Who Has Actually Rechambered A .32

[Green Frog]

In my experience, the factory loadings of the 32 H&R tend to be kind of underwhelming, but judiciously warm handloads can bring the I/J frames to their fullest potential. I would never try to duplicate the +P level loadings that Skeeter so enthusiastically made when the round came out, but in this round there's a lot of room between the anemic factory loads and the danger zone. I found the Lyman 313631 over a load of W231 will go a long way toward fulfilling the promise of the 32 H&R. JMHO, but I think you've got a winner!
Froggie

 

[AJ]

Next up will be some Lil Gun. The Nov. of 2022 issue of Shooting Times had an article on the .32 H&R Magnum. Their hotter loads were with Lil Gun. I have a computer program called Quick Load. Their article uses a Ruger SP101 with a 4.2 inch barrel. They showed a loading of 10.8 grains of Lil Gun with a 100 grain bullet. By my Quick Load Program that is in the dangerous zone for a 2 inch barreled revolver. By backing down to 10.3 grains of Lil Gun the pressures are at 75-84% of normal. So will give that a try.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Here is the gun that S&W should have made!

A 16-4 rechambered to 327 Mag! You are able to shoot all the 32 cal rounds. and it is a tack driver with the 327s
jcelect

Yep. But WITHOUT that heavy useless underlug.

 

[H Richard]

I did some loading work a few years ago with the 32 H&R, I found Accurate powders to my liking.

 

[steelslaver]

Yep. But WITHOUT that heavy useless underlug.

Like this 327mag I built using a 10-7 J&G frame,

or this 3" fixed sight 327mag

good 32 caliber barrel is hard to come or I would make some more

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Like this 327mag I built using a 10-7 J&G frame,

or this 3" fixed sight 327mag

good 32 caliber barrel is hard to come or I would make some more

YES.......YES.......YES

 

[Green Frog]

jcelect, I agree, except I prefer it in stainless.

Mike, SC Hunter, at first I was a little skeptical about the lug too, but on my 4" Project 616 it just balances so well!

H Richard, you say "Accurate Powders" but just show a target where you used #5. I've used #7 and #9 with good results in some stout 327 Fed Mag loads, did you ever try either in your H&R cases?

steelslaver, you are an inspiration to us all. I wanna come over to your house and play!

Can we all agree that the 32 H&R is a "best fit" for S&W's "32 size frame" (J) and the more rowdy 327 Fed Mag is better suited to the K (or "38 size") frame?

Boy howdy, AJ. You sure stirred up a hornets' nest now!

Froggie

PS AJ, you might want to try some W231/HP38 in those H&R cases. It seems like a lot of people like that powder, especially for medium to brisk loadings.

 

[H Richard]

Froggei; I didn't use any #7 or #9. I have always hesitated reaming out my chambers for 327, and at my life stage now doubt if i will. I just kind of wish I hadn't sold off all of my .32 Hand Ejectors, I had several pre 30's that would have made a great carry gun with the 32 H&R. I do still have my 432PD in addition to the 16-4.

 

[steelslaver]

The problem with making up K frame 32s id factory barrels are extremely rare and for that matter so is any kind of .311/.312 barrel suitable for them. New blanks are also spendy.

My method of making a barrel is to cut the shank off a K22 barrel then ream it out and then ream the rear of it to 91/16 for about an inch. Then turn a .311 blank to a sleeve that will slip in it leaving the shank large enough to slip in the recess and thread to fit a K frame and silver solder the liner in the sleeve

 

[Green Frog]

H Richard, I feel your pain. At 74, I've about reached an age where gun disposition is going to start to exceed gun acquisition. I worked hard to get my battery of 32s where I wanted them, and now have gotten too trifling to enjoy shooting them.

As I "thin the herd" I want to hold on to a medium frame Smith and a Ruger Blackhawk in 327 Fed Mag for those occasions when I want smoke and thunder... and of course they will digest lighter loads as well. I also feel the "need" for something smaller for casual carry, like the Transitional I frame snub mentioned above or the 4" Stainless Model 631 in 32 H&R, which is about as rowdy as I want to get with a J frame. Like its older siblings behaves well with cat sneeze loads when I don't feel quite so assertive. I guess my Project 616 and my Model 631 will probably be the last ones to go... they'll scratch about any 32 itch I might have.

Now the problem is, how do I convince myself I really don't need the rest of my 32s? I'm sure selling them won't be hard though!

Froggie

 

[AJ]

Shot my rechambered 30-1 again this morning. I made up 25 rounds of ,32 H&R Magnum for a test run. The bullet was a ,32 (.311) 100 grain cast lead SWC, Winchester SPP were used, and 10.3 grains of Lil Gun. This made for a fairly stout load for a two inch J Frame. Pretty much all rounds were in a 6 inch bullseye at 7 yards, both single and double action. Changed the grips to a set of Hogue's, which give a bit of better control.

 

[Green Frog]

AJ, in my picture in the post above, my 631 is wearing a pair of square butt grips that completely enclose the round butt grip frame. I have one pair of similar round butt grips but they are firmly ensconced on my Model 60-4. I wish I could find another pair of dark rosewood RB combats… you can be sure they would be on my 631 ASAP!

I'll repeat my comment about HP38 powder. I have no experience with Li'l Gun, but I know HP38 works well, so I gravitate toward it.

Froggie

 

[oddshooter]

I just picked up a model 16-4 8 3/8" barrel and 32 H&Rmag cylinder today.

I'm looking for a donor model 14 frame. Any ideas about who to send it to for the work?


prescut

 

[steelslaver]

ME, But, for those parts it would be a one way trip. LOL

 

[AJ]

Found these hiding in a drawer! Probably a bit under powered.........

 

[AJ]

Boy howdy, AJ. You sure stirred up a hornets' nest now!

Froggie

PS AJ, you might want to try some W231/HP38 in those H&R cases. It seems like a lot of people like that powder, especially for medium to brisk loadings.

AJ, in my picture in the post above, my 631 is wearing a pair of square butt grips that completely enclose the round butt grip frame. I have one pair of similar round butt grips but they are firmly ensconced on my Model 60-4. I wish I could find another pair of dark rosewood RB combats… you can be sure they would be on my 631 ASAP!

I'll repeat my comment about HP38 powder. I have no experience with Li'l Gun, but I know HP38 works well, so I gravitate toward it.

Froggie

Froggie,

Did not mean to stir up anything. Just was curious.

Wood grips are nice, but the finish on this Model 30-1 leaves a lot to be desired. The Hogue grips fill my hand better and give me much better control. See the picture, not the Belle Of The Ball! But will do to dance with, if necessary!

I will get around to HP-38 sooner or later. I have a pound that I picked up somewhere.

AJ

 

[Muley Gil]

Found these hiding in a drawer! Probably a bit under powered.........

I have had a couple of S&W 1 1/2 top break single action revolvers. Firing a .32 S&W cartridge at a coke can, the can barely got knocked off of a fence post.

 

[dickydalton]

My reamer will be here Thursday and my like new 31-1 will get the treatment.

 

[M29since14]

…I'll repeat my comment about HP38 powder. I have no experience with Li'l Gun, but I know HP38 works well, so I gravitate toward it.
Froggie

On a similar, but somewhat sad, note, yes, 231 is a great choice, but I had my best all around results in .32 Magnum with Universal. I have to admit I was surprised since I normally do not favor Universal for handguns, but in this case it was excellent. The sad part comes in with the problem of trying to find Universal. I doubt we will ever see it again. Until something better comes along for 20 and 28 gauge target loads, that's a shame.

 

[AJ]

My reamer will be here Thursday and my like new 31-1 will get the treatment.

Turn clockwise, never reverse and use plenty of oil. These instruction were given to me when the reamer was loaned to me. I will add go slow and check the depth often. Wish you well in your endeavor!