.32 S&W Long

by brassmaster 10/20/2023, 1:33 pm

I am looking for .32 S&W Long reloading data for my Walther GSP Expert. My specific interest is for 98gr WC, Lapua & Bear Creek. Additionally, from a previous post on the forum, a member posted excellent 50-yard results using 2.1grains of Ramshot True Blue Powder. I have searched this Forum's previous posts and tons of reloading Web sites but have not found the range of grains (minimum to maximum) for loading 98grain WC using True Blue.
I'm not married to using True Blue & receptive to suggestions of other powders for the long line. Thanks!

by **Wobbley** 10/20/2023, 7:36 pm

Well, I searched a bit and can’t find data for this cartridge and powder in ANY bullet weight. There’s usually a reason for this. The speed chart indicates that True Blue is about like Green Dot or International Clays. Hodgdon lists 2 loads for different powders entirely. Their powders are Titegroup which is faster and Universal which is slower. Both list starting charges of 1.8 and 1.9 with max charges of 2.1 and 2.2 both respectively.

All of that is a long winded way of saying “you’re on your own”, but perhaps all is not lost. If I wanted to use True Blue, I’d select maybe a start load of 1.7 and shoot for function and accuracy. Then increase the charge up to 2.1 and compare accuracy and function. Going beyond 2.1 is not recommended. One thing about 32S&W and ACP is that your safe range of loading data is really poor.

by **PhotoEscape** 10/20/2023, 7:56 pm

You can find a lot of data on this tread - https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t11388-bear-creek-32-long-hbwc-test?highlight=32+long

You might want to communicate to FC60 regarding particulars.
I personally use BullsEye and VV N310. I suggest experimenting with loads, but do not take data from VV website nor from H&N website. Both have erroneous information. Charges suggested on these websites are too hot. I suggest not going over 1.7gr with BE and not going over 1.4gr with N310.

AP

by bruce martindale 10/21/2023, 8:27 am

The GSP is challenging at 50 yards and challenging to properly reload for or even to buy good ammo. The twist is too slow and the bore too big, usually. Slug your bore you may find that you have a 0.314+ bore and slightly smaller bullet diameters. Result: leading and poor performance.

Tons of data here if you search. Some good safe loads include 1.9-231, 1.4 wst, 1.7 BE.
Proper expander plug or unsized shells are critical. See PhotoEscape’s products if you are using Dillon measures. I use a RCBS bench measure stuffed in a Lee powder thru die. Measure is set at “12” for my pistol insert

Don’t hot rod it, you will be punished…

by donp 10/21/2023, 9:17 am

1.7 grns of Winchester Super Target was my load for my Pardini HP with Speer WC bullets.

by straybrit 10/21/2023, 11:56 am

Bear Creek will do a .315 bullet (they had a worn die that they machined out when I asked nicely :-) ). I get acceptable results with that and 1.5g N310 at 25 yds with my MG4. Dave (fc60) is the master of all things 32 SWL and he worked the barrel for me to get to that stage. With his custom swage bullets it's capable at 50yds but not great. With anything commercial it sucks on the long line (that includes Lapua).
In summary - it's a difficult and capricious round to load but if you can find a sweet spot it's golden.

by brassmaster 10/21/2023, 12:35 pm

Wobbley, PhotoEscape, bruce martindale, donp & straybrit
All: I am appreciative of your vast collective knowledge, research and insight. From a previous poster's load data on this forum of a few years ago, which I respect, the poster indicated excellent results on the long line with Bear Creek & Lapua 98gr bullets in front of 2.1 & 2.2 True Blue. You are correct that data regarding using True Blue is scarce, even though their promotional material on suppliers' Web site catalogs invariably lists True Blue for calibers 9mm thru .45acp and also, .32 S&W Long. However, the U.S. Distributor for True Blue is Hodgdon and they do not list even one load for the .32 S&WL. I am in the initial phase of testing having used 6 different powders, with True Blue yielding the most encouraging results so far, but it's a long process to identify the best combination of brass, bullet, primer, powder, OAL, etc. and I'm not married exclusively to using True Blue. I will add, it is "hands-down" the best metering powder, that I have ever used in my decades of reloading experience. I have communicated with Dave and have the greatest respect for his catalog of testing experience regarding the .32 S&WL, from what information & data I have located, Dave (fc60) is unapparelled coupled with his willingness to share with others.
PhotoEscape was "right-on" with the Do Not trust data on VV Website & Do Not go over 1.7 of Bullseye, while the Alliant Web Site has only 1 suggested load of using (a starting & ending) 1.8. Additionally, the VV Web site data shows a range of 1.1--1.2 of N310?
Bruce's suggestions are, as the other's suggestions, well received. My bore diameter is .314 and I'm using Lapua Bullets, which are according to my verification, with a miniscule number culled under .314, as one would expect premium bullets priced at 2-1/2 times higher than Bear Creek's .314s. Although more Bear Creek's are culled at under .314, the majority meet spec & those under set aside & can be used for practice on the short line. As to measuring powder, I am using a calibrated Hornady electronic powder measure for measuring every round and a second calibrated electronic measure for QA/QC & once fired Lapua brass & QA/QC-- recommended COAL on every 5th round.
Don, I loaded & tested some rounds using WST, but without checking my test results, the outcome is unknow except that I used a suggested starting load.
To summarize, I am very grateful to the four of you for contributing to my search of knowledge regarding the improving the accuracy of the .32 S&W Long. -Jim.
Ps- contributions/suggestions from other members will be most welcome.

by Fezzik68 10/23/2023, 6:51 am

I posted those results with True Blue. What is it you would like to know?
The loads were developed very carefully under controlled conditions from a much lower starting point.
It started as a Covid era experiment when WST was scarce.

1.4-1.5 WST,
1.4 N310,
1.4-1.5 Accurate #2
are all soft shooting loads that group well at 50yards.

I will defer to Dave, aka FC60 as the leading authority on 32S&W Long. I am merely a student.

-Jim

by NuJudge 10/23/2023, 7:27 am

Reposting a few links:
http://www.targettalk.org/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=44518
https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t11463-whats-your-32-sw-long-load-using-hn-314-wadcutters-or-bumped-speer-clones
https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t9916-sw-32long-copying-the-hn-314-hbwc-for-reloading
http://www.targettalk.org/viewtopic.php?t=39661
https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t10045-32-sw-sizing-expander-plug
https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t4766-32-sw-loads
https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t678-32-sw-long-basics
https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t6926-huge-fliers-with-32long-reloads
https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t8353-bullet-swaging-at-home?highlight=Swaging
http://tonybrong.blogspot.com/2010/05/loading-32-s-long.html
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/868358708
http://www.corbins.com/sale.htm
https://bulletswagingsupply.com/main-price-sheet.pdf
https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center

by brassmaster 10/23/2023, 10:56 am

Fezzik68, I have seen your previous post and appreciate you sharing it again. I did not attribute the True Blue data to you in my initial post because I would not do so without your permission. Although I was searching for specific .32 S&WL reloading data, which it seems that this Forum is the "go-to" source & even on-line data for True Blue is scarce as hen's teeth, with Ramshot only listing one load using 98gr bullets. I am on a quest to find the best load for this challenging & temperamental cartridge. As a long-time Bullseye shooter & reloader, I have an array of pistols to choose from & all are extremely accurate, but the .32 Walther GSP Expert presents a new & interesting challenge. And yes, I have exchanged communication with Dave regarding both the caliber and model of pistol that present such a challenge. Thank you for again sharing your expertise. -Jim, AKA Brassmaster

by brassmaster 10/23/2023, 11:32 am

NuJudge, thank you for posting this encyclopedia of references, it is most appreciated.
-Jim, AKA Brassmaster

by Fezzik68 10/23/2023, 11:46 am

brassmaster wrote:I am on a quest to find the best load for this challenging & temperamental cartridge.

Ah, yes. The Holy Grail...The best advice I can offer is:

Buy or borrow a Ransom Rest and a chronograph.
Try the loads that have been suggested at 50 yards through your barrel.
vary the loads +/- .1 gr

when you find the sweet spot, enjoy the 'Fat 22'

-Jim

by brassmaster 10/23/2023, 3:28 pm

Fezzik68 wrote:
brassmaster wrote:I am on a quest to find the best load for this challenging & temperamental cartridge.
Ah, yes. The Holy Grail...The best advice I can offer is:

Buy or borrow a Ransom Rest and a chronograph.
Try the loads that have been suggested at 50 yards through your barrel.
vary the loads +/- .1 gr

when you find the sweet spot, enjoy the 'Fat 22'

-Jim

Have RR & Crony w/printer. Your suggestions & insight much appreciated. I soldier on with the laborious tasks in search of the .32 S&W Long "holy grail."
-Jim

by Fezzik68 10/23/2023, 4:22 pm

When I want to get OCD with the RR...
A bottle of water next to the rest will show when the vibration of the table stops.
Hi-vis targets for group.
Don't worry about zero until you decide on a pet load.
Acetate overlays are cheap to make.
You only need 10-15 shots to get a statistical feel for the load.
Document everything.

My pet loads have been tested on at least 3 different sessions for consistency.

I have issues...

-Jim

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