.

 

[Green Frog]

Dale,
Is your -4 in .32 mag or .327? I think a 6" .327 would be fun.

Unless he's had it reamed in the last few months, it's still original H&R chambering. Dale told me he liked the power level of the H&R better than my K-frame (Project 616) in 327 FM. I tease him about being a sissy, but he does spend a lot of time with his big bores, so I guess he wants the 32 H&R as a change of pace.

We have discussed this topic at length, and I bet if he were out hunting with the Model 16, the chambers would be deeper! Actually, I find myself using a lot of 32 S&W Longs in mine... sorta makes me wonder why I'm keeping all of those I-frames! I'm still in the midst of building a recreation of the early post-war K-32 and it's going to have a 32 S&W Long chambering. I guess "variety is the spice of life" after all!

Froggie

 

[Dale53]

Jack;
My 16-4 is an original .32 H&R Magnum. I have used my 16-4 in the field quite a bit, actually. My desired power level is really a somewhat warm .32 S&W Long with a properly designed home cast bullet.

I do NOT want magnum level loads when hunting edible small game. A good 100 gr. or so SWC (I use a NOE version of the RCBS 98 gr. SWC) or a 100 gr. dbl. ended wadcutter at reasonable velocities does just fine for either "On the Range or in the Field". The only time I have used "magnum' loads in the field is when I was hunting varmints (mostly groundhogs). Then a full load at magnum levels (and with a hollow point if available) works just dandy.

After all, small game is a relatively short range affair, and I do NOT want unnecessary damage to the meat. Good S&W Long loads do just fine. I used either head shots for close range, and "through the slats" for longer ranges. I never had even snowshoe rabbits run after a solid hit with a properly shaped bullet. Grouse, cottontails, squirrels, and snowshoes are taken easily with the .32 S&W Long.

Understand, using H&R Magnum cases with a proper cast bullet and S&W Long velocities will work just as well. I use both (or either >)).

Froggie, my brother with a different mother, in your heart, you know I'm right >)).

FWIW
Dale53

 

[D Brown]

Model 16-4 & Model 631

An original Model 16 would be chambered for the .32 S&W Long. I typically use two loads in .32 S&W Long cases:

My preferred home cast semi wadcutter is the RCBS 98 gr. SWC ahead of 3.0 grs of HP38.Win231. My mould is a five cavity NOE for a correct copy of the RCBS bullet.

I also use a Mihec dbl. ended 100 gr. wadcutter ahead of 2.5 grs. of HP38/Win 231. This is my preference for squirrels as this bullet, being a wadcutter, will become unstable somewhat past fifty yards and will tumble greatly reducing it's range if you should miss. I always make a point of having a tree behind the squirrel but if things don't go according to plan, it's good to have range limitations.

NOTE: These loads are only meant for a solid frame S&W, Colt or Ruger. Do NOT use these loads in a break top, PERIOD! I shoot them routinely in my S&W Model 16-4 and my S&W Model 631 with excellent results.

FWIW
Dale53

It appears you have the same .32 Magnums that I have.

Model 16-4:

Model 631:

 

[22hipower]

I haven't hunted with it but this load certainly shoots great on paper with my six inch 16-4. I'm sure it would work just fine on small game.

100 grain Cast SWC bullet
3 grains Titegroup
CCI 500 small pistol primer
Starline brass

Great guns, and I'd sure like to have a four inch too. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Dale53]

Jeff;
I presume the 3.0 grs. Of Titegroup is in .32 H&R Magnum cases?

Dale53

 

[glenncal1]

For a factory small game load my 16-4 (4") is extremely accurate with the Fiocci .32L wadcutter, 100 grain I think. Total tack driver.

 

[jack the toad]

For a factory small game load my 16-4 (4") is extremely accurate with the Fiocci .32L wadcutter, 100 grain I think. Total tack driver.

I have some of those and I would agree.