Author Topic: 32 S&W Long LRN versus 32 S&W Long LWC (Read 831 times)

Mrserenity · « **on:** March 10, 2005, 06:31:09 AM »

Which is a better self defense round, the 32 S&W Long 98 grain LRN or the 98 grain wadcutter? Also, can someone explain the wadcutters design? Looking at it, it looks like a shotgun slug. With the LRN you can see the projectile. However, with the wadcutter it looks like it is encased. Also, is it a thin piece of metal or is it a half inch thick? Thanks

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2005, 02:47:35 AM »

In the interest of getting some kind of answer to this question, I can tell you that the most common use for the SWCs today is in semi-automatic centerfire pistols used for international sport pistol and for the centerfire match of bullseye. These are all expensive specialty pistols.

Is your question because you don't handload and you are stuck with just those two choices for factory ammo? If so, and if self defense is that important to you, sell the 32 and get something that's made for self defense, like a 357, a 40, or a 45.

If for some at the moment inconceivable reason I had to use the 32 with just those two options for bullets, I would choose the round nose because the velocity is probably higher and the penetration will be better.

Vern Humphrey · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2005, 07:08:55 AM »

If those are the only two choices you have, I'd go with the wadcutter. In general, a large meplat (the flat on the nose) is better for impact, and a wadcutter is all meplat.

HappyHunter · « **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2005, 08:41:03 AM »

Mrserenity,

What gun are you shooting this from?

Years ago (ok quite a few decades ago) the little 32 hand ejector was a popular pocket pistol. This was usually built on an I or J frame (Smith Wesson). For target bullseye the K frame (Smith Wesson) revolver was used.

The wadcutter bullet is usually set all the way into the case and this will reduce the amount of powder that can be loaded into the tiny case. For that reason you may want the SWC bullet as it may be loaded for higher velocity.

That being said, Quester was correct in that the 32 long is a very anemic round and is not well suited for self defense. If handling recoil is an issue consider a 38 Special as minimum and I would suggest shooting it out of a .357 mag gun, this would enable you to practice with 38 and depend on the .357 mag.

Don Fischer · « **Reply #4 on:** March 13, 2005, 08:09:16 AM »

I'm not a big handgun freak but have a few and have been thru a few. I'v a mod 16 S&W in 32 long that I love but, for defence, no way. I used to carry a 4" Colt Trooper loaded with 125 gr bullet's as hot as I could get them without sticking the cylinder. The Trooper frame was a lot heaver than the 38 frames, excepting my 38/44, the grip's a bit larger and the cylinder a bit beefer to handle pressure. The extra weight and bigger grips seemed to help handle recoil better.

Today I carry around a P89 Ruger for fire power or a GP 100 Ruger 4" for better power and nothing is more fun to shoot and to hunt rabbit's with than that old mod 16 in 32 S&W long.

Doc T · « **Reply #5 on:** March 15, 2005, 04:29:54 AM »

If you don't reload, and if you are interested, georgia-arms.com sells 32 Long ammo loaded with 100gr SJHPs with an advertised MV of 750fps.