Reloading The .32 Smith & Wesson (short)

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.

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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
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88 Grain LEAD RN Remington commercial
    S&W (short) 638.8 fps   hi=676, lo=597, ES=78
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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 
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These are the only loads I could find for this aging cartridge. Almost all .32 revolvers are chambered for the .32 S&W Long, also called the .32 Colt New Police cartridge. See the page for this caliber.

Discussion: All the powders listed are fast burning powders in small quantities for this light bullet and light duty caliber.

A bullet with a copper gas check or copper plating is best for INDOOR ranges to keep lead vapors out of the air.

*
Power Pistol, Bullseye, Unique and 2400 are products of Alliant (formerly Hercules) Powders.
Clays, Universal, HP38, HS6 and H4895 are products of Hodgdon Powders.
IMR 3031 and IMR 4895 are products of IMR (formerly DuPont) Powder Company.
No. 2, No. 5, No. 7, No. 9, #2230, and #2460 are products of Accurate Arms Company
WAP (Winchester Action Pistol), WMR, WSF, WSL, 760, 748, 231 and 540 are products of Winchester, Components Div.

References: Accurate Arms Co. 1996 Reloading booklet - - Alliant Powder Co. Reloaders' Guide (1995) - - Hodgdon's Basic Reloaders Manual (1996) - - Speer Reloading Manual, #12 - - Winchester Reloading Components Manual, 14th edition - - Lyman Piston & Revolver Reloading Handbook, 2nd edition. - - VihtaVuori Oy Company,reloading booklet (1995) - - Numerous magazine articles on reloading special calibers and personal loads where noted.

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