Getting back in the 32 caliber game

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Petrol & Powder

Well-Known Member
After a long sabbatical I’m slowly getting back into the 32 caliber arena. A while back I picked up one of the surplus Beretta Model 81 pistols that came into the country. That has proven to be a great pistol. It’s too large to be a pocket pistol but it’s a fun range toy. I would have preferred a Walther PP, but those prices have hit the stratosphere.

I have a decent supply of 32 ACP brass but my recovery rate for those tiny 32 ACP casings is not good. I can’t afford to lose too many of them in today’s environment. So, I maintained a lookout for a revolver chambered in 32 S&W Long. Decent examples were way outside my price range, but I wasn’t in a hurry and could wait.

I eventually found an early 1950’s pre-model 30 that was in excellent condition, and I could tolerate the price. If that gun had been fired, it hadn’t been fired much.

I have been slowly gathering the gear to go along with the new toys. Dies, molds, brass, etc. Outpost75 shared some much apricated knowledge and I wish to give a public thank-you to him here.

I have an excellent mold for the 32 ACP (Accurate 31-075H) and I’m waiting on a WC mold for the 32 S&W Long.

Sometimes it’s good to remember the fun that can be found in something new to you.
 
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Mainiac

Well-Known Member
I picked up a 380 bersa thunder,and that thing is neat!!!ive been telling myself that i need to find one in 32 acp,,,that would be alot of fun..
 
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Petrol & Powder

Well-Known Member
Thumbcocker said:
Just picked up a CZ 70 for $238 otd. They also had a Colt 1903 made in 1920 with a perfect bore. Couldn't resist that one either. .32's multiply.
Click to expand...

I had a couple of Colt model 1903 pistols, none that were pretty. The last one I owned had been re-blued (poorly) before I got it and the bore looked rough. I tried to find a replacement barrel but eventually gave up and traded the pistol off. That turned out to be a mistake because those models now sell for a lot of money, even in poor condition.


An older gentleman I once knew (now deceased) carried a 1903 for SD. He was an excellent shot and could put those rounds anywhere he desired and do it quickly. He had the means to select whatever type of gun he wanted but he was comfortable with that little Colt.

I've always admired the products of CZ. The Czech's have a long history of good engineering and mechanical skill.
 
Intel6

Intel6

Active Member
I have 2x .32 ACP's and while I don't shoot them much, they are great fun. The first is a nice Walther PP that was issued to police in Berlin. I picked it up when I was stationed there in the 90's. It is in super nice shape and I even got the box with it with the officer's name written on it. The other is an HK4 that I have will all four caliber conversions 22LR/.25 ACP/.32 ACP /.380 ACP. The .32 ACP conversion shoots nice in it and the .25 ACP is quite a bit of fun also. I reload .25 ACP just for that little bugger.

Pic of the HK4 and its conversions in case someone hasn't seen one

HK4.jpg
 
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Petrol & Powder

Well-Known Member
All Righty Then.

I have been gathering the tools and accessories to reload 32 S&W Long. That took a bit more effort than I expected but that’s half the fun in this hobby. “Supply Chain Issues” [whatever that is today], combined with the general state of all things related to firearms – made the task an adventure.

But I think I’m well equipped now and some of the 32 S&W gear does double duty for 32 ACP loading.

I had previously acquired a RCBS Little Dandy and a rotor for my 32 ACP load and thought I might need to add another rotor for the 32 S&W loads. I lucked out and the same rotor works for both loads with Bullseye.

I needed a mold. The decision to make that mold a 95-100 grain wadcutter type was easy. The next problem was which WC mold? None of the big-name manufacturers like RCBS or Lee were available. I could special order one from SAECO, but the cost was unacceptable, and the wait time was listed in months. So, I went with Accurate Molds.
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Brass, 4 cavity, 31-095W It’s awesome!

Then I needed bullet sizing dies. After measuring the throats, I was on the fence between .313” or .314”. Ordered both and .313” turns out to be the winner.
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I already had a sizing/decapping die and a seating die, so I was good there.

I had a taper crimp die for 32ACP but wanted a roll crimp for 32 S&W. That required a new die. Turned out to be Redding die as well. Would have happily gone with just about any roll crimp die but availability was once again an issue.
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The expander turned out to be the real challenge. Expanders were available but none with the correct dimensions. An e-mail to Lyman generated a prompt and polite response but no joy. Same held true for Redding. NOE had expanders listed but they were out of stock. Then after checking the NOE website almost daily (and all the others too) NOE had the appropriate expanders for 32 ACP AND 32 S&W !
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A week or so later and I had the right expander plugs but now I needed a Lee universal die to hold them. So, one more internet order, from yet another supplier. It finally all came together, Whew.
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CZ93X62

CZ93X62

Official forum enigma
Ah, the delightful and enjoyable 32 caliber handguns. I don't use mine for social interactions, but their ease of use and their inherent accuracy make them perfect for target games of all kinds and small game/varmint hunting as well. Welcome to The Dark Side, P&P.......we have cookies.
 
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Petrol & Powder

Well-Known Member
CZ93X62 said:
Ah, the delightful and enjoyable 32 caliber handguns. I don't use mine for social interactions, but their ease of use and their inherent accuracy make them perfect for target games of all kinds and small game/varmint hunting as well. Welcome to The Dark Side, P&P.......we have cookies.
Click to expand...
I don't consisder the 32 S&W long to be an adequate self-defense cartridge but it is a fun cartridge to shoot.
It's also easy on lead and powder.

I played with 32 S&W Long and 32 H&R mag maybe 30ish years ago. In one of my more bone-headed moves, I sold off the gun AND all of the associated gear. I really wished I had at least held onto the gear. But, live and learn.
So, I had to re-acquire all of the reloading gear this time around.
 
Glaciers

Glaciers

Alaska Land of the Midnight Sun
Interesting thread to be sure, must have missed it earlier.

Intel6 that is a very nice HK set, thanks for sharing.

I’ve been gathering 32 cal stuff as well for the Short & Wimpy, S&W Long, 32H&R, as well as the 327. The 327 really doesn’t hold a lot of interest for me, but the other 3 do. I’ve never owned a 32ACP of any sort. Pretty rare and not a lot of interest in the 32’s in Alaska as they are lacking as bear stoppers. Kind of a mental block for most Alaskans, one I’ve certainly been guilty of. I’m happy to report the little 32’s and other non-bear stoppers are climbing on the interest scale for me. Recovering from magnum mania started with me in the 80’s and 90’s, but it was a slow on going process.
 
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