.32 H&R Magnum data

[CCT125US]

With the introductuon of the new S&W 432UC / 632UC, there has been renewed interest and excitement around .32 H&R Magnum.

This can act as a placeholder for reloading info and musings on the cartridge.

[okie john]

From Brian Pearce, October 2018.

https://www.handloadermagazine.com/32-h-r-magnum-pet-loads

Pearce is always a good place to start for revolver information. I'm especially curious about muzzle blast.


Okie John

[BobM]

Thanks. I’ve been planning on researching appropriate powders, especially since one of the local shops said to expect significant price increases on powders soon. I have Unique and 231 on hand, so I’ll probably start with those

[jandbj]

Outpost75 articles

https://www.hensleygibbs.com/edharris/articles/32longnotes2.htm

https://www.hensleygibbs.com/edharris/articles/32calsmallgamerifles.htm

[BN]

I had the opportunity to chrono some factory 32 S&W Long from a 4 inch I-Frame.

32 S&W Long Magtech 98 LWC Ave: 719 fps 6 shots

32 S&W Long Sellier & Bellot 100 grain LWC Ave: 674 fps 6 shots

This is 32 Long, not 32 H&R Mag. The 12 shots went into a 6 inch group on a steel target at 25 yards. Standing, off hand and I could almost see the sights on that ancient revolver.

This is recent ammo ordered online.

[Tokarev]

A few years old now. I don't know which loads are / are not in production.

https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/the-underappreciated-32-magnums/

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

[CCT125US]

Currently have some Lost River WC inbound, some Starline brass and RCBS dies that I horse traded for.

[358156hp]

One minor observation. Starline does have 32 H&R brass in stock right now but it's likely to dwindle quickly once the pistols start getting into people hands. some of you might want to get some brass stockpiled.

Just a suggestion.

[CCT125US]

One minor observation. Starline does have 32 H&R brass in stock right now but it's likely to dwindle quickly once the pistols start getting into people hands. some of you might want to get some brass stockpiled.

Just a suggestion.

Here's what I'm looking at:

Cost / 1000rds
Powder: $10
Primers: $30
Brass: $30 for 100 cases x 5 loadings
Bullets: $100
Lost River: $100 = 100 loaded + 4 reloads

$270 / 1000 / $.27ea

[psalms144.1]

Here's what I'm looking at:

Cost / 1000rds
Powder: $10
Primers: $30
Brass: $30 for 100 cases x 5 loadings
Bullets: $100
Lost River: $100 = 100 loaded + 4 reloads

$270 / 1000 / $.27ea
You must have stock small pistol magnum primers DEEP before COVID. Prices I'm seeing now are closer to $100/1K...

[4given]

I’ve been looking around online for data to load 98 - 100 gr hard cast wadcutters in .32 H&R but have had no success. I’ve seen a little for HBWC but I would like to drive them around 750 fps out of a 2” as a training analog.

Have any of you run across anything?

[Brian T]

Hodgdon has several loadings as high as 100 grs over 6 or 7 different powders

[jandbj]

114867

Seems like a good starting point… maybe?

Outpost75,
Opinions on the above?

[BobM]

I’ve been looking around online for data to load 98 - 100 gr hard cast wadcutters in .32 H&R but have had no success. I’ve seen a little for HBWC but I would like to drive them around 750 fps out of a 2” as a training analog.

Have any of you run across anything?

The second edition of the Lyman Pistol and Revolver Handbook has cast wadcutter data

[Outpost75]

114867

Seems like a good starting point… maybe?

Outpost75,
Opinions on the above?

No.pressure data.
No.accuracy data.
Not enough info.on test conditions.
A puff piece to sell powder.


.32 S&W Long R-P case, 100 Hdy XTP, CCI500, 8.5 grs IMR4227, OAL 1.17"
10-inch Contender 997 fps, 20,200 psi, via Oehler 43 PBL with strain gage
3-inch S&W Mod. 30 787 fps, 46 ES, 18 Sd

.32 S&W Long R P case. 85 Hdy XTP, CCI500, 3 grains Alliant Bullseye, OAL 1.175""
10-inch Contender 990 fps, 16,800.psi via Oehler 43 PBL with strain gage
3-inch S&W Mod. 30 867 fps, 41 ES, 16 Sd

Data provided by Larry Gibson, Lake Havasu, AZ

[BN]

I did a Google search for 32 H&R magnum reload load data and found a lot of results.

[jandbj]

https://shootersreference.com/reloadingdata/32-hr-magnum/

[4given]

I just ordered a copy of the Lyman Pistol & Revolver Handbook 3rd Edition Reloading Manual. I am told it has the answers we seek. I’ll let you all know when it comes in.

[4given]

I just ordered a copy of the Lyman Pistol & Revolver Handbook 3rd Edition Reloading Manual. I am told it has the answers we seek. I’ll let you all know when it comes in.

The manual came in. It only has data for a 90 gr swaged HBWC and a bunch of jacketed bullets. Lists starting loads with a number of different powders so that is helpful. Not exactly what I was hoping for but it helps.


https://i.imgur.com/2Aoa3oF.jpg

[revchuck38]

114867

Seems like a good starting point… maybe?

Outpost75,
Opinions on the above?

I haven't been following this thread since I'm planning on getting one of the .38s.

That said, don't use data for RNs/SWCs to load WCs. Wadcutters are seated much more deeply and using the other data will raise pressures a bunch. I'd use the HBWC data and go from there.

[CCT125US]

4given

Compared to my 47th edition, published in '95, the current manual omits a 72gr (#311252). All other data is completely unchanged.

[BobM]

The manual came in. It only has data for a 90 gr swaged HBWC and a bunch of jacketed bullets. Lists starting loads with a number of different powders so that is helpful. Not exactly what I was hoping for but it helps.


https://i.imgur.com/2Aoa3oF.jpg

I'll post the page from the second edition after work.

[Velo Dog]

Handloading the .32 H&R Magnum

https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/handloading-32-h-r-magnum/490774

[BobM]

115085

Lyman Pistol and Revolver Reloading Handbook, second edition, 1994

[4given]

From Speer #13

https://i.imgur.com/SiOhNGf.jpg

[jandbj]

From Speer #13

https://i.imgur.com/SiOhNGf.jpg

Gut feeling is those could be improved a fair bit with a plain base coated cast or hardcast bullet, since the data listed is for the soft HBWC.

[BN]

I just set up my 550 for 32 S&W Long. Since the reason I'm going to the 432/632 is for less recoil, I will be mostly shooting 32 Long in it.

I'm loading a coated 100 grain SWC over a starting load of Bullseye. I've only fired a few rounds to test. Looks like it goes about 680 fps in an old I-Frame.

During my research, I wandered over to the Bullseye Forum where they're shooting 32 S&W Long out of Bullseye guns and getting astounding groups at 50 yards.

I'll probably got some of Lost River's wadcutters for carry.

[4given]

Gut feeling is those could be improved a fair bit with a plain base coated cast or hardcast bullet, since the data listed is for the soft HBWC.

I concur. This data will give me a great place to start.

Here is data from Reload Ammo (formerly MD Smith Reloading Pages):

98 Grain HBWC lead (.314″)

Bullseye 2.3 gr. 810 (max)
Unique 4.0 gr. 998 (max)

[CCT125US]

First small batch after chrono.

MBC 98gr DEWC
2.8gr Unique
CCI SPP
Starline brass
1.150 O.A.L

Avg: 800fps

Shot 58-1x/60 B8 @25yds, top edge hold.

116913

[nate89]

I haven't bought one of the new UC guns (yet!), but I have three 32 revolvers, the 2" LCR in 327, an older 432, and a 3" 327 TORO from Taurus. I worked some loads up and did some chrono, gel, and accuracy testing with all three guns with 32 long, 32 H&R, and (for the LCR and Taurus) 327 fed mag loads. I didn't have my H110 with me at the time, so the 327 loads should not be considered "full power" as I was using titegroup. I used both 85 grain Hornady XTPs and a 100 grain flat point bullet that I stocked up on through american reloading years ago. I will need to compile the data, but I'll put it in here as soon as I have it.

Even though I have a number of other powders that are better know for revolver loads, I have actually found that Titegroup has been a great option in the 32 guns due to the relative small volume. When shooting jacketed bullets the smoke is a nono-issue. I will be working up loads for a coated wadcutter in the next couple of weeks and perhaps I'll have to re-consider my powder selection for those bullets, but for the 7-8k of the 100 grain jacketed bullets I'll likely use Titegroup for most of them.

[mikey357]

During my research, I wandered over to the Bullseye Forum where they're shooting 32 S&W Long out of Bullseye guns and getting astounding groups at 50 yards.


Hammerlis and Benellis and Walthers, Oh, My! :)

[CCT125US]

Second small batch, pre seat / crimp.
116980

Finished
116981

[CCT125US]

First production run.

117274

Looks like Sunday will be range day.

[CCT125US]

For those with experience loading the .32 H&R Mag. would 231 be a better all around choice than Unique?

My SD is not where I would like it to be with Unique. If the easy button is going with 231, I can go that route.

Outpost75 Lost River

[Outpost75]

For those with experience loading the .32 H&R Mag. would 231 be a better all around choice than Unique?

My SD is not where I would like it to be with Unique. If the easy button is going with 231, I can go that route.

Outpost75 Lost River

Did lots of testing with 231 when I was at Ruger. WAS the powder of choice!

Don't have the pressure-tested data but 3.5 grains was good full charge load with 85 XTP in .32 S&W Long brass and 4.5 grains in H&R Mag brass. As high as 5 grains in HRM was fine in the SP101 but substantially exceeded SAAMI MAP approaching 30kpsi IIRC.

[Lost River]

231 would be a good choice.

Tightgroup, and Tightwad would both be ones that would be pretty easy to work with as well. Pretty easy to get moderate velocities with a variety of powders. The hardest part about working with the .32s is handling the tiny cases. As compared to larger cartridges like a .44/45 they are darn small and your hands cramp after doing it for long periods of time! This is true of any small calibers really. I was just on the phone with a bullet supplier last week and he mentioned the same thing when loading .17 caliber rifles into his 1050 Dillon by hand.

[CCT125US]

The fact that you both responded within 20 minutes is amazing. Love this forum.

[Lost River]

Funny you mentioned that.

We were talking on the podcast with Jason from Lipsey's and I mentioned all the people who hang out on this forum. I didn't really get a chance to go into it, but it really could be a pretty good topic of conversation. This place is pretty (actually very) unique on the web, in the people we have hang out and contribute here. The extremely wide cross section of folks is such a cool thing and makes this place what it is. Outpost is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge, and guys like Bruce Cartwright are another source of serious info on all sorts of subjects. If you have a question on lever actions, we have guys like Malamute, and the list goes on.

There really is not a place like this out there, and it really is not just about guns, though that is certainly obviously the primary focus.

[jandbj]

Funny you mentioned that.

We were talking on the podcast with Jason from Lipsey's and I mentioned all the people who hang out on this forum. I didn't really get a chance to go into it, but it really could be a pretty good topic of conversation. This place is pretty (actually very) unique on the web, in the people we have hang out and contribute here. The extremely wide cross section of folks is such a cool thing and makes this place what it is. Outpost is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge, and guys like Bruce Cartwright are another source of serious info on all sorts of subjects. If you have a question on lever actions, we have guys like Malamute, and the list goes on.

There really is not a place like this out there, and it really is not just about guns, though that is certainly obviously the primary focus.

I just mentioned this in another of the .32 threads about Outpost, yourself and others. This really is a special spot on the net where industry folks and dedicated gun nerds intersect and interact.

[CCT125US]

But does it matter??

I mentioned previously my displeasure in the velocity spread and SD. I did some shooting today at 25 yards. Using a different grip technique, more similar to an auto grip, I shot some acceptable groups.

More crush grip needed:
117365

This one had so much potential:
117366

Load:
MBC 98gr DEWC
1.145 o.a.l.
2.9gr Unique
Starline
CCI SPP

Not sure if it's worth chasing better SD for practice ammo.

[MStarmer]

Second small batch, pre seat / crimp.
116980

Finished
116981

I joined this forum just for this post! I'm just starting with .32 H&R mag for my 432UC and have 100 round sample packs of the Missouri Hi-Tek coated 98gr WCBB and 100gr RNFP bullets. I have probably 10+ pounds of Titegroup and 2 pounds of HP-38. Been kind of struggling finding some reliable data with those powders and the coated bullets. So far I'm seeing 2.3-2.5gr HP38 (or 231)?

[4given]

231 would be a good choice.

Tightgroup, and Tightwad would both be ones that would be pretty easy to work with as well. Pretty easy to get moderate velocities with a variety of powders. The hardest part about working with the .32s is handling the tiny cases. As compared to larger cartridges like a .44/45 they are darn small and your hands cramp after doing it for long periods of time! This is true of any small calibers really. I was just on the phone with a bullet supplier last week and he mentioned the same thing when loading .17 caliber rifles into his 1050 Dillon by hand.

Tried any Bullseye?

[CCT125US]

Small batch using Win. 231 initial load.
Smith 432UC
.32 H&R Mag.
MBC 98gr DEWC
2.8gr Win. 231
1.145 OAL
Starline brass
CCI SPP

780, 788, 742, 772, 768, 760, 765, 762, 774, 763.

Average: 767
SD: 11
Very pleased.

[MStarmer]

Small batch using Win. 231 initial load.
Smith 432UC
.32 H&R Mag.
MBC 98gr DEWC
2.8gr Win. 231
1.145 OAL
Starline brass
CCI SPP

780, 788, 742, 772, 768, 760, 765, 762, 774, 763.

Average: 767
SD: 11
Very pleased.

Were these the Hi-Tek coated ones I assume? I'm guessing HP38 would share the same data for these!

[CCT125US]

I believe this is where I will settle in.

432UC
.32 H&R Mag.
MBC 98gr DEWC
3.0gr Win. 231
1.145 OAL
Starline brass
CCI SPP

817, 808, 801, 811, 802, 822, 831, 807, 800, 805, 820

Average: 811
SD: 9.5
ES: 31

[MStarmer]

I believe this is where I will settle in.

432UC
.32 H&R Mag.
MBC 98gr DEWC
3.0gr Win. 231
1.145 OAL
Starline brass
CCI SPP

817, 808, 801, 811, 802, 822, 831, 807, 800, 805, 820

Average: 811
SD: 9.5
ES: 31

Looks like a winner, that's right about where I think I wanna be as well.

[Jamie]

Thank you CCT125US!

I have those exact components on hand and my replacement ProChrono will arrive tomorrow.

Now...if my darn Ortho Doc will just let me off my rollator and out of this damn boot... ;)

[4given]

Small batch using Win. 231 initial load.
Smith 432UC
.32 H&R Mag.
MBC 98gr DEWC
2.8gr Win. 231
1.145 OAL
Starline brass
CCI SPP

780, 788, 742, 772, 768, 760, 765, 762, 774, 763.

Average: 767
SD: 11
Very pleased.

Thanks for breaking trail! Looks like they are shipping my 632 UC so I am sitting down with the loading bench working up some test loads. I’ve got plenty of the same components as you have so I’ll start with your load.

[MStarmer]

Thanks for breaking trail! Looks like they are shipping my 642 UC so I am sitting down with the loading bench working up some test loads. I’ve got plenty of the same components as you have so I’ll start with your load.

642 UC is in .38 Spcl, or do you have a 632UC coming?

[4given]

642 UC is in .38 Spcl, or do you have a 632UC coming?

It’s a typo. I actually have a 632 UC coming. BTW I just edited my post. Thanks

[4given]

Accidental repost deleted

[Triggernosis]

I'm curious what the fascination is with wadcutters in the .32 H&R is. I've been loading for the .32 for 20+ years and have mostly used lead flat-nose bullets. What is magic about the wadcutters?

[MStarmer]

Here's my results using the 3.0gr of HP38 over the 98gr MBC wadcutter. 7/10/25yds with decent results. Only the second outing with the 432UC and it seems to be breaking in nicely. I shot all 100rnds I had loaded of the MBC loads and a a mix of the Hornady 85gr XTP's that I loaded. Not a super fan of the wadcutter as it's not as easy to load the chambers as a SWC. I may try to run this in one of our local ASI matches and need to be able to charge with speedloaders. Sights seem pretty regulated, even with my horrible vision did pretty well. I'm happy when I can hit the center at 25yds off hand.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53699285584_98de55523e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pPdSKs)IMG_4636 (https://flic.kr/p/2pPdSKs) by MStarmer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mstarmer/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53698050052_f02f846180_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pP7xtb)IMG_4637 (https://flic.kr/p/2pP7xtb) by MStarmer (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mstarmer/), on Flickr

[revchuck38]

I'm curious what the fascination is with wadcutters in the .32 H&R is. I've been loading for the .32 for 20+ years and have mostly used lead flat-nose bullets. What is magic about the wadcutters?

There's no magic. The flat nose is the part of the bullet that does the damage, and it's bigger on a wadcutter than on a flat nose or SWC. Having less air space in the cartridge gives a theoretical advantage for accuracy like it does with wadcutters in .38 Special, though I'm not sure how much difference that makes in a snubby.

[Triggernosis]

There's no magic. The flat nose is the part of the bullet that does the damage, and it's bigger on a wadcutter than on a flat nose or SWC. Having less air space in the cartridge gives a theoretical advantage for accuracy like it does with wadcutters in .38 Special, though I'm not sure how much difference that makes in a snubby.

Got it.
Difficult reloading wadcutters quickly, though. Probably more of an "imagined" scenario on my part.

[MStarmer]

Got it.
Difficult reloading wadcutters quickly, though. Probably more of an "imagined" scenario on my part.

I carry the Lost River wadcutters in the gun but my reloads (whether in speedloader or strip) are the Federal 85gr load. Cylinders are chamfered but it's still quite challenging.

[CCT125US]

Cylinders are chamfered but it's still quite challenging.

Agreed, I carry Hornady Critical Defense in the gun, but found when they are used in the HKS 32-j, the poly tip is "sticky". The wadcutters are super short when used in the HKS. Likely stick with CD in strips.

[CCT125US]

I joined this forum just for this post! I'm just starting with .32 H&R mag for my 432UC and have 100 round sample packs of the Missouri Hi-Tek coated 98gr WCBB and 100gr RNFP bullets. I have probably 10+ pounds of Titegroup and 2 pounds of HP-38. Been kind of struggling finding some reliable data with those powders and the coated bullets. So far I'm seeing 2.3-2.5gr HP38 (or 231)?

Welcome! This forum is a fantastic resource.


Were these the Hi-Tek coated ones I assume? I'm guessing HP38 would share the same data for these!

Yes the MBC are Hi-Tek coated.

[MStarmer]

Welcome! This forum is a fantastic resource.



Yes the MBC are Hi-Tek coated.

Thanks for the response. My posts weren't approved until after a few days so they popped in after other posts had been made.

So far I'm happy with the 3.0 HP-38 with the Wadcutter, don't know if I'll load any more though. I'd prefer to load the SWC's if I can get a good load.

I have (50) ea of the MBC #6 Hi-Tek coated 100gr loaded at 3.0 and 3.3 HP 38, hope to see how those do and get about 500 or so of those loaded if they hit to the sights and group decent.

[CCT125US]

Got a few rounds pressed out today.
118932

[MStarmer]

Got a few rounds pressed out today.
118932

98gr @ 3.0 231?

[CCT125US]

98gr @ 3.0 231?

Yes, with the additional points:

MBC 98gr DEWC
3.0gr Win. 231
1.145 OAL
Starline brass
CCI SPP

[Jamie]

I was able to get out and do a little chrono work yesterday...between the rains <sigh>

I got the idea of using this general data from posts by Outpost75 and Lost River Not their data but my extrapolation from various posts.

I wanted some practice ammo that would service potentially as a SD round and would play nicely with my HKS speedloaders for my LCR 327. I have several boxes of 85 gr XTPs in my component stock. So why not? :)

IIRC the suggested threshold for expansion was mentioned to be 850 fps.

All loads shoot better than I do...

.32 H&R mag 85 gr XTP
W 231 3.4 grs Avg FPS = 797
SASPP Ruger LCR Prochrono ORSA

.32 H&R mag 85 gr XTP
W 231 3.6 grs
879-861-867-868-897 : Avg FPS = 874
SASPP Ruger LCR Prochrono ORSA

.32 H&R mag 85 gr XTP
Bullseye 3.0 gr Avg FPS = 818
SASPP Ruger LCR Prochrono ORSA

.32 H&R mag 85 gr XTP
Bullseye 3.4 grs
857-851-863-869-881 Avg FPS = 864
SASPP Ruger LCR Prochrono ORSA

[snubasaurus]

The Underappreciated .32 Magnums (https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2019/5/30/the-underappreciated-32-magnums/)

[Austin Sibley]

I believe this is where I will settle in.

432UC
.32 H&R Mag.
MBC 98gr DEWC
3.0gr Win. 231
1.145 OAL
Starline brass
CCI SPP

817, 808, 801, 811, 802, 822, 831, 807, 800, 805, 820

Average: 811
SD: 9.5
ES: 31

I finally got around to loading some of my MBC 98gr DEWCs, and this is an awesome load in my 432! I really appreciate the load data.

[CCT125US]

Initial trials.
32 H&R Mag.
Smith 432UC
Brass: Starline
Powder: Win. 231
Charge: 3.0 grain
Bullet: Slippery 78gr RNFP
OAL: 1.300

764, 758, 746, 763, 764, 756, 747, 755, 744, 746, 759, 743.

Avg: 754
ES: 21
SD: 7.76

Cylinder at 25 yards using CTC LG-405, holding on X
122776

2 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense at 25 yards, holding on X.
122777

122778

Disclaimer: Not responsible for any errors.

[MStarmer]

That is some great shooting at 25yds!

[WDR]

I don't even own a .32 wheelgun and I keep checking this thread. :cool:

[CCT125US]

Comparison between my gold standard MBC 98gr / Win. 231 at 3.0gr and the new Slippery 78gr / Win. 231 at 3.0gr

You can clearly see a difference in both accuracy and precision. While the scores are close-ish, the targets don't lie. The lighter bullets do impact lower, so my POA was the 12 o'clock position of the 10 ring with those. Also of note, the SB78gr being a short bullet and loaded long, can lead to a slight tilt in the case. This produced drag on the breach face. In turn (haha) it led to a less predictable pull, and sighting errors. Where the shorter OAL, MBC WC allow the cartridge base to move more freely when the trigger is worked. Today I shot 75 of the Slippery bullets, and could feel a slight difference in recoil among several rounds. With such a small charge weight and less cartridge case filled with bullet, I believe the powder may have been affected by position. The heavier recoiling rounds did appear to impact higher.

At 25 yards, the MBC 98gr produced 118-2x / 120 and the SB 78gr produced 114-2x / 120. However... with the MBC, the 2 out at the 1 o'clock where fired as the SBR in the next bay let loose. To say it affected several shots would be a fair statement. All the SB78gr were fired when I had the range to myself.

122939
The SB 78gr definitely loads easier in both the press and the gun. They work excellent in the HKs 32-j, and are a fantastic light recoil option.

I'll be ordering the MBC 98gr again.

I also shot the HiTS ASST that I will post up in the what did you shoot today thread.

[perlslacker]

ARISE THREAD. I have some useful discussion, I promise.

The 98gr DEWCs from MBC have been pretty well covered in this thread. I decided to try loading the 100gr RNFP.

I’m working off the 100gr JHP load in the Speer Reloading Manual #14 (https://archive.org/details/speerreloadingma0000unse/page/835/mode/1up?view=theater). I’m using Win 231 for now, but I might try with WSF later because I have several pounds of it saved up.

I haven’t even shot any yet, but I’ve already made a couple discoveries:
1. Did you know that you can check out loading manuals from Archive.org for free (see link above)? That’s really useful!
2. With Dillon dies, use the flat side of the seater plug with RNFPs. The curved side just makes ugly gouges in the bullet and jams them in crooked.