32S&W to 32HRM

849ACSO · February 4, 2025, 09:35 PM

Anyone have the name of a good gunsmith that could ream a S&W 31-1 from 32SW to 32HRM?

Before anyone brings it up, it came as a nickel finish, and it was left in leather for years, and is pretty chewed up. It has no collector or sentimental value and is merely a shooter and tackle box gun.

I've read it has been done and the gun is plenty strong enough for it.

ligonierbill · February 5, 2025, 09:36 AM

Not that I recommend it, but have you tried a 32 H&R round in your cylinder? COL is only 0.07" more than 32 S&W Long, case and rim diameter the same.

849ACSO · February 5, 2025, 11:27 AM

I have. No go. Needs reamed.

**Aguila Blanca** · February 5, 2025, 02:24 PM

For the slight difference in length, have you considered renting a reamer and doing it yourself? Might be cheaper and faster than trying to find a pistolsmith to do it.

flyer898 · April 5, 2025, 08:49 PM

Do you handload? The pressure difference between the two cartridges is 6K psi (15000 psi for the long and 21000 psi magnum). The .32 long dates from 1896 and has sufficient case capacity to be loaded to .32 H&R ballistics.
I would not try for .327 Federal ballistics as that cartridge is loaded to 45000 psi.
Unless you are planning to use it as a carry gun, there should be no liability issues shooting home brewed ammunition. I assume you are satisfied your J-frame is up to the task. The downside is they usually just get loose and do not undergo radical disassembly.

**Aguila Blanca** · April 6, 2025, 03:30 AM

The OP didn't ask about .327 Federal Magnum, he asked about .32 H&R Magnum. Different cartridge.

P Flados · April 6, 2025, 10:41 PM

FYI,

From another forum, a thread with similar discussion includes these links:

https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...light=Model*30

https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-sm...ht=Steelslaver

https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-sm...ght=32*H&R

https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...odel-30-a.html

February 4, 2025, 09:35 PM	#1
849ACSO Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2014 Location: Somewhere in the middle Posts: 631	32S&W to 32HRM Anyone have the name of a good gunsmith that could ream a S&W 31-1 from 32SW to 32HRM? Before anyone brings it up, it came as a nickel finish, and it was left in leather for years, and is pretty chewed up. It has no collector or sentimental value and is merely a shooter and tackle box gun. I've read it has been done and the gun is plenty strong enough for it. __________________ "The day you stop learning SHOULD directly coincide with the day you stop breathing."

February 5, 2025, 11:27 AM	#3
849ACSO Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2014 Location: Somewhere in the middle Posts: 631	I have. No go. Needs reamed. __________________ "The day you stop learning SHOULD directly coincide with the day you stop breathing."

February 5, 2025, 02:24 PM	#4
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 19,034	For the slight difference in length, have you considered renting a reamer and doing it yourself? Might be cheaper and faster than trying to find a pistolsmith to do it. __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

April 6, 2025, 03:30 AM	#6
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 19,034	The OP didn't ask about .327 Federal Magnum, he asked about .32 H&R Magnum. Different cartridge. __________________ NRA Life Member / Certified Instructor NRA Chief RSO / CMP RSO 1911 Certified Armorer Jeepaholic

February 5, 2025, 09:36 AM	#2
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,641	Not that I recommend it, but have you tried a 32 H&R round in your cylinder? COL is only 0.07" more than 32 S&W Long, case and rim diameter the same.

April 5, 2025, 08:49 PM	#5
flyer898 Member Join Date: May 15, 2013 Posts: 59	Do you handload? The pressure difference between the two cartridges is 6K psi (15000 psi for the long and 21000 psi magnum). The .32 long dates from 1896 and has sufficient case capacity to be loaded to .32 H&R ballistics. I would not try for .327 Federal ballistics as that cartridge is loaded to 45000 psi. Unless you are planning to use it as a carry gun, there should be no liability issues shooting home brewed ammunition. I assume you are satisfied your J-frame is up to the task. The downside is they usually just get loose and do not undergo radical disassembly.

April 6, 2025, 10:41 PM	#7
P Flados Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2017 Location: Wilmington NC Posts: 265	FYI, From another forum, a thread with similar discussion includes these links: https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...light=Model30 https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-sm...ht=Steelslaver https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-sm...ght=32H&R https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...odel-30-a.html