Shoot 32ACP in S&W 32 Long Revolver

5mmgunguy

Is there a down side to shooting 32 ACP in a 32 Long revolver? Just had 500 rounds of 32ACP given to me.

rufe-snow

Depends on the revolver? I definitely wouldn't be shooting it in one of the older top brake BP models.

cbyerly

It can be done since the ACP is a semi-rimmed ctg. That round is a much higher pressure ctg than the normal 32 ctg. Do so only if you are willing to take the risk of blowing up the gun.

jonk

I'd say this is a bad idea. Maybe not from a safety standpoint in some guns, but just from a mechanical standpoint. And discussing safety- the 32 S&W long is a round that peaks at about 11,000 psi. The 32 ACP runs up to about 14,000. If your gun shares its frame and cylinder with one chambered for 32 mag or .327 mag, just happens to be chambered in 32 smith and wesson long, then I'd say pressure wise, ok; otherwise just don't try it.

Mechanically- Yes, the .32 ACP is semi rimmed, however that might not prove enough to offer reliable extraction.

Now it WOULD be safe to shoot .32 Smith and Wesson (not long, just the plain version) in the .32 Smith and Wesson long chamber.

babun

Some good points here but consider this about the pressures quoted....The shorter acp round should make less pressure when fired in a chamber/cylinder that is too long for it.
Just the opposite of when you hand load a rifle shell and have the bullet tips touch the rifling to gain accuracy, which generally raises peak pressure. Weatherby for years used a long throat [free bore] to lower the pressure in their hot loads.

givette

quote:Originally posted by babun
Some good points here but consider this about the pressures quoted....The shorter acp round should make less pressure when fired in a chamber/cylinder that is too long for it.
Just the opposite of when you hand load a rifle shell and have the bullet tips touch the rifling to gain accuracy, which generally raises peak pressure. Weatherby for years used a long throat [free bore] to lower the pressure in their hot loads.

Good point In Rifles. Here's what I mean..

Pistols (esp. revolvers) have powders designed to achieve peak pressure before the bullet has had the time to travel one bullet length.

That takes 'freebore' out of the equation. Coupled with the .32ACP being a shorter casing, the extra pressure is concentrated at the rear of the cylinder..too much in too little space.

Both items indicated above conspire against the use of 32ACP in 32 long chamberings*

Best, Joe





*handgun unknown at the time of this writing..worst case assumption

5mmgunguy

Joe,

Its a S&W model 31, three inch barrel. The 32 ACP isn't factory ammo, they are reloads. 71 gr FMJ with 2.1 grains of 231. Mix of cases.