32 H&R Magnum for Self Defense

I don't tend to load my own defense ammo, especially for something like the 32mag as I think others an do that much better. I would buy some of the BB and call it a day.

If I were to try for defense loads I think I would look at a lead wadutter or SWC at 1000fps. Not sure a 2in barrel is going to be many things to expand but I like the clean hole a wadcutter makes.

For plinking I have been loading 71gr FMJ's at around 1200fps. Faster than I need them to be so need to back that down.

What snubnose do you have? It may be able to take rather hot .32's or not, depending on the maker and vintage.

Get a .327 and download or shoot 32 H & R ammo

I was searching through for a thread .32 h&r mag or .327 related and came across this thread. I havent been on in a long time but I had a question if any of you would be so kind as to help me out. Im a welder and just got into the boilermakers but the rggi tax is gonna end up runing coal fired plants here in pa so im looking at a job for the navy as a civilian they have a listing for a welder position in Philadelphia so the wife wants to finallyyyyyyyyyyyyyy get a decent gun. Would you please tell me are either of these heavy on recoil? Im interested in either the gp 100 or the gp101 in .327 but would load it with 32. h&r if she needed to take it a step down. whichever gun feels better in her hands will be the deciding factor on which gun she picks. For anyone interested im also looking into a compact or maybe micro 9mm kimber in hopes that the single stack frames will accommodate her hands better but the metal will help keep the recoil down shes crazy sensitive like cant even keep her eyes from shutting when she fires her .22.

sorry this is not the appropriate place to post this question. I havent been on here in like 7 years lol!

Mr_Flintstone said:

Why would I spend $600 to shoot the same ammo I shoot now?

I just want to know what the best possible ammo out there would be for a short barrel .32 H&R magnum. From what I’ve seen, you can get usually penetration, but not much expansion with a 2” .32.

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You wouldn’t (or shouldn’t?) spend $600 to duplicate what you have.

I’ve seen exactly one chrono test of the Buffalo Bore 100gr 32 H&R Mag +P load. It was fired through a Ruger LCR chambered for the 327 Federal. In that test, the ammo ran above 1200 ft/sec. At that speed, I’d expect the bullets to expand well. Couldn’t say for positive what kind of penetration you’d get, but 32-cal Gold Dots pushed about that fast expand very nicely yet still give excellent penetration in clear gel.

If I were in your place, I’d try a box or two of those Buffalo Bores, for what you’re looking for.

OP, the only thing coming to mind is a handload that uses the 60 grain Hornady XTP bullet. No cannalure, so best to taper crimp the bullet using a .32 ACP seating/crimping die. There's no published data I know of using a 60 grain JHP in .32 Mag, so you're gonna have to consult others on where to start.

As for factory ammo, the only two .32 H&R Mag loads that I would consider are the Hornady 80 grain Critical Defense and the Buffalo Bore.

My buddy is just getting interested in firearms on more than a one rifle and one shotgun sort of guy. He also found out ballistic gel can be made and wants to do some testing this year once it warms up. I do plan to toss my 327 LCR in the mix for testing and will try to be as thorough in my records as possible. I'll post up a recommendation thread as we get ready for ammo types and handloads and another thread with results. Wish I had a better answer for you now but someday.

Charter just put out their Professional which is a 6 shot, 3in, .32mag. Search on this forum, it is having some point of aim issues though. Good option if Charter has that figured out.

1989- I would not get an auto if she is so afraid of things. .32mag (or .327) can also be loaded with .32 Long to be even milder. Downside of the .32 is ammo expense if one doesn't reload.

Mr_Flintstone said:

Why would I spend $600 to shoot the same ammo I shoot now?

I just want to know what the best possible ammo out there would be for a short barrel .32 H&R magnum. From what I’ve seen, you can get usually penetration, but not much expansion with a 2” .32.

Click to expand...

Might try these flipped backwards
https://www.mattsbullets.com/index....ducts_id=303&zenid=sf5p4tm1ko6j0f0n9fv9tkft24

I have Federal 85 grain JHP rated 1100 fps, approx. subsonic, muzzle energy 228 fp. I actually carry my reload of subsonic 327 Federal Magnum 100 gr lead. For something that will be fired without hearing protection I try to limit the velocity and not be preoccupied with exact HP performance. Otherwise I would suggest a more serious caliber and to fire a bigger, slower bullet. The deal maker for me is being able to fit six rounds in my SP101.

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/pocket-pistol-caliber-gel-test-results/#32HRMag
I think its doable but I don't have a 32 H&R snub... yet. A 2.5" barrel would be nice.