Tell Me About The .32 H&R Magnum & S&W's M432PD

[nero45acp]

I would appreciate some information/opinions about the .32 H&R Magnum cartridge, and S&W's M432PD.

How does the .32 H&R Magnum compare in ballistics, and effectiveness as a defense round to the .32acp, the .380, and standard pressure .38 specials?

How would the felt recoil of the .32 H&R Magnum in a 13.5 oz alloy frame M432PD compare with standard pressure .38 specials in a 23 oz steel frame M640?

Thanks.


nero

 

[mr.trooper]

nominal ballistics for the .38 special are:
158gr bullet at Aproximately 750fps, yielding about 200 ft-lbs Give or take a few lbs.

Reloads are aproximately as follows:
124gr = 1,010 - 1,210fps with about 200 -400lbs from a 6.5"barrel
158gr = 750 - 960fps with about 200-320lbs from a 6.5" barrel


nominal ballistics for the 32 H&R Magnum are:
85gr bullet at aproximately 1,100fps, yeilding about 230ft-lbs, give or take.

Reloads are aproximately as follows:
85gr at 1,000 - 1,260 yielding 185-300 ft-lbs give or take, from a 5" barrel
90gr at 800 - 1,225fps yielding 127-300 ft-lbs give or take, from a 5" barrel

Whack off a 20 lbs or so of muzzle energy for anything less than a 4" barrel; just to play it conservative. Recoil will be manigible, even out of a light snubby.

All this data is general rounded data pulled off of www.ammoguide.com. if you have any questions about ballistics af a cartridge, check this sight out first. they will usualy have what your looking for.

The page with Background information, Nominal ballistics, and reloading data for the 32 H&R can be found here:http://ammoguide.com/cgi-bin/ai.cgi?sn=LVVswmrjUj&catid=202

If youv got the time, iv found Shoot! ballistic software to be helpfull for generating graphs and charts, and calculating recoil and energy levels. it can be downloaded free (for 30 days) here: Ballistics software just so you know, i did NOT buy, and i do not own this software. i just thought it might be helpfull. Its up to you if you buy it or not. i think its over-priced, but it does the job.

have a nice day.

 

[epijunkie67]

I've been intereted in this round also. My fiance is highly recoil sensitive and doesn't even like shooting plain 38 special from my Taurus 66. I have been wanting to get something she can use for home defense and thought the .32 Mag might be a viable option. Thought I might pick up a rifle chambered for this also since Taurus is coming out with one in a few weeks.

I'll be keeping an eye on this thread.

 

[Glock19Fan]

I dont have any experience with it, but from what ive seen, there hasnt been much technology put into bullet designs, since I guess the ammo manufacturers dont have much interest in the cartridge.

IMO, I would think the cartridge would be much more popular, very close to the .32ACP. Its more powerful, can push heavier bullets, and is more reliable.

The only self defense cartridges ive seen for this caliber are Federals Hishok ammunition. Other than that there really isnt much more. If Speer would make a good performing Gold Dot for the caliber, I wouldnt mind having a revolver in the caliber for a 2nd or 3rd SD weapon around the house.

 

[P. Plainsman]

Glock19Fan, Black Hills also makes a JHP defense/game load in .32 Mag. It's fairly available in my corner of the Midwest. Same price as the Federal JHP (i.e., pricey) and should be as good for defense. Indeed, I prefer Black Hills ammo in my .32 SP101. It shoots better.

The real .32 Mag cognoscenti seem to favor the hot Georgia Arms 100 gr JHP load for defensive applications. It is rated at 1100 fps from (I believe) a regular length barrel. Fired out of a 2" snubby, it should still beat a .380. You can mail order it at www.georgia-arms.com. I haven't tried it yet but am planning a 500-round purchase in the near future.

I regard my .32 SP101 more as a sporting "kit gun" -- if I'm toting the weight of an all-steel revolver for defense then I want it to launch at least a .38+P. The featherweight Smith .32s thus make more sense as a defense package. But I would still like to think my SP101 could get the job done if forced to ... I bet its 3" barrel will yield nice numbers stoked with those GA rounds.

Edit to add: Also, I agree, a Speer Gold Dot would be welcome.

 

[jame]

I own two .32 magnum guns, and it happens to be my personal favorite. I load a cast 95 grain SWC over some Unique to get around 1100 fps, give or take. It seems to have plenty 'o thump left at 40 yards or so. Recoil from a relatively heavy K frame S&W mod. 16 is noticeable, but not uncomfortable. Out of a 13oz gun, I'm sure it will have a little snap, but it sure won't be a wrist-breaker

 

[nero45acp]

Thanks to all for your helpful and informative replies. I think I pick up a 432PD next month, though I wish S&W offered a all steel (hammerless) version similar to my 640.


nero

 

[P. Plainsman]

That's an interesting addendum that casts the question in a different light.

If your ideal would be an all-steel .32 Mag similar in weight to a 640, then it would seem that the SP101, not the 432PD, comes closest to your desired specs among currently made revolvers.

As I said, I think the Ruger's weight is too much for a .32 if you view the gun as a pure CCW proposition. But if your #1 goal is reduced recoil, I assure you, the 3" SP is a cream puff. There's no way the ultra-light S&W would be as comfortable to shoot.

The Ruger is bigger than a J-frame, though.

 

[Alan Fud]

.38special followed by the .380ACP followed by the .32mag followed by the .32ACP

I've been intereted in this round also. My fiance is highly recoil sensitive and doesn't even like shooting plain 38 special from my Taurus 66. I have been wanting to get something she can use for home defense and thought the .32 Mag might be a viable option.

My wife is also recoil sensative and she definitely prefers her .32mag and .380ACP rather than a .38special or a 9mm.

 

[HiWayMan]

Glock19fan-

Speer does make some bullets for the .32, even a Gold Dot.

Search www.midwayusa.com for "speer .312 bullets"

 

[nero45acp]

Thanks again, for the responses.

Today I handled a 442 which is very similar to the 432, and I was very impressed with it. I really like the feel/weight, and bantam grips of the Air Weight snubbies. I'm going to pick one up later this month, and use it as a carry gun with a IWB holster, instead of the Seecamp and back pocket holster that I'm using now. (nothing wrong with the Seecamp, I just want something with a little more power and I like the idea of using a snubbie for a carry gun)

Any recommendations for a right handed, IWB holster for the S&W 432PD?


nero

 

[71Commander]

$ for $, I would go with a FIST. They're made when you place the order. They're a lot nicer than commercial holsters, such as Hume or Safariland, and not to expensive. You can't say that about many thing on today's world.

Look in here.

http://www.gunnersalley.com/category/holstersbymanufacturer.fistholsters/

 

[nero45acp]

I went ahead and picked up a 432PD yesterday. I'm very impressed with the apparent quality of this little revolver. I can't wait till I get it out to the range on monday.

Thanks TennTucker, I checked out the link you provided and FIST's website, and I like what I see. I think I'm going to order their #3 deep cover clip holster.

One more question, I will be shooting some .32 S&W Long LRN ammo with my 432PD, how many rounds of LRN ammunition can I shoot before lead fouling becomes an issue? And what would you'll recommend to remove the lead fouling that won't damage the revolvers black finish (or the skin on my hands, or my lungs)? I have always used FMJ or JHP ammo, so I have no experience in dealing with lead fouling. Thanks.


nero

 

[Richard]

I am sorry if I am late but I am also the fly in the oinment. I sold my 4" M631 because factory ammo is expensive, I had problems with case heads collapsing during reloading, and frankly I didn't see a thing the 32 Mag could do for me a 38 Special didn't do better. I bought the M631 during the Hype in the early nineties and I do not miss it now that it is gone. Regards, Richard

PS I am sure a quality 32acp with good ammo will the 32 Mags roll for self defense as well and cheaper.

 

[nero45acp]

Thanks, Richard. I've already got a M640 .357mag and a Seecamp .32acp, so if the 432PD doesn't work out I've got those bases covered.


nero

 

[P. Plainsman]

Hmm. I don't buy that the .32 ACP will do the .32 Mag's job. The published numbers don't bear that out. .32 Mag pushes a heavier bullet at a higher velocity. If you handload to full potential, the gap just increases.

It's a game of inches down there in mousegun land, but I know I'd choose the .32 Mag.

.32 Mag vs. .380 is another matter.