old .32 norma ammunition

Good morning:  

I had no idea that people collected ammunition.  I got this box of Norma .32 when I purchased a Smith and Wesson Model 31 a few days ago (1955).  My intent was to use it in the revolver and then reload for my Benelli.

Since the ammunition is from the late 1960's (pencil writing on box) as far as I can tell, I emailed Norma to determine if it had corrosive primers.  Of course, Norma said not to fire it!  Since then I have noticed that the box says non-corrosive primers.  

Your opinions - Is it best to fire this in the revolver and use the brass for reloading, or just sell or admire?!?

Thanks

I would shoot it but if someone wanted to buy it that would be fine too.

See if it is corroded, it looks fine from what l see.

I have no familiarity with that brand 32 ammo. Is Norma brass suitable for reloading?  Also, not knowing the charge, I might want to test velocity in a revolver before trying it in a Olympic 32, might be too stout?

Greetings,

Is it Round Nose or WadCutter?

Norma WadCutter shot rather well.

I have some Remington TargetMaster and Western SuperMatch WadCutter both made in the late 40's and early 50's.

The Remington still shot inside the ten ring at 50 yards.

BEWARE some of the vintage 32 S&W Long ammo have Balloon Head cases.

The first one fired in a test barrel blew out into my formally pretty face.

It is safe for revolver use as the head is fully supported by the chamber.

Cheers,

Dave

It is round nose lead, so I cannot and would not use it anyway in my Benelli.

I will shoot it in the revolver.  

What is a Balloon Head case?

Thanks

David

A “baloon head case”  is a case made from a thin shell and the “head” is formed by “ballooning” the shell and folding over the rim until they’re flat.  If you section the case head you can see the fold.  The primer pocket is formed with a punch.  These haven’t been used since black powder (1900 or so).  

What you still occasionally see are “semi-baloon head” cases.  These have a thin solid head with a primer pocket formed from that.  Ok for low pressure rounds but not ok for much above 10000 psi.  Here is a “semi-baloon” case in the middle.

Thank you for the information. 

Looking down into one of these norma cases that have been fired does not have a primer pocket formed with a punch.  Looks like any of my other .32 cases.  

I am certainly learning a lot on my trip down the .32 road.