Trying to find new load for 32 S&W long. Satisfied for now.

I was using 3.0 gr of 231 and it seemed to have too much recoil for such a small caliber. The 3.0 gr is the same I used in .38 HBWC. Went to 2.0 gr of 231 and now it’s a pleasure to shoot. Read 1.8 to 2.0 is used in target .32 semi auto’s. Don’t use jacketed bullets in .32 long, I save them for .32 mag or .327. Have fun, Larry
 
Larry,
Just in case someone misreads my post and thinks it's a recommendation, I won't actually list it here, but I got some bad info and accidentally loaded a box of 50 rounds of 32 S&W L to high end 32 H&R level with heavy for caliber charges of 231 and 105 gr bullets. To say the least they were rowdy in my little I frame snub! In the end though, I saw only minimal pressure signs in the fired cases. When I figured out they were a little much for the little snub, I shot up the rest of the box in one or another of the K frames or Blackhawks and all was well. The point of this tale is that 3.0 gr of 231 in any of my 32 S&W L loadings is a nice comfortable road in 32 S&W L and I don't have to worry about disastrous results if I slip up and add a few granules of powder more... that 3.0 gr load should be well into the safe range.
Froggie
 
I tried shooting some 32 S&W Long in my 32 I frame target. Using 2.5 grains of 231 under a 110 grain SWC it was hitting 5" higher than point of aim. The loads seemed very light, no detectable recoil so I just loaded a batch with 3 grains to try.
 

Attachments

  • RH cylinder grip.jpg
    RH cylinder grip.jpg
    126.2 KB · Views: 13
I tried shooting some 32 S&W Long in my 32 I frame target. Using 2.5 grains of 231 under a 110 grain SWC it was hitting 5" higher than point of aim. The loads seemed very light, no detectable recoil so I just loaded a batch with 3 grains to try.

Don't sue me if I'm wrong since I can't examine your specific gun, but my SWAG is that you should get good results with that combination. I don't shoot many bullets over an oddball 106 gr I got from "beagle" in my 32 S&W Longs because I have so many good lighter bullets?mould designs.

Froggie
 
I have a 2” Pre Model 30 and a 1940 vintage.32 RP with another one on the way.

I am using RCBS Cowboy dies with carbide sizer. I have run through 1,200 pieces of new PPU brass and a mixed bag of about 300 once fired brass from factory ammo.

For my first run I am loading 500 pcs with 98 gr Wadcutters with a charge of W231.

W231 meters very well through my RCBS powder measure and throws a consistent charge. I fired a 30 rd test lot through the .32 Regulation Police. The W231 burns clean enough and accuracy is pretty good. I am all set to load the rest of the Wadcutters. I also have the RCBS mold for the 98gr SWC. Next lot will be 98gr SWC , CCI SPP and W231with data from Speer manual. Can’t wait to see how these work out in my I frames.

.32 S&W is a really fun caliber. I wish that I had gotten interested in this caliber lot sooner.
 
Depends on what you are shooting at?? Paper needs nothing more than a light bullet shot at slow speeds to work just fine. My favorite powder is Trail Boss and home-cast 98g LRN. Low recoil and low pressure. Tested loads with a chronograph, and anyone who reloads should own one. You can buy them as low as $60 today for a Ballistic Premium Precision Chronograph.

98 LRN - Trail Boss - 1.5g - 600 fps - 6,000 psi
98 LRN - Trail Boss - 2.0g - 730 fps - 8,000 psi

My motto is be kind to your vintage firearms, especially my Model 1896s.
 

Attachments

  • P1010004.jpg
    P1010004.jpg
    72.5 KB · Views: 12
I worked with a couple of 1970s S&W .32s about fifteen years. I tried a number of loads and several bullets that I cast. I quickly lost interest in the guns and the cartridge, but my best and most accurate load used an 88 gr. bullet cast from an RCBS mould and sized in a .314" die with 2.5 grs. Bullseye. Muzzle velocity was 830 fps from a 4" barrel. I would guess this load would be safe in any modern revolver of good quality that was in sound condition, but check your loading manuals to be sure.
 
Depends on what you are shooting at?? Paper needs nothing more than a light bullet shot at slow speeds to work just fine. My favorite powder is Trail Boss and home-cast 98g LRN. Low recoil and low pressure. Tested loads with a chronograph, and anyone who reloads should own one. You can buy them as low as $60 today for a Ballistic Premium Precision Chronograph.

98 LRN - Trail Boss - 1.5g - 600 fps - 6,000 psi
98 LRN - Trail Boss - 2.0g - 730 fps - 8,000 psi

My motto is be kind to your vintage firearms, especially my Model 1896s.

Thanks, Gary.
I can fully appreciate your motto since the I frame snub I’ve mentioned is only two years younger than me, and I sure am needing “kind” treatment. I sure can’t “take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’ “ like I did 50 years ago!
Somewhere around here I’ve got a pound can of Trail Boss I bought for some long forgotten purpose. Thanks for reminding me in your post that I can use it for “gentle” loads in 32 S&W Longs.
Froggie
 
As I get older, reloading may become a hit or miss issue. I sure do not ever want to make the mistake of double charging a case, so I use Trail boss on almost all my revolver target loads from 32 S&W to 455 Webley. Every case I load now will spill over if a double charge is even tried, so no chance for a mistake.
 
As I get older, reloading may become a hit or miss issue. I sure do not ever want to make the mistake of double charging a case, so I use Trail boss on almost all my revolver target loads from 32 S&W to 455 Webley. Every case I load now will spill over if a double charge is even tried, so no chance for a mistake.

Gary,
I'm sure you have more than one neck in place to assure you won't double charge a case besides the powder you use. I must respect your making sure it doesn't happen though. (455 Webley you say? NICE)
 
Gary,
I'm sure you have more than one neck in place to assure you won't double charge a case besides the powder you use. I must respect your making sure it doesn't happen though. (455 Webley you say? NICE)

Maybe paranoid, but Trail Boss is a great powder for target shooting in addition to being foolproof to load. Using a Rock Chucker and also inspecting every case that is loaded with powder before seating the bullet. My best guess is that it takes only one double charge to ruin your day.

455 Webley is the caliber of my S&W 455 Mark II HE 2nd Model revolvers. I am recreating the load by casting hollow-base bullets for reloading. My reloads run at around 750 fps. Interesting cartridge to load and fun to shoot.

Image - Fiocchi ammo is coated and reload is Alox coated lead.
 

Attachments

  • P1010001a.jpg
    P1010001a.jpg
    159.2 KB · Views: 16
  • P1010006.jpg
    P1010006.jpg
    113.6 KB · Views: 17
  • P1010001.jpg
    P1010001.jpg
    151 KB · Views: 14
Every time a thread opens up about 32s, whether loading, different models, or any other variation on the theme, there seems to be a great deal of interest. When you go to gun shows or stores, ammo available or even guns themselves command a premium if they’re available at all.

I wonder whether it would be worthwhile to organize some sort of an interest group along the lines of of the “44 Associates” of another era. Perhaps we could call ourselves the “32 Aficionados” or some such. So what do you think? I’ve bookmarked this thread since my PM box fills up so fast. I’ll respond to you via a PM if you express interest and give you my email so we can establish a list.

So, whuduyathink?
Green Frog
 
Last edited:
@Green Frog,
That sounds like a possibility. If there is as much interest as you think, it will work. Maybe you should start a new thread with a Poll and you can test the waters. Just a thought...
 
@Green Frog,
That sounds like a possibility. If there is as much interest as you think, it will work. Maybe you should start a new thread with a Poll and you can test the waters. Just a thought...
 
Every time a thread opens up about 32s, whether loading, different models, or any other variation on the theme, there seems to be a great deal of interest. When you go to gun shows or stores, ammo available or even guns themselves command a premium if they’re available at all.

I wonder whether it would be worthwhile to organize some sort of an interest group along the lines of of the “44 Associates” of another era. Perhaps we could call ourselves the “32 Aficionados” or some such. So what do you think? I’ve bookmarked this thread since my PM box fills up so fast. I’ll respond to you via a PM if you express interest and give you my email so we can establish a list.

So, whuduyathink?
Green Frog

Sign me up as a charter member!
 
I also like the idea of of a fan group for this caliber. I am also working with the .38 S&W the same way. This means stocking up on new brass and selecting the best combination of powder, bullets and established loading data.

There are some very nice Colts and S&Ws out there in .32 that fall into the 1900 to early 1980s era.

I expect to have my 1924 vintage .32 RP by next week. Still on the lookout for J Frames or Detective Special in .32
 
Over on the Cast Boolits Forum I've tried to open an affinity group in the Community section (pull down tab at the top of their home page.) So far people are joining but not much other action.

Froggie
 
I couldn’t figure out how to start a group on this Forum. If anyone reading this has that capability, please feel free to go ahead and set it up and I’ll join as soon as you let me know it’s gone live.

Froggie
 
I got that group started over on the board where bullet casters can’t spell in hopes of attracting not only S&W owners, but R-word and other revolver and semi auto owners, but maybe even a few folks with 32 pistol class carbines and rifles as well. I hereby discontinue my hijack of this thread!

Froggie
 

Latest posts

Back
Top