S&W 32 long

[Bruce51]

I was given some 115 grain cast lead bullets to work up some plinking loads in a .30 carbine RBH. Having found the right load I set the bullets aside for a bit. While reading in my Lyman #45 I was reminded that you can use a heavier bullet in the .32. I have been shooting Hornady 90 grain lead bullets in a model 31 for general plinking but poi is low. Knowing Speer has a 100 grain plinker load for the .32 SWL I decided to check out If I could do the same with my cast bullets. They measure almost .309 and checking the throats of my cylinder shows that they are a close fit.

I took 30 cases which I had already previously sized and belled and ran them back into my .30 carbine die. I belled them by just bumping them against the die with a brass rod guide which is cone shaped.
Now that the cases will hold the bullet I will load ten each with 2 grains of BE, 3 grains of Unique and 3 grains of SR7625. I have found SR7625 to be cleaner burning than Unique but maybe the heavier bullet will make a difference. Hopefully I'll have a range report by the end of the week.

Bruce

 

[Alk8944]

Bruce,

Not a recommendation but just my experience. I have been shooting the Lyman 3118, now 311008, over 4.0 Unique in both my K-32 and 30-1 for over 40 years and literally thousands of rounds with no ill effects to either gun. The K-32 will shoot under 4" at 100 yds. with this load. At least it would when my eyes were up to it years ago!!!!!

And the 115 isn't "heavy" for a .32. Most revolver cartridges shoot bullets with a sectional density of .175 to .190. The 115 gr. .32 has a SD of only .169.