Reaming 31-1 to .32 H&R?

[Jaymo]

I want to get my .31-1's chambers reamed to .32 H&R.
I'd like to use this as a carry gun, from time to time.
I have a few questions.

First: who are some good smiths in the Metro Atlanta GA area I could trust with this job, who would be willing to do this job?

Second:How will deepening the chambers from .32 S&W Long to .32 H&R affect accuracy with .32 S&W Long?

Third: About how much does this job typically cost?

Fourth: Should I just buy the reamers and do it myself (which reamers and how much $ for them)?

Fifth: Can I (should I) just load .32 S&W Long to .32 H&R pressures/velocities for use in only this revolver and (maybe) in my Ruger .32 H&R Single Six.

Thanks in advance.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I had this done some years ago with a Colt DS that had no major collectors value but was a good shooter. With a target gun you might notice some minor degradation of accuracy with the .32 S&W if you can hold really well. I never tried loading a .32 S&W case to .32 H&R loads, so I can't help you there. If I recall it cost me about $65, but that was more than $10 years ago. The reamers would I suspect cost a lot more than that. It is possible to rent them. Good luck whichever way you go. (I would go with the pay an expert direction, but that's just me I guess.)

 

[sigp220.45]

I think it would be a pretty simple job to do yourself.

I turned an unusable Model 63 .22 LR in a perfectly functional .22 Mag with a rental reamer from these folks.

32 H&R Magnum - 4D Reamer Rentals

It is supposed to be a 7 day rental, but they tack on five days on each end for mailing time, so its really 17 days.

All you need is a handle (which I think they can also rent you), some cutting oil, and a free evening. Its not like you're going from a .357 to a .45 - you're just lengthening the existing chambers a tad.

 

[tlawler]

To do the job right, you’ll need the reamer and a set of go-no go gauges. Check out Manson Precision Reamers. It can be done with just the reamer and a factory .32 H&R round to use as a gauge. I did one .40 to 10mm conversion before I got the gauges, and it turned out fine. I did two more with the gauges and didn’t notice any difference. Precision is the name of the game. Go slow and measure frequently with a good digital caliper and I think you’ll do fine, and you’ll have the satisfaction of doing the job yourself. I have a 31-1 that I’ve thought about doing that to also, so if you buy the reamer, I’d be interested in renting it from you when you’re done to help offset the cost. Keep us updated on your project.

 

[H Richard]

Just be sure to go slow, use plenty of cutting oil, and never turn the cutter in reverse. Remove the cutter frequently while cutting and wipe off, add more cutting oil and continue. A revolver reamer should have a shoulder stop on it that keeps you from going any deeper than necessary. You're only removing aprox 1/10" of chamber.

 

[steelslaver]

The 32 H&R and 327 Magnum reamers from 4D rentals do not have stops, but cutters for a recess. If your using a non recessed cylinder like on a factory 32 S&W (like a model 31) simply stop when those cutters touch the rear cylinder face. If your converting 22 lr or 22 mag cylinders (which are recessed) like I was doing you need to recut the recesses deep enough for the rear of the 32 cases to set flush with the rear of the cylinder.

I have been happy with 4D Reamer Rentals service and tools. Have used their 22 lr, 22TCM, 32 H&R, 327 Federal, 44 special, and 6mm Remington reamers successfully.

 

[Hondo44]

Jaymo,

Members above are correct!

Converting a .32 J frame is just too easy to pay anyone to do and wait for weeks or longer. The conversion to 32 H&R mag is very simple. The shoulder in the chambers only needs extending with a reamer .150”, a little over 1/8”. I purchased a reamer from Brownells for $96 and have converted about two dozen cylinders to date, S&W and Ruger Single Six .32s. This can be done by hand with a tap wrench ‘T’ handle in 30 minutes or so, or in a drill press in about 10 minutes.

Just follow the process posted above. Buy the reamer, you or your friends'll use it again!

This is a 1966 Mod 30-1. My homemade non-factory target model, .32 'Kit Gun', 4" J frame, also converted to 32 H&R:

It shoots .32 Long just as well as it always did. All of those S&Ws and Rugers I've converted do as well.

 

[Erich]

To answer the OP's fifth Q: I load .32 S&W Long using Phil Sharpe's data from the Thirties to get performance beyond that of factory .32 H&R "Magnum" loadings in my solid frame .32s, including my Improved I-frame. I can't vouch for it other than I've done it for years and it continues to work wonderfully: solidly over 1k fps with 100-gr hardcasts over Unique from the 3.25" tube.

You might look for a copy of Sharpe's book.