RCBS 170 Flat nose 32 spl gas check bullet.

[Argonaut]

I have been searching for .32 spl bullets molds and the one the seems to fill the bill is the RCBS model, a 170 gr fpgc. There are others I like more but they have been dicontinued or are designed with the 32-40 in mind. In the past i have not had alot of luck with bore nose riding type bullets. Though I had a Krag once that would shoot 1.5 inch groups with SEACO 180 grain bullets of that general design.  Any have any experiance with the RCBS bullet in their .32 spls?   

Also, if you are using an .32 M die and have a Micrometer handy. can you tell me what the dia to the two steps on the die are?

[jtaylor1960]

I have a Marlin 336 24in. barrel.Bought the bullets from Gardner's Cache.They are cast hard and sized at.323.In my gun they shoot as well as jacketed bullets.These bullets weigh in at just a shade over 180 gr.I have an "M" die but didn't measure it yet.Ialso have a Lee universal flaring die.Just the one die will work on several calibers.Good luck with your 32.Jeff Taylor

[Blowtorch53]

Mr. Taylor,

Thanks for the heads up on Gardner's Cache and the .32 Special bullets.  The .32 stuff is hard to find.  I am going to try them.

Blowtorch 

[jtaylor1960]

 Let me know how you make out.Good luck, Jeff Taylor.

[Argonaut]

thanks for the info,  I am really looking forward to getting this rifle. (the money is actually in my pocket for it). It is my wife's christmas gift to me. I look forward to shooting it with cast bullets for me that is alot more shooting for the money much less barrel wear. I will check out the site you suggested, though I still intend to get that mold. I cast alot of pistol bullets and switching molds prevents overheating.

The sportsmans warehouse has .32 spl dies and hornady 170 flat points so you can bet i won't wait long to shoot it. Likely I wont ever shoot a factory load out of it.

[jtaylor1960]

 H-4895 is my favorite powder with jacketed bullets in my 32spl.Accuracy is very good.

[Argonaut]

okay, the mold and gas checks will be here thursday or friday, likely tuesday though because of my luck.  i hope that the Lube I have works okay. I made a sizer die for my SAECO sizer because it was a 30 day wait because of being a special order item.

[Bitterroot Bob]

Howdy,
My Winchester likes the Lyman #321197, a 185-grain FN GC sized .321" with 18 grains of 2400. Like most of my obsolete moulds, I found it on eBay. .321" stuff is hard to find, but there are bunches of moulds out there if you're patient. I also have the #319247, a 165-grain FN square base, but I like the heavier bullet for hunting.
Odd thing, though. With factory Winchester 170-grain ammo, it shoots just fine. When I started fooling with cast bullets I ran out of sight adjustment. A ladder-type carbine sight from Dixie Gun Works cured the problem.

Bitterroot Bob

[Argonaut]

I looked at some molds on Ebay but you are  right about the rarity of .321 molds. But like you said, be patient.  Did you mean a flip up sight sort of like the 03 springfield? That sounds like it would work well and be impressive looking at the range when I flip it up!   I should get some bullets cast and loaded this week if I can get enough time to EDM the lube holes in the Die I made.  I will report back how they work initially, i know it will take some time to find the right load

What sort of velocity are you geting?  I was planning on shooting mine at aroung 1800 to 1900 FPS. If I can find a accurate load that doesn't couse any leading. 

I am also going to try center drilling the noses on some of this bullets to see if I can get an expanding bullet for hunting. Though if that doesn't work out I will use Hornady 170 gr. bullets. I shot a few of those this weekend and got groups of about 1.00 or so at 50 yards. Using IMr 4320. It was quite dim and somewhat rainy and my eyes recently got crappy! So I am sure it will shoot better this summer when we get out annual 2 weeks of sunshine per year. Maybe I will have some glasses by then.