Charles Graff
Moderator Emeritus
Glen...I think I am going to like this little 32. We got off to a bad start, but we have no made up and while not going steady, at least are interested in each other.
First 32 S&W Long reloads and unmitigated disaster.
- Thread starter Charles Graff
- Start date
9
9.3X62AL
Guest
I'm a little late to this clambake, owing to a multi-day fishing jaunt at Shasta Lake. I have the 32 S&W Long to thank for getting me into bullet casting, circa 1981. At that time, commercially-available bullets for the caliber were unobtanium, so I prevailed upon one of my shooting mentors to guide me along the path to making my own bullets. This was years prior to tumble-lubing, so the Lyman 450 was part of the deal right along with the melting and pouring regimen. It occurred to me then to range well beyond the 32 SWL since I was investing in the hardware for bullet processing, so I added tooling to enable 38 Special--357 Magnum--45 ACP--and 30-30 WCF in the rifle to benefit from the pouring cycles as well. Things have gotten totally out of control in the succeeding 34 years, all due to the hunt for bullets to feed the little 32 Longs I emptied out.
The 32 SWL and 32 Magnum have been instant delights since Day 1 for me. Both calibers are SUPERB small game and varmint whackers. I didn't and don't have the dimensional difficulties between my guns and my die sets, the .314" bullets desired by the S&W Model 16-4 are a smooth snug fit in the seating die's bullet guide, which will just swallow a .316" (-.0002") pin gauge. (I didn't emerge entirely unscathed, though--my 32-20 seater die's bullet guide did stick with .314" bullets meant for my S&W M&P of that caliber, so I opened that gallery about .002" with judicious use of alum oxide paper/slotted drill/cutting oil.)
Anyone looking for single-best bullet in the 32 SWL would do well to obtain the RCBS 32-098-SWC mould. In several 32 SWLs and Magnums it has shown itself to be the accuracy king, and has sufficient lube capacity to enable 1200 FPS in the Magnum. At standard velocities, it shoots right to the sights in fixed-sight Colts and S&Ws.
The 32 SWL and 32 Magnum have been instant delights since Day 1 for me. Both calibers are SUPERB small game and varmint whackers. I didn't and don't have the dimensional difficulties between my guns and my die sets, the .314" bullets desired by the S&W Model 16-4 are a smooth snug fit in the seating die's bullet guide, which will just swallow a .316" (-.0002") pin gauge. (I didn't emerge entirely unscathed, though--my 32-20 seater die's bullet guide did stick with .314" bullets meant for my S&W M&P of that caliber, so I opened that gallery about .002" with judicious use of alum oxide paper/slotted drill/cutting oil.)
Anyone looking for single-best bullet in the 32 SWL would do well to obtain the RCBS 32-098-SWC mould. In several 32 SWLs and Magnums it has shown itself to be the accuracy king, and has sufficient lube capacity to enable 1200 FPS in the Magnum. At standard velocities, it shoots right to the sights in fixed-sight Colts and S&Ws.
Charles;
Great post! I am from Hamilton, Ohio and went to Vocational High School where I was trained as a machinist. My family owned a Hardware and Appliance Repair Shop and I worked in it from age 14. I was given a car and a repair route at age 16 and repaired automatic laundry equipment (the shop worked on anything found in a home including radio and tv, electric irons, ALL appliances. So, problem solving was part of my DNA. I started casting bullets and reloading at age 14 (my dad was a confirmed "gunny"). I did rifle, pistol, and shotgun. I still cast bullets and reload my handguns, of course.
.32's are one of my favorite calibers. I shoot .32 S&W Long and .32 H&R Magnum in several revolvers. They are superb edible small game guns, also. Al is certainly on point recommending the RCBS 98 gr SWC for .32's. The only problem I have with that is that RCBS are limited to two cavity moulds. As a result, my go-to bullet is a 100 gr Keith from a Custom Lee Group Buy mould. Similar, but I, too, like the RCBS bullet.
When I hit age 26 I became an Insurance Claims Adjuster. My mechanical experience was a tremendous advantage in my new chosen field. I spent thirty years there handling major cases. About half of my clients were commercial - factories, retail, and auto. You wouldn't believe how cooperative those folks became when they realized that they were dealing with someone who actually understood!
>)). Life was good.
In my IPSC years I shot 15,000 rounds per year of .45 ACP and several thousand of other calibers (.32, .38/.357, .44 Special/.44 Magnum as well as several different rifle calibers).
Ric;
I worked Middletown for many years and well remember the Aeronca plant. I knew several of the employees. During and just after WWII I lived on a farm near Collinsville, Ohio. Just up the road, the Aeronca Sales Manager lived. He had a grass strip right next to his house and he commuted between there and work flying an Aeronca plane. His twelve year old son soloed in an Aeronca at that age (was written up in Aviation News, etc.).
Connections, connections...
FWIW
Dale53
Great post! I am from Hamilton, Ohio and went to Vocational High School where I was trained as a machinist. My family owned a Hardware and Appliance Repair Shop and I worked in it from age 14. I was given a car and a repair route at age 16 and repaired automatic laundry equipment (the shop worked on anything found in a home including radio and tv, electric irons, ALL appliances. So, problem solving was part of my DNA. I started casting bullets and reloading at age 14 (my dad was a confirmed "gunny"). I did rifle, pistol, and shotgun. I still cast bullets and reload my handguns, of course.
.32's are one of my favorite calibers. I shoot .32 S&W Long and .32 H&R Magnum in several revolvers. They are superb edible small game guns, also. Al is certainly on point recommending the RCBS 98 gr SWC for .32's. The only problem I have with that is that RCBS are limited to two cavity moulds. As a result, my go-to bullet is a 100 gr Keith from a Custom Lee Group Buy mould. Similar, but I, too, like the RCBS bullet.
When I hit age 26 I became an Insurance Claims Adjuster. My mechanical experience was a tremendous advantage in my new chosen field. I spent thirty years there handling major cases. About half of my clients were commercial - factories, retail, and auto. You wouldn't believe how cooperative those folks became when they realized that they were dealing with someone who actually understood!
>)). Life was good.In my IPSC years I shot 15,000 rounds per year of .45 ACP and several thousand of other calibers (.32, .38/.357, .44 Special/.44 Magnum as well as several different rifle calibers).
Ric;
I worked Middletown for many years and well remember the Aeronca plant. I knew several of the employees. During and just after WWII I lived on a farm near Collinsville, Ohio. Just up the road, the Aeronca Sales Manager lived. He had a grass strip right next to his house and he commuted between there and work flying an Aeronca plane. His twelve year old son soloed in an Aeronca at that age (was written up in Aviation News, etc.).
Connections, connections...
FWIW
Dale53
Charles Graff
Moderator Emeritus
Yes, lots of connections. I learned to fly in an Aeronca Champ (Champion).
RicinYakima
High Steppes of Eastern Washington
Dale53,
I will not get back to Middletown this year, but hope to in 2017. It is my understanding that the plant is still making parts?? Ric
I will not get back to Middletown this year, but hope to in 2017. It is my understanding that the plant is still making parts?? Ric
Ric;
I really don't have any up to date information on Aeronca Aviation. It was my understanding that they closed many years ago. However, you might want to check in with the Aeronca Owners Club and get some real information:
http://www.aeronca.org/
I have been retired for over twenty years and only get up to Middletown on occasion even tho' it is just up the road from me. If you need something from the area, however, I could check it out...
Dale53
I really don't have any up to date information on Aeronca Aviation. It was my understanding that they closed many years ago. However, you might want to check in with the Aeronca Owners Club and get some real information:
http://www.aeronca.org/
I have been retired for over twenty years and only get up to Middletown on occasion even tho' it is just up the road from me. If you need something from the area, however, I could check it out...
Dale53
RicinYakima
High Steppes of Eastern Washington
Oh, the Aeronca Company is long gone, but the building, machinery and location is there. It is now run as a spin off of one of the big aero-space companies.
9
9.3X62AL
Guest
There's Bret again, torturing me with his gloating over that Model 16 he has. I am just about ready to do something REALLY DUMB......buy a Single-Six and have a good 'smith open it up to 32 S&W Long. I might even "double down" on said silliness and have the 'smith open its 22 Magnum cylinder to 327 Federal; not sure if that is metallurgically possible from a pressure/safety perspective. "Need" has nothing to do with it, of course.
Al;
Why don't you just buy a new Ruger Single Seven?
Frankly, I have no need or want for a .327 but that is a practical way to get a new nicely sized .32. You certainly don't have to load it up to magnum status (.32 H&R is all the steam I need or want in a .32). I am happy with my 16-4 (as well as my 4" Model 631) but would certainly be lookin' hard at the Ruger Single Seven if I didn't already have several .32's.
Just a thought...
Dale53
Why don't you just buy a new Ruger Single Seven?
Frankly, I have no need or want for a .327 but that is a practical way to get a new nicely sized .32. You certainly don't have to load it up to magnum status (.32 H&R is all the steam I need or want in a .32). I am happy with my 16-4 (as well as my 4" Model 631) but would certainly be lookin' hard at the Ruger Single Seven if I didn't already have several .32's.
Just a thought...
Dale53
Pistolero
Well-Known Member
Al, I think we all passed "Need" about 20 exits back on the Interstate. . . . . . or more.
Could be a neat machine! Single Seven looks pretty cool, too.
http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-Single7.htm
Bill
Could be a neat machine! Single Seven looks pretty cool, too.
http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-Single7.htm
Bill
9
9.3X62AL
Guest
The J-frame S&W does a lot of things well for the 32 S&W Long. After all, its 6-shot rendition was purpose-built for the caliber on its I-frame predecessor. I saw a pristine Model 31-1 x 4" at a gun show in Boise about 3 years ago.......shoulda woulda coulda. My "goal" here is to have a 32 SWL that is safe to run 95-100 grain castings at 900 FPS without strain. Later-series S&W and Colts can do this handily, and of course the Single Seven could do this in its sleep. Something will come around.
Al;
Just in case you need to know what to look for (LOL);
My 631 has an excellent trigger (single and double action), great sights and shoots well. I mostly shoot .32 S&W Longs with a 100 gr Keith ahead of 2.8 grs of Win 231 or equivalent. This load is NOT to be used in a top break revolver of any make, but works quite well on edible small game.
Keep lookin' and you might get lucky. One never knows. It would be nice if some big distributor could get Smith to run these again...
Dale53
Just in case you need to know what to look for (LOL);
My 631 has an excellent trigger (single and double action), great sights and shoots well. I mostly shoot .32 S&W Longs with a 100 gr Keith ahead of 2.8 grs of Win 231 or equivalent. This load is NOT to be used in a top break revolver of any make, but works quite well on edible small game.
Keep lookin' and you might get lucky. One never knows. It would be nice if some big distributor could get Smith to run these again...
Dale53
9
9.3X62AL
Guest
The Model 631 in 32 Mag I would opt for, if one could be found. The 327 Federal I am leery of--Ruger made their GP-100 and Blackhawk in the caliber for a short time, then went to the SP-101 and stopped abruptly, and now offer a 7-shot Single Six that requires EXACT centering of charge holes at loading gate. The 327 does nothing my Blackhawk in 30 Carbine can't do. In truth, a 4" Model 30 or 31 would be fine. Those RCBS 32-98-SWC at 900 FPS is my goal; I can put them up in 32 Mag or 32 SWL cases.
Al;
It seems we are pretty much on the same page. Ever since I got my 631 and S&W Model 16-4 I have loaded "in the same neighborhood" as you desire. That level of load is pleasant to shoot and works admirably on edible small game.
Having said that, the .38 Special in the right handgun has much the same appeal to me. I consider myself fortunate that I happened on a S&W Model 60-4 (dble underlugged 3" barrel with adjustable sights on a "J" frame) when they first hit the market. I brought it home, a bit disappointed that it only had a 3" barrel instead of my preference for a 4". However, when I took it to the range, I discovered that I could actually shoot it a bit better than I could my 631. The 631 is so light that it is a bit harder to hold than the 3" barrel of the 60-4. That dbl underlugged barrel puts the weight forward and just flat holds better. Strange, but true. I've mentioned before that the little guns (631 or 60-4) worn cross draw are perfect partners with a bird gun (my choice was a Beretta Silver Snipe over/under in 12 gauge). That way the revolver is not in the way of the shotgun but is instantly available for sitting or wounded game. That was my plan and it worked perfectly in the field. I have several magnums and for that use the extra power, recoil, and noise are not only not needed but detrimental to pleasant use.
Again, my family always appreciated eating pistol shot small game as opposed to shotgun shot game (no shot to pick out of your teeth when eating if the cook missed a piece of shot or two when cleaning>)).
FWIW
Dale53
It seems we are pretty much on the same page. Ever since I got my 631 and S&W Model 16-4 I have loaded "in the same neighborhood" as you desire. That level of load is pleasant to shoot and works admirably on edible small game.
Having said that, the .38 Special in the right handgun has much the same appeal to me. I consider myself fortunate that I happened on a S&W Model 60-4 (dble underlugged 3" barrel with adjustable sights on a "J" frame) when they first hit the market. I brought it home, a bit disappointed that it only had a 3" barrel instead of my preference for a 4". However, when I took it to the range, I discovered that I could actually shoot it a bit better than I could my 631. The 631 is so light that it is a bit harder to hold than the 3" barrel of the 60-4. That dbl underlugged barrel puts the weight forward and just flat holds better. Strange, but true. I've mentioned before that the little guns (631 or 60-4) worn cross draw are perfect partners with a bird gun (my choice was a Beretta Silver Snipe over/under in 12 gauge). That way the revolver is not in the way of the shotgun but is instantly available for sitting or wounded game. That was my plan and it worked perfectly in the field. I have several magnums and for that use the extra power, recoil, and noise are not only not needed but detrimental to pleasant use.
Again, my family always appreciated eating pistol shot small game as opposed to shotgun shot game (no shot to pick out of your teeth when eating if the cook missed a piece of shot or two when cleaning
>)).FWIW
Dale53
9
9.3X62AL
Guest
Unless I put THE RIGHT GRIPS on a J-frame S&W, the little things jump around for me too. I've had 2 Kit Guns over the years, and couldn't hit with them worth beans. Now, a Police Positive I have in 38 S&W I can hit well with--I altered the interior of a set of Pachmayr Presentations to fit its wide-flared butt section. I see a set of PachPres going on any Model 30 or 31 I'm able to round up.
For right now, this one will have to be my " .32 Pistol ".
I recently acquired an 84 gr. wad cutter bullet mold ( 313492 double cav. ) for my Thompson Contender 30/30 pistol.The Contender has a 10" barrel , 30/30 Win. with a 2 X - 6 X variable scope on it.
I've shot this 84 gr. wad-cutter with " laser like accuracy " at 25 yards.
If you just want to get out on the range and have some FUN, this is the one to take with you.
Oh, by the way, brass last for 4 forevers with this load.
All I do is partially neck size my brass.
I recently acquired an 84 gr. wad cutter bullet mold ( 313492 double cav. ) for my Thompson Contender 30/30 pistol.The Contender has a 10" barrel , 30/30 Win. with a 2 X - 6 X variable scope on it.
I've shot this 84 gr. wad-cutter with " laser like accuracy " at 25 yards.
If you just want to get out on the range and have some FUN, this is the one to take with you.
Oh, by the way, brass last for 4 forevers with this load.
All I do is partially neck size my brass.
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