32 S&W (short)

**dregan** · December 31st, 2010, 07:06 PM

Sorry if this was covered somewhere I tried searching but found nothing.

Can you reload .32 S&W Short with .32 S&W Long die sets? Also what chart should I use. I found some old load data but I am not sure some of it is even made anymore. I am just starting the research process on this caliber. While I am at it, would 9mm do .380?

As far as brass goes, can I just trim .32 Longs down?

Thank you in advance for the input.

**saleen322** · December 31st, 2010, 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by dregan

Sorry if this was covered somewhere I tried searching but found nothing.

Can you reload .32 S&W Short with .32 S&W Long die sets? Also what chart should I use. I found some old load data but I am not sure some of it is even made anymore. I am just starting the research process on this caliber. While I am at it, would 9mm do .380?

As far as brass goes, can I just trim .32 Longs down?

Thank you in advance for the input.

IMHO the sizer die will work with no problem. The issues are will the flare die adjust down far enough for the shorter case and likewise for the bullet seater. I load a ton of 32 S&W longs for the European target pistols but never did a 32 short. My guess is they will not and you will need to get a 32 short die set. Again, this is my guess.

**knight0334** · January 1st, 2011, 12:36 AM

Originally Posted by dregan

Sorry if this was covered somewhere I tried searching but found nothing.

Can you reload .32 S&W Short with .32 S&W Long die sets? Also what chart should I use. I found some old load data but I am not sure some of it is even made anymore. I am just starting the research process on this caliber. While I am at it, would 9mm do .380?

As far as brass goes, can I just trim .32 Longs down?

Thank you in advance for the input.

Yes, you can trim longs down to shorts.

No to the 9mm doing .380acp. The 9mm is a tapered case which is larger in diameter.

**dregan** · January 1st, 2011, 12:48 AM

Thanks for the reply.

About an hour after I posted that I researched the .380 and 9mm and realized it's totally different.

I found the dies I need for the .32 sw and am going to order them ASAP.

I am still trying to gather info on load data for them and resources to get materials.

**justashooter** · January 2nd, 2011, 01:02 AM

http://www.reloadammo.com/32sw.htm

Loads for .32 Smith & Wesson: (short)(case is .605" long)
(Note: Most ARE MAXIMUM loads, you may want to use 10% less to start.)
(See note on Powders below or read all about various Powders.)
Due to different barrel lengths, type of bullet, seating depth, primer type and other factors, you may not get near the FPS charted. It is just a guide and the reason you should start under these charges and work up.
Bullet size is .314" (lead) in diameter.

----------------------------------------
85 Grain LEAD
W231 1.4 gr. 640 fps MAX
HP38 1.3 gr. 668
IMR 700X 1.4 gr. 665
Bullseye 1.3 gr. 670
----------------------------------------
88 Grain LEAD RN Remington commercial
S&W (short) 638.8 fps hi=676, lo=597, ES=78
----------------------------------------
90 Grain LEAD RN
HP-38 1.3 gr. 438 fps
Unique 1.7 gr. 441 fps
Unique 2.0 gr. 479 (max)
W-231 1.4 gr. 422
W231/HP38 2.0 gr. 561
Unique 2.3 gr. 542

you could use .312, as .314 may be hard to find. i would start 20% reduced from the loads given if using in an older top break revolver, and stick with the lighter bullets.

**Pete D.** · January 2nd, 2011, 07:32 AM

Couple of notes.
You can buy .32 S&W brass from Midway. Magtech makes it.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...ber=1657447545

It's more labor/cost effective than trimming .32S&W Long cases.
Bullets may be .312 - .315" diameter.

You can buy loaded ammo = Magtech, Winchester, Remington.
http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/index....mo-32-sw-short

Pete

**dregan** · January 2nd, 2011, 09:44 AM

Thank you both.

I found that load data on that same site and forgot to bookmark it. You saved me a lot of time re-googling.

I didn't really take into consideration how long it would take to trim. I saw Magtech offers 32sw brass but I was not sure if it was short. It seems there is a lot of confusion when it comes to this round. I see it is the short now that I have that load data page again.

It is an old break top revolver. 1898 (I think) S&W DA Fourth Model in excellent working order.

**knight0334** · January 2nd, 2011, 04:31 PM

Originally Posted by dregan

Thank you both.

I found that load data on that same site and forgot to bookmark it. You saved me a lot of time re-googling.

I didn't really take into consideration how long it would take to trim. I saw Magtech offers 32sw brass but I was not sure if it was short. It seems there is a lot of confusion when it comes to this round. I see it is the short now that I have that load data page again.

It is an old break top revolver. 1898 (I think) S&W DA Fourth Model in excellent working order.

Magtech does offer 32S&W = http://www.magtechammunition.com/sto...details528.php

32SWL(S&W Long) is = http://www.magtechammunition.com/sto...details529.php

**Mickey Rat** · March 5th, 2012, 09:05 PM

You can reload 32 S&W short cases with 32 ACP dies. You can cut 32 ACP cases down and use them if you wish. I found that the 32ACP cases work in my S&W breaktaop and my H&R breaktop. You have to seat the 85 gr RNL deep to keep the cylinder from binding on the bullet nose. I won't load anything heavier to keep the stress down.