Supersonic 32

Apologies if this topic has been debated previously. I know that supersonic velocity 22lr ammo is not recommended in our target pistols. I use a K16-4 32 magnum chambered revolver for Harry Reeves matches, it works very well. I typically use normal 98WC 32SWL ammo for the short line and have developed an accurate long line load using Hornady XTP100 JHP bullets in Starline 32 magnum brass, but at "normal" or standard velocity, about 900fps.

It happens that I have got a lot of Hornady XTP60 and XTP85 JHP bullets that I use in 32ACP ammo for my Pardini.

The K16-4 can handle full magnum pressures and so I guess that it would be quite easy to bump those light bullets up to very high velocity.

Do any of you HMR's (High Master Reloaders) have any insight on this subject?

Hey Roy,
I have a 16-4 as well. IIRC, full 'magnum' pressure for the HR is well below the standards... 357, 41, 44.

Limited by the H&R revolvers???

Are you looking to use these for BE Comp'? Or just use them up on soda cans? I think I can dig up my data ... soda can data ... full unopened cans ... which is what the diet cra' is for ...

Or 'beer' ... like Olympia or Coors ... ;-)

Dear Wes,

Don't have a specific plan yet, but looking for ideas/info.

Do data and no experience….but…how I’d approach this is to load 15 rounds of each of a “ladder” (increasing loads of a powder from starting to max).  In 32 H&R Magnum that won’t be too many batches.  From the data I can see, most powders have a .4 grain “Start to Max” load range.  That would be 3 batches of loads per powder…. Presuming you can find a load that your revolver likes that should be a decent approach.  Shoot all 15 shots per load per target.  For powders, the medium burners like 231, AutoComp, WSF, seem to be most forgiving.  If you don’t own one get a chronograph like the Garmin Xero.   Look for accuracy and consistent velocity.

Hornady has data in for the 85gr XTP in their book. Sounds like a fun little project.

FC brass, AA-7, 85 XTP, notes say 8.0 gr 'Max'. A box of Starline have 7.8 in them.

I had a high percentage of the factory Fed split on first firing. Those that survived, I have a box with 100 gr XTP. 12 fired of 30 with 7.0 gr AA-7, a couple show high pressure. 7.5 and 8.0 gr appear to have been pulled down.

Might be worth starting from trying these loads.  And then reverse-engineered for use with 85 grain bullets.  Not sure about 60gr bullets, - there are no known to me commercial loads with such a light bullet in 32 Magnum.  Lightest one is 77gr FP.  Word of caution here - 60gr bullets designed for 32 ACP.  Maximum pressure for 32 ACP is 20500 PSI, and 21000 PSI for 32 Magnum.  However later has much larger case volume.  I would be very concern with reaching pressure limits using light bullet in magnum case.  That comes from experience of using 60 & 85 grainers in 32 S&W Long (15000 PSI) loaded as WC round - case separation at the rim.

AP