.32 wadcutter accuracy.

Could someone explain to me in layman's terms (dumb it down) why the .32 S&W Long wadcutter is not accurate at 50 yards? My new to me Benelli MP95 .32 wadcutter will shoot X-ring sized groups at 25 yards, with my reloads. That's off a rest of course. From what I have been told, and what I read on the internet, I'd be damn lucky to get 9 ring groups at 50 yards. Theoretically, it should shoot 10 ring groups. Does the wadcutter bullet start wobbling past 25 yards? I see many people say it's terrible at 50 yards, but they don't say why. I'm stubborn by nature, and I'm determined to make it work at the long line, but it will be Spring before I find out. If it matters, my current load is 98 grain Lapua HBWC over 1.5 grains of Titegroup.

The 32 S&WL was not designed for 50 yards. It was designed for 25 meter European competition. The twist is too slow to keep the bullet stable out to 50 yards. I have tried just about every bullet made and the only one that would hold the X ring with a couple making it into the 10 ring was the H&N 100gr HBWC. I had terrible results with the Lapua bullet your using. I had decent results with the Magnus cast WC. From time to time the H&N's become available but usually unicorns are easier to find. Search Dave Wilson. He is the predominant expert on the list for the 32.

Bill

32 long is very accurate at 50 yds......but typically not from a stock barrel with wrong twist and wrong bore diameter. 99% of the euro 32's are like this. 32 was always used for international centerfire at 25 meters......us BE shooters needed them to shoot 50 yds and they wouldn't perform for our needs until bore and twist were changed.
Reader's Digest version!
Jon

Do you shoot short(25yd) matches? This is where the 32L shines. I have shot it for years thru my Walther GSP expert, my best is 859. I have also shot it on the 50yd line using factory Fiocchi ammo. My best was a 93. A special barrel helps but using the correctly loaded ammo is key. Dave Wilson is the 32 guru. You can find him on the TargetTalk forum.

Correct Expander plug size is critical to prevent the shells from sizing the bullet.

I have four 32long pistols, three with factory barrels, one with a Dave Wilson custom. One is a Benelli MP 90.  All will at least hold the 10 ring (if not the X) at 50 yards shooting my reloads (In a RR). My experience is that the bullet used to reload is critical, as is the brass. Try .314" H & N swaged bullets, in Lapua brass, over 1.7 gr WST. 

I've not had great luck with the Lapua Bullets at 50y.

Greetings,

Test target at 50 yards with factory Benelli barrel.

The "secret" is QUALITY bullets.

Cheers,

Dave

Most of my shooting is done on the "short course" but I do attend 2 matches a year that have 50 yard slow fire.

That group above sure seems to lay to rest the rumor Benelli MP can not work at 50 yards. I have been scouring the internet and it seems that if a person reloads the .32 SWL as carefully and precisely as a Benchrest rifle shooter does, they can get excellent results. "Cranking out" reloads on a progressive press as you would with .45acp just doesn't work with the .32 SWL. I have a single stage press, and the patience, so maybe I can work something out. A quick Google search on H&N bullets doesn't make it look as if they are readily available in the USA. Where does one find them here in the States? Thanks for all the replies, and keep them coming.

https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t8341-kn-32-bullet-ordering

I started this post a few months ago because these H&N bullets are so hard to find. I believe the guy is waiting for them to clear customs. I am sure he ordered extra, contact him via the other site.

Mike, I have Speer Bullets that have been swaged to the same specs as the H&N Bullets.  The swaged was custom made and loaned to me.  The resulting bullets look and shoot the same as the H&N.  If you are interested, I could send you 50 to try.  I would suggest you use LAPUA Brass.  I have no experience with Titegroup, I have tried to copy precisely what Dave does, with excellent results.  I have seen his targets loaded with WST, VV310 and 320, as well as 1.68 gr of BE669 per above.  I would suggest one of those unless Dave indicates otherwise.

I have heard of and used BE86 but never heard of BE669. Who makes it?

Bill

messenger wrote:I have heard of and used BE86 but never heard of BE669. Who makes it?

Bill

I have no idea, I mentioned it since that is what Dave has written on the target he posted.  I use WST for 32l.  I assumed Alliant since they make BE86?

Greetings,

Some clarifications...

""Cranking out" reloads on a progressive press as you would with .45acp just doesn't work with the .32 SWL."

1) The above is not true. The ammo I used for testing the Benelli barrel, and all other barrels, is loaded on a Star progressive machine.

2) The "BE669" written on the target translates to Bullseye, Lot #669, manufacture date 1994. I have several lots of Bullseye and BE669 is what I am currently using.

3) I did hear a rumor that someone was going to start distributing the H&N bullets in the USA. To find the truth, I would write to H&N and ask them.

Cheers,

Dave

Try Magnus cast WC.