Author Topic: Reforming 30-30 brass into 32 Spcl (Read 413 times)

Ron S · « **on:** March 12, 2004, 08:01:32 PM »

Hi, I'm new to this site and would like an opinion on reloading .32 Spcl ammunition by using 30-30 cases run through the .32 dies.It seems that new cases for the .32 are getting a little harder to find,besides that , I have a whole lot of 30-30 cases.Ive been a shooter/hunter most of my life and have a deep love of firearms.Not to seem rude,but I don't need a history lesson on these 2 cartridges as I have studied them both for many years;I just want to know if any of you have ever reformed brass from the 30 wcf int the 32 spcl and what kind of luck did you have with it?

Ross · « **Reply #1 on:** March 13, 2004, 03:25:02 AM »

Ron,
I have loaded .32WS in .30WCF cases with no trouble at all.
There are two things I watch for. Check that the expander button has enough taper to enter the .30 caliber neck without scratching the inside with the knurl of the button. Be extra careful that the loads are not mistaken for .30's. Since there is no significant difference in the price of new brass, and I use the .32 infrequently these days, I have returned the mis marked ammo to its nominal size. I'm getting old now, and would not like an heir to hurt herself with my handloads.
Cheers from Darkest California,
Ross

Ron S · « **Reply #2 on:** March 13, 2004, 12:51:05 PM »

Ross, thank you very much for sharing your experience with me.I thought that this was a reasonable procedure since the two cases are so close in dimensions to each other,but I have never heard or read where this had been done by anybody.My main load for both of these cartridges is 10.0 gr of Unique with lead bullets.This load gives about 1500 fps in both sizes with 170-180 gr bullets.I use this for plinking and informal target shooting,but have hunted jackrabbits with it also where it has worked out very well.I have two 32 rifles,both mod 94 Winchesters; one is 1904 vintage and the newer one is from 1983.Even though the 32 has a reputation of poor accuracy I honestly put 5 shots touching each other at 100 yds with the sixth shot about one inch from the others.I have never repeated this with any gun,scoped or not,and doubt that I ever will;but for a breif minute there I thought that I was really some pumpkins.Ha! (this was done with the older rifle) This gun was given to me by a very good rancher friend in New Mexico who kept the gun to shoot at coyotes with.He gave it to me after I pestered him for about ten years to sell it to me.He said he never could hit anything with it and was going to buy a 30-06.To me this rifle is a treasure and I wouldn't part with it for any price.Thanks once again for your reply.

unspellable · « **Reply #3 on:** March 14, 2004, 05:12:55 AM »

The 32 Special's reputation for poor accuracy supposedly applies to a nearly worn out barrel as compared to a 30-30 with a nearly worn out barrel. What sor of shape is your barrel in?

I'll never shoot my 32 Special M94 enough to worry about this point.

Joe Kool · « **Reply #4 on:** March 14, 2004, 09:31:53 AM »

Ron, I would use a tapered expander. I have found that if I use just the standard expander it tends to shorten the brass and over all doesn't do as nice a job as a tapered expander does. Most die manufacturers can provide a tapered expander at a reasonable cost. A local machine shop also, should be able to make one for you. I lube the inside of the necks by pushing the neck into Imperal Sizing Wax.