Looking for information on loading the 32 S&W

Jubal · January 9, 2007, 05:05 PM

First I load for cowboy action

and want a fairly light load but not a wimpy one. I've looked up all the data available in print for this cartridge and have found a very few recipes that are recommended. None of these in the powders of my choice. Most recommended is/are HP38 or WIN 231. Has anyone had experience in this caliber with Clays, Tite Group, Unique or Trail Boss? Right now I'm using factory ammunition but it's pricy. So reloading is the only real option. Just checking to see if there is anyone else out there that might have some input. I will be using Remington or Mag Tech brass WSP primers and a 78 grain lead bullet in .313 or .314. What thank?

Rimrod · January 9, 2007, 05:53 PM

My first choice would be to use 231. Other than that the only data I have for any of your options would be in the Lyman Pistol and Revolver manual 2nd edition. 77 grain lead bullet with 1.6 to 2.5 grains of Unique.

Jubal · January 11, 2007, 07:41 PM

Thanks Rimrod

Rimrod · January 11, 2007, 08:15 PM

Anytime Jubal, and welcome to TFL.

WIL TERRY · January 12, 2007, 12:37 AM

Which are two totally seperate cartridges with big differences in case capacity ???

**Mike Irwin** · January 12, 2007, 11:42 AM

the .32 S&W is really a dying/nearly dead cartridge, so you're not going to see too much loading information being developed for it anymore.

231 and Unique are the old standbys for this caliber, but I would love to see loading data using Trail Boss.

BillCA · January 12, 2007, 11:54 AM

If you're looking at the short little .32 S&W cartridge, Winchester's 85gr RNL bullet flies at a whopping 680fps out of a 3" barrel.

I did find a little info on line by searching "reloading" + "32 S&W"...
http://www.reloadammo.com/32sw.htm

Good luck!

Rimrod · January 12, 2007, 05:38 PM

"...the .32 S&W is really a dying/nearly dead cartridge, so you're not going to see too much loading information being developed for it anymore."

Which is a real shame. It is a reloadable, uses small bullets and powder charges and can be fired in quality firearms. It is one of the greatest can shooters I've ever shot especially shooting round balls for bullets. While the .32 long is better for accuracy the .32 is hard to beat for all around fun plinking.

**Mike Irwin** · January 12, 2007, 05:47 PM

See, I think the .32 Long has it all over the .32 S&W for any possible use, especially if you're going to reload the cartridge.

Those small cases are an absolute, gold plated PIA to work with in just about any press.

Rimrod · January 12, 2007, 05:51 PM

I also reload .25 auto brass so the .32 is not bad at all.

Jbar4Ranch · January 16, 2007, 12:18 PM

In my two side match top break .32 S&W pistols, I've been using a 92 grain cast Lee bullet and 9/10 grain of Bullseye. A full grain gives me flattened primers in one of the revolvers. I just acquired an RCBS mould that casts an 80 grain bullet, so I'll switch to that one this season. In the .32 S&W Long, I use 1.6 grains of Bullseye with the same bullet, which is what the smallest RCBS Little Dandy rotor throws, the #00.

singleshot · January 17, 2007, 10:04 AM

I shoot .32 SWL with 2.0 gr. Titegroup with the Hornady HBWC or SWC. I used to use 100 gr. SWC from Bull-X but havent found anyone else offering them.

January 9, 2007, 05:05 PM	#1
Jubal Junior Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Posts: 4	Looking for information on loading the 32 S&W First I load for cowboy action and want a fairly light load but not a wimpy one. I've looked up all the data available in print for this cartridge and have found a very few recipes that are recommended. None of these in the powders of my choice. Most recommended is/are HP38 or WIN 231. Has anyone had experience in this caliber with Clays, Tite Group, Unique or Trail Boss? Right now I'm using factory ammunition but it's pricy. So reloading is the only real option. Just checking to see if there is anyone else out there that might have some input. I will be using Remington or Mag Tech brass WSP primers and a 78 grain lead bullet in .313 or .314. What thank?

January 12, 2007, 12:37 AM	#5
WIL TERRY Senior Member Join Date: July 7, 2000 Location: BLACK HILLS Posts: 1,322	Are You Asking About The 32s&w Or The 32s&w Long, Which are two totally seperate cartridges with big differences in case capacity ???

January 12, 2007, 11:42 AM	#6
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,642	the .32 S&W is really a dying/nearly dead cartridge, so you're not going to see too much loading information being developed for it anymore. 231 and Unique are the old standbys for this caliber, but I would love to see loading data using Trail Boss. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

January 12, 2007, 05:47 PM	#9
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,642	See, I think the .32 Long has it all over the .32 S&W for any possible use, especially if you're going to reload the cartridge. Those small cases are an absolute, gold plated PIA to work with in just about any press. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

January 16, 2007, 12:18 PM	#11
Jbar4Ranch Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 1999 Location: Near Helena, Montana Posts: 1,721	In my two side match top break .32 S&W pistols, I've been using a 92 grain cast Lee bullet and 9/10 grain of Bullseye. A full grain gives me flattened primers in one of the revolvers. I just acquired an RCBS mould that casts an 80 grain bullet, so I'll switch to that one this season. In the .32 S&W Long, I use 1.6 grains of Bullseye with the same bullet, which is what the smallest RCBS Little Dandy rotor throws, the #00. __________________ Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets replaced... SASS 47015

January 9, 2007, 05:53 PM	#2
Rimrod Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Behind enemy lines Posts: 1,309	My first choice would be to use 231. Other than that the only data I have for any of your options would be in the Lyman Pistol and Revolver manual 2nd edition. 77 grain lead bullet with 1.6 to 2.5 grains of Unique.

January 11, 2007, 07:41 PM	#3
Jubal Junior Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Posts: 4	Thanks Rimrod

January 11, 2007, 08:15 PM	#4
Rimrod Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Behind enemy lines Posts: 1,309	Anytime Jubal, and welcome to TFL.

January 12, 2007, 11:54 AM	#7
BillCA Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2004 Location: Silicon Valley, Ca Posts: 7,116	If you're looking at the short little .32 S&W cartridge, Winchester's 85gr RNL bullet flies at a whopping 680fps out of a 3" barrel. I did find a little info on line by searching "reloading" + "32 S&W"... http://www.reloadammo.com/32sw.htm Good luck!

January 12, 2007, 05:38 PM	#8
Rimrod Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Behind enemy lines Posts: 1,309	"...the .32 S&W is really a dying/nearly dead cartridge, so you're not going to see too much loading information being developed for it anymore." Which is a real shame. It is a reloadable, uses small bullets and powder charges and can be fired in quality firearms. It is one of the greatest can shooters I've ever shot especially shooting round balls for bullets. While the .32 long is better for accuracy the .32 is hard to beat for all around fun plinking.

January 12, 2007, 05:51 PM	#10
Rimrod Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Behind enemy lines Posts: 1,309	I also reload .25 auto brass so the .32 is not bad at all.

January 17, 2007, 10:04 AM	#12
singleshot Senior Member Join Date: October 2, 1999 Posts: 162	I shoot .32 SWL with 2.0 gr. Titegroup with the Hornady HBWC or SWC. I used to use 100 gr. SWC from Bull-X but havent found anyone else offering them.