CoalCrackerAl
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Thanks,Cabela's has brass listed as 32 H&R. Since im loading 32 sw long and 327 mag. I would like to start loading 32 H&R mag.
Hot loads for .32 H&R Magnum
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GeoDudeFlorida
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It’s a dandy. Easy to resize easily loaded from .32S&W to near .32-20WCF performance in a strong enough gun. Like @Mr_Flintstone says, make small changes and go slow. Pressure changes rapidly in that small case.
CoalCrackerAl
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I ordered 200 casings. Starline brass. I'll be shooting them in my Ruger SP 101.
Exactly! That’s why the first 6 in my LCR were the last 6 in my LCR. I finished off the hot rounds in a single-7 Blackhawk. I plan to drop back to 6.8 gr or maybe 7.0 gr of True Blue.
But why push for velocity to begin with? Bullet expansion. From what I’ve read that requires 1100+ FPS and that requires a +P load but not necessarily a .327 load.
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Nope! Not trying for .327 level pressures and performance, just a good .32 H&R +P load.
Exactly!!! Thanks!
That’s pretty much a direct quote from the Starline ballistician. I believe it has to do with a heating and cooling process.
P Flados
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A couple of minor points in response to your response to my response.
The 32s are very sensitive to seating depth. I missed the fact that you mentioned 85 gr XTP, but you did not provide an AOL. If you are seating to the crimp groove, that is fine but it does not help me get the right AOL in Quickload.
If you are reading an article by a "gun guy" that loves the 32 H&R, it is very doubtful that his routine use of 32 H&R +P+ (there is no such thing as straight +P because it would have a specific limit in the SAAMI book) for decades was in the weakest available guns. Chances are that most of his guns could safely be rechambered to 327. However, his ammo is still potentially a hazard around the wrong guns. Heck, Ruger and CA have had problems with batches of 327 guns that did not perform well (bulged cylinders, etc.) with factory ammo. After a short while making 327s, CA chose to go back to the 32 H&R instead of trying to deal with the screaming pressures.
As far as best brass for accuracy with very light loads in a 327 gun, the 327 is not a bad choice. However, these loads have low fill percentages. You just need to develop a habit to get the powder in the same place for each shot (I tilt muzzle up prior to firing). For the same power level, 32 S&W long brass in a 32 S&W chamber is a better choice. My first 32 was a 327 revolver. I shot lots of light loads in it for the first few years I had it. Eventually I decided to make a ~8" stub tube barrel to shoot low power 32s in my TC Contender. Did I chamber it in 327. Heck no. I chambered it to fire 32 ACPs. This eliminated the excess free space issue and the round is much more efficient. Now with your LCR, I seriously doubt that you are trying to hit squirrels at 25 yards.
At Starline, yes 32 H&R brass is cheaper. If you want to buy more brass for volume shooting at a light or mid range power level, going with the less expensive brass is a reasonable choice. However, as long as you have some 327 brass for warmer loads, I recommend keeping 32 H&R brass loaded to pressures below the 32 H&R SAAMI limit.
The 32s are very sensitive to seating depth. I missed the fact that you mentioned 85 gr XTP, but you did not provide an AOL. If you are seating to the crimp groove, that is fine but it does not help me get the right AOL in Quickload.
If you are reading an article by a "gun guy" that loves the 32 H&R, it is very doubtful that his routine use of 32 H&R +P+ (there is no such thing as straight +P because it would have a specific limit in the SAAMI book) for decades was in the weakest available guns. Chances are that most of his guns could safely be rechambered to 327. However, his ammo is still potentially a hazard around the wrong guns. Heck, Ruger and CA have had problems with batches of 327 guns that did not perform well (bulged cylinders, etc.) with factory ammo. After a short while making 327s, CA chose to go back to the 32 H&R instead of trying to deal with the screaming pressures.
As far as best brass for accuracy with very light loads in a 327 gun, the 327 is not a bad choice. However, these loads have low fill percentages. You just need to develop a habit to get the powder in the same place for each shot (I tilt muzzle up prior to firing). For the same power level, 32 S&W long brass in a 32 S&W chamber is a better choice. My first 32 was a 327 revolver. I shot lots of light loads in it for the first few years I had it. Eventually I decided to make a ~8" stub tube barrel to shoot low power 32s in my TC Contender. Did I chamber it in 327. Heck no. I chambered it to fire 32 ACPs. This eliminated the excess free space issue and the round is much more efficient. Now with your LCR, I seriously doubt that you are trying to hit squirrels at 25 yards.
At Starline, yes 32 H&R brass is cheaper. If you want to buy more brass for volume shooting at a light or mid range power level, going with the less expensive brass is a reasonable choice. However, as long as you have some 327 brass for warmer loads, I recommend keeping 32 H&R brass loaded to pressures below the 32 H&R SAAMI limit.
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You are trying to make it something it isn't
Most +P data for other cartridges is simply the max load of a regular load Give or take depending on the specific powder
P Flados
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For this:
The focus is clear. Revolvers with medium length barrels. In this application it is sad that the SAAMI crowd never came out with a real +P rating. If they had, the 32 H&R length brass with a +P head stamp would be a "sweet spot" in the world of 32 revolvers.
By the same token, a 32 S&W long +P rated at 40 ksi would be an excellent round in appropriate guns. Performance would significantly exceed the 32 H&R with a whole lot less muzzle blast than the 327. It would also drastically increase the risk of carnage given the number of foolish and/or ignorant folks in the world. FYI, a 40 ksi 32 S&W Long (1.28" AOL) is getting pretty close to a "medium power" 30 super carry (1.169" AOL).
For the article above, the author is stretching things with his spin. Brass length is what it is. It is not magic. Again, for really light loads, 32 S&W Long, 32 ACP or even 32 S&W shorts have advantages over either 32 H&R or 327. Low percent fill does not necessarily make things terrible. Tons of very low percent fill 38 special ammo has been fired accurately in competition at the highest levels. However, firing low power 32 S&W shorts in a 327 chamber is not a good "fix". Bullet jump is real and it can matter.
The focus is clear. Revolvers with medium length barrels. In this application it is sad that the SAAMI crowd never came out with a real +P rating. If they had, the 32 H&R length brass with a +P head stamp would be a "sweet spot" in the world of 32 revolvers.
By the same token, a 32 S&W long +P rated at 40 ksi would be an excellent round in appropriate guns. Performance would significantly exceed the 32 H&R with a whole lot less muzzle blast than the 327. It would also drastically increase the risk of carnage given the number of foolish and/or ignorant folks in the world. FYI, a 40 ksi 32 S&W Long (1.28" AOL) is getting pretty close to a "medium power" 30 super carry (1.169" AOL).
For the article above, the author is stretching things with his spin. Brass length is what it is. It is not magic. Again, for really light loads, 32 S&W Long, 32 ACP or even 32 S&W shorts have advantages over either 32 H&R or 327. Low percent fill does not necessarily make things terrible. Tons of very low percent fill 38 special ammo has been fired accurately in competition at the highest levels. However, firing low power 32 S&W shorts in a 327 chamber is not a good "fix". Bullet jump is real and it can matter.
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Just trying to follow in the path laid out by the Handloader Magazine author on developing a .32 H&R +P load. Nothing more.
Zendude
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Buffalo Bore makes what they call a +P load for 32 H&R mag. Their website has some interesting ballistic tables for the cartridge using different barrel lengths.
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=257
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=257
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Seedy Character
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L'il Gun is what you are looking for.
I would also be loading in .327 brass. For the safety of others and not overloading a .32 H&R gun.
My buddy has a SP101 .327 Fed. With factory .327 loads the muzzle blast is comparable to a .30 Carbine revolver.
Loaded down to 1300-1400 fps with a 92 powder coated SWC, it is very accurate and pleasant to shoot. Remaining a viable SD round.
I would also be loading in .327 brass. For the safety of others and not overloading a .32 H&R gun.
My buddy has a SP101 .327 Fed. With factory .327 loads the muzzle blast is comparable to a .30 Carbine revolver.
Loaded down to 1300-1400 fps with a 92 powder coated SWC, it is very accurate and pleasant to shoot. Remaining a viable SD round.
Mr_Flintstone
Member
Looking at the Handloader article, I did some calculations on Gordon’s. They didn’t list True Blue as a powder option for 85 gr XTPs, so I used the load data for the 90 gr JHC as a starting point with 85 gr XTP bullets and a 2” barrel. Here’s what I got… Your mileage may vary. Use at your own risk.
Now, I won’t guarantee that these are 100% accurate, but they will give you some idea of how quickly the pressure builds as the charge increases.
All of these charges should be safe in a .327 Federal Magnum revolver, but as you get toward the top end, you’d be better off reducing charges on .327 brass than pushing the capabilities of .32 H&R Magnum. This is compounded if you seat bullets deeper than normal, or if your brass is trimmed shorter than normal.
Now, I won’t guarantee that these are 100% accurate, but they will give you some idea of how quickly the pressure builds as the charge increases.
All of these charges should be safe in a .327 Federal Magnum revolver, but as you get toward the top end, you’d be better off reducing charges on .327 brass than pushing the capabilities of .32 H&R Magnum. This is compounded if you seat bullets deeper than normal, or if your brass is trimmed shorter than normal.
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Lil'Gun's performance is so close to H110 that it's hard to find an application for one that doesn't suit the other. Then there's the issue of Lil'Gun torching your forcing cone.
GeoDudeFlorida
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The 85gr XTP only need’s 900fps to perform as designed at self-defense ranges - under 21’. That velocity envelope is well within SAAMI pressures for the .32Magnum cartridge using a number of powders, including Accurate No.2 and Alliant Red Dot. The idea of using a slower powder is to get the same performance as a faster powder but with less pressure. The sacrifice is increased muzzle blast from a short barrel as the powder is still generating hot gas after the bullet has left the barrel. Seeking higher chamber pressure with not enough barrel to contain the gas is an exercise in waste for the sake of drama.
Too much drama.
Riomouse911
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The heaviest load I will do in my .32 H&R mag gun (Single Six 6.5”) is a 125 gr SWCGC over 4.2 gr Unique.
** This is safe in my guns, start lower and work up in yours!!**
I have also shot this in my 4.2” .327 SP 101, both with zero effect on the gun. Accuracy is good but not amazing. The primers are flat, but the cases don’t stick and the primer pockets aren’t loose when I reload the Starline cases.
I shoot the same weight of 4.2 gr Unique under a 100 gr RNFP, this is more accurate and a better load all-around IMHO.
Stay safe.
** This is safe in my guns, start lower and work up in yours!!**
I have also shot this in my 4.2” .327 SP 101, both with zero effect on the gun. Accuracy is good but not amazing. The primers are flat, but the cases don’t stick and the primer pockets aren’t loose when I reload the Starline cases.
I shoot the same weight of 4.2 gr Unique under a 100 gr RNFP, this is more accurate and a better load all-around IMHO.
Stay safe.
Mr_Flintstone
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I actually shoot .32 S&W Long in mine.
CoalCrackerAl
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I shoot 32 sw long too in mine as well. I'll shoot 327 mag 1st. Then the 32 sw's. I clean the cylinders when i get home.I do the same with 357 mag and 38 special.
Seedy Character
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I haven't seen any damage.
Lots of internet talk / rumor of such.
We all choose what we feel is best.
wcwhitey
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I have tried to stay in the 700-750 fps range in .32 long with the 100 grain SWC”s for loads in my Magnum and older S&W I frame revolver. So standard pressure. Could go higher, yes, but no need to. In the .32 H&R my goal is over 900 fps with the 100 SWC, still mild but something of a nice field round. I have a few boxes of 85 grain XTP bullets and a around 400 pcs of new Starline .32 H&R Magnum brass. Having done a good bit or research I am convinced that @GeoDudeFlorida hit the velocity on the head at 950 reliable expansion with that bullet. I am working up loads that will do just that from a 3” Charter Professional. Basically it will be a factory duplication load as everything I have seen shows that is the range that factory Federal is loaded. I think one can go safely to 1050/1100 without exceeding max pressure for the round. So it falls into the range of solving a problem that doesn’t exist.
GeoDudeFlorida
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A 3” barrel. Perfect. You can get to 1100fps lots of ways but with a 3” barrel I think I’d be tempted to stick with Red Dot or step up a little to No.2 - similar burn rate but very different personalities. The faster powders will give the highest peak pressure but still safe and with less unburnt powder. Lots of ways to skin this cat…
Rrr I rrr rgetf rget rr I
I know among the 9mm community it’s considered one of the best.
I have read in many sources, most notably Handloader Magazine, that True Blue is one of the best powders for snubbies. One of the reasons I focused on it. Relatively fast burn rate, burns clean, excellent ballistic characteristics, … It has one other property I value highly, it meters well !
I know among the 9mm community it’s considered one of the best.
True Blue definitely meters great, as good as almost any pistol powder, it seems to me to be more "forgiving" (Doesn't mean get careless) at the top than most, tends to give good ES/SD numbers, a lot to like about it. It's not the powder I am using in 9MM, but it did very well when I tested it and i wouldn't hesitate to use it for 9MM.
BE-86 would be another one to try for top end .32 Mag pressure loads. I liked both powders with the 100 Gr XTP in .32 Mag. Sticky cases will stop you before you get to .327 pressure levels. The .327 operates at nearly double the pressure. Starting load .327 Fed pressure levels are way over max .32 Mag pressure levels.
Once you get to 1000 FPS in the .32 Mag with a 100 Gr XTP, and a lot of powders can't do it under max pressure, tread very very lightly.
BE-86 would be another one to try for top end .32 Mag pressure loads. I liked both powders with the 100 Gr XTP in .32 Mag. Sticky cases will stop you before you get to .327 pressure levels. The .327 operates at nearly double the pressure. Starting load .327 Fed pressure levels are way over max .32 Mag pressure levels.
Once you get to 1000 FPS in the .32 Mag with a 100 Gr XTP, and a lot of powders can't do it under max pressure, tread very very lightly.
GeoDudeFlorida
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That’s one reason I like the 85gr XTP just a smidge better. But really anything faster than No,5 under the 85 or 100gr XTP seems to get to the right number: 900fps @ 20’. Now, saying that, I personally do prefer the 115gr Lyman cast #311008 lubed and Unique for the Single Six. It’s got just enough barrel to make it work.
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