.32 ACP, .32 A&W, .32 S&W Long

[Steve in Michigan]

I have some quesitons on these three cartridges.

1. If a revolver is chambered for .32 S&W or .32 S&W Long, can I shoot .32ACP thorugh it?

2. I know you can reload .32 magnum with .32 S&W Long dies, but would it be possible to reload, .32ACP, .32 S&W, and .32 S&W Long with .32 ACP dies if I had the right shellholder?

The three cases seem very close on dimensions and I know you can reload .45 Colt with .45 ACP dies so I wonder if this applies to these calibers?

Thanks,

Steve

[rbwillnj]

I'm trying to work out some of the same issues my self.   What I have found so far is that you can use the same sizing die for all three.   If your bullet seating die has enough adjustment, you should be able to use the same seating die for all three, but 32 S&W is much shorter than 32 S&W long, so you may not have enough adjustment to do both.   The real problem I have run into is with the expander operation.   I have a 32 S&W long set, and the expander plug is much to long to use on either 32 S&W and 32 ACP.  It expands the entire case before it flairs the mouth of the case.   Lastly, 32 ACP should have a taper crimp.   You could use a role crim on the others, but a taper would probably work just as well.

Again, while I have done a lot of reloading, I'm a newbee to these calibers and am trying to work out some of the same things you are.  For what its worth.

[Sir Charles deMoutonBlack]

I tried using .32 Acp cases for .32 short, when I couldn't find cases for the S & W.  They load alright, with .32 acp dies that I use for all .32s.

Trouble is, that little "semi-rim" keeps the case from dropping in, but is too thin to headspace properly.

Finally found some .32 S&W cases!

[Gregory]

I am not recommending you do this, but I had a Ruger Single Six Magnum in 32 H&R and I fired cast 32 ACP reloads out of it with no problem.

Made a nice 32 Short.

[Steve in Michigan]

Thanks for the info, guys. I am thinking that if you had a set of .32 ACP dies, you could load all three. I don't think it would be a problem if the seating die was a taper crimp. Also, I don't think headspace is a problem in a revolver, IF, and that is the big question, it fires consistantly and ejects easily. Seeing that most relolvers in these calibers are pretty old and have soft steels, I would recommend using cast or swaged lead bullets.

I think that for now, I'll just use some .32ACP in all three, and if I shoot enough that I need to reload, then I'll pick up a set of .32ACP dies. I already have a shellholder (Lee uses their #4 from the .223 for .32 S&W and .32 S&W Long). I was looking through MIdway's catalog and there was lead bullet .32ACP ammo listed. Only problem would be too light of a bullet for the other two, but with the lack of recoil in either, this may not be a problem as far as POI is concerned.

[Sir Charles deMoutonBlack]

Careful!  the .32 acp has much higher pressure, even with cast bullets.  All my .32 S&wS are OLD.  I keep them really cool, like with ONE grain of Bullseye!