.32 H&R Magnum
- Thread starter PhillipP
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22-rimfire
New member
I just don't understand why anyone would want to buy a 32 H&R mag revolver today. 22's do most of what the 32 can do already. Sure they would be fun to shoot. But, why not just use a 38spl or 22LR/22 WMR. I like the 41 mags vs 44 mags, so maybe it is just a case of personal taste.
22-Rimfire
22-rimfire (and others) - read the many threads and posts on this issue. The .32 H&R Mag is so far and away more than a .22--even in their typical mild factory loads, AND allows 6 shots in frame sizes that permit only 5 in larger calibers, much less recoil and blast than a .38... They make very good CC guns, since they are the smallest centerfire DAs available--and again full 6 rounds. The reason is to fill a rather large caliber gap between .22 and .38, and ballistics out of this otherwise mild mannered round is similar to a non Plus P .38. Taurus and Ruger SP101 DAs I believe are still being made in .32 H&R, and the SW website still shows the 431 and 432 PDs still available -- not dead yet! Shoot one and you will forever forget your .22 comment. Another point, with so many other calibers out there that do fill numerous other (former) voids.....from 380 Auto, 38 Sp/.357, 9mm, .40 SW, .357 Sig, 10mm, 41 Mag, .44 Sp/.44 Mag, .45 ACP, .45 Colt, etc., how could you possibly think there wouldn't be a spot for one in the largest void around -- that between a .22 Rimfire (mag or LR) and .38?!
22-rimfire (and others) - read the many threads and posts on this issue. The .32 H&R Mag is so far and away more than a .22--even in their typical mild factory loads, AND allows 6 shots in frame sizes that permit only 5 in larger calibers, much less recoil and blast than a .38... They make very good CC guns, since they are the smallest centerfire DAs available--and again full 6 rounds. The reason is to fill a rather large caliber gap between .22 and .38, and ballistics out of this otherwise mild mannered round is similar to a non Plus P .38. Taurus and Ruger SP101 DAs I believe are still being made in .32 H&R, and the SW website still shows the 431 and 432 PDs still available -- not dead yet! Shoot one and you will forever forget your .22 comment. Another point, with so many other calibers out there that do fill numerous other (former) voids.....from 380 Auto, 38 Sp/.357, 9mm, .40 SW, .357 Sig, 10mm, 41 Mag, .44 Sp/.44 Mag, .45 ACP, .45 Colt, etc., how could you possibly think there wouldn't be a spot for one in the largest void around -- that between a .22 Rimfire (mag or LR) and .38?!
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Here is Georgia Arms www.georgia-arms.com current loading chart for .32 H&R Mag and .38 Special (for their ammunition; I edited out "part numbers" and pricing) The point here is not even that the .32 Mag is "as good as a .38"--shouldn't have to be (and a lot of people make a lot of hay saying "hey it ain't no .357" well dumb****, you wouldn't think it would be!! -- and indeed some instances is not as good as many .38 loads...and these numbers tell only part of that story. However, for the format the .32 Mag can be configured into and its "pleasantness" to shoot, second only to .22 rimfires in the latter department, it makes a damn fine CC or backup or camp gun (where big cats and bears don't reside that is!). But DO look at the numbers, .32 Mag here doesn't look bad at all for what it is. I don't have the ballistics chart handy for .22 rimfires, but you are welcomed to display it.
.32 H&R
100gr Jacketed Hollow Point 268 ft. lbs 1100fps
.38 special
125gr Jacketed Hollow Point 250 950
110gr Jacketed Hollow Point 295 1100*
158gr Lead Round Nose 210 775
158gr Lead Semi-Wadcutter 210 775
158gr Lead Semi-Wadcutter +P 284 900
148gr Lead Wadcutter 184 750
158gr Plated Semi-Wadcutter 224 800
*Note, I took the liberty to correct G-A's own chart, which said 110fps for one of the .38 loads, I believe was meant to be 1100.
.32 H&R
100gr Jacketed Hollow Point 268 ft. lbs 1100fps
.38 special
125gr Jacketed Hollow Point 250 950
110gr Jacketed Hollow Point 295 1100*
158gr Lead Round Nose 210 775
158gr Lead Semi-Wadcutter 210 775
158gr Lead Semi-Wadcutter +P 284 900
148gr Lead Wadcutter 184 750
158gr Plated Semi-Wadcutter 224 800
*Note, I took the liberty to correct G-A's own chart, which said 110fps for one of the .38 loads, I believe was meant to be 1100.
The reason John Browning developed the .25 ACP was because of ignition reliability questions concerning rimfire cartridges. Is a .22 better than no gun? Of course! But, any centerfire is a better choice for defense purposes unless you really want to gamble with your life, further than what is already occuring with a potential defensive shooting. .22 long rifle is higher quality today than it was in John Brownings, but it is still not as reliable as a centerfire. Enough plinking at the range with .22s will prove it and regardless of ammo quality, misfires can and do occur. Second strikes will often make them fire, but not always. Just another risk that is completely avoidable unless it is the only gun you have and can't get another!
The .32 magnum is still available as a 6 shot DA revolver in the Ruger SP-101. 3" fixed sight or 4" windage adjustable and since power can be equal or superior to the commonly concealed carry .380, I don't know why there would be a question. Fun gun and a good choice for someone who wants or needs less recoil! If you handload, a potential blast! ...pun intended.
The .32 magnum is still available as a 6 shot DA revolver in the Ruger SP-101. 3" fixed sight or 4" windage adjustable and since power can be equal or superior to the commonly concealed carry .380, I don't know why there would be a question. Fun gun and a good choice for someone who wants or needs less recoil! If you handload, a potential blast! ...pun intended.
I just ordered a new S&W Model 432 from my local shop (in CA). Retail price was $389 w/o the Crimson Trace laser grips. As soon as I pick it up I'll send photos and I'll write a range report after it's first "outing" to the noise factory.
As to Why? Because you get 6-shots instead of 5, the round is pretty potent but also less likely to pose an over-penetration problem. We all know it's shot placement that stops the BGs, so a .32H&R with it's mild recoil, allows rapid delivery of 2 rounds with good placement.
But I just gotta add... those .32 rounds are just so danged cute too!
As to Why? Because you get 6-shots instead of 5, the round is pretty potent but also less likely to pose an over-penetration problem. We all know it's shot placement that stops the BGs, so a .32H&R with it's mild recoil, allows rapid delivery of 2 rounds with good placement.
But I just gotta add... those .32 rounds are just so danged cute too!
It is a fine small game round and will handle larger game/varmints the .22 LR or Magnum can't.
S&W seems to have embraced it and more shooters are realizing it's attributes, especially those that don't care for or can't handle the recoil in the ultra light weight revolvers.
I've got a Freedom Arms in .32 H&R and it's a great shooter. I find the cartridge easy to handload and very efficient. It has a 1 in 10" twist so will handle the .32-20 bullet weights (118 grain cast) very well.
The S&W j frame versions don't last long on dealer shelves in my area. A reintroduction of the fine S&W Kit Gun in .32 H&R would help matters, as would a Ruger reintroduction in the SSM platform with adjustable sights.
It's a niche cartridge, but many fall into that category.
S&W seems to have embraced it and more shooters are realizing it's attributes, especially those that don't care for or can't handle the recoil in the ultra light weight revolvers.
I've got a Freedom Arms in .32 H&R and it's a great shooter. I find the cartridge easy to handload and very efficient. It has a 1 in 10" twist so will handle the .32-20 bullet weights (118 grain cast) very well.
The S&W j frame versions don't last long on dealer shelves in my area. A reintroduction of the fine S&W Kit Gun in .32 H&R would help matters, as would a Ruger reintroduction in the SSM platform with adjustable sights.
It's a niche cartridge, but many fall into that category.
Current models in .32 Mag
Here are the current major brand offerings out there in revolvers (also note Taurus' new pump rifle included in their link/page). Also noted among the Rugers on their website still are their SA models. As Dpris has said, out of production (don't know about the "Special/By Distributor Only" white faux ivory grip'd birdshead), but some still available for order/in stock and on some distributor-stores' shelves. Also still on some shelves are Ruger Vaqueros in .32-20/.32 Mag dual cylinder convertibles (heavy guns-- you know, that little hole
, but there nonetheless) still on some shelves. Also noteworthy are Freedom Arms www.freedomarms.com and various Uberti-made (Cimarron being one I believe?), 7/8ths scale SAAs .32-20/.32 Mag convertibles.
Taurus:
http://ww.taurususa.com/products/gunselector-results.cfm
I think this one just takes you to a caliber selection page.
Smith & Wesson:
http://www.firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=293597&sw_activeTab=1
Ruger
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdSearch
Ditto, takes you to caliber search page only
Here are the current major brand offerings out there in revolvers (also note Taurus' new pump rifle included in their link/page). Also noted among the Rugers on their website still are their SA models. As Dpris has said, out of production (don't know about the "Special/By Distributor Only" white faux ivory grip'd birdshead), but some still available for order/in stock and on some distributor-stores' shelves. Also still on some shelves are Ruger Vaqueros in .32-20/.32 Mag dual cylinder convertibles (heavy guns-- you know, that little hole
, but there nonetheless) still on some shelves. Also noteworthy are Freedom Arms www.freedomarms.com and various Uberti-made (Cimarron being one I believe?), 7/8ths scale SAAs .32-20/.32 Mag convertibles.Taurus:
http://ww.taurususa.com/products/gunselector-results.cfm
I think this one just takes you to a caliber selection page.
Smith & Wesson:
http://www.firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=293597&sw_activeTab=1
Ruger
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdSearch
Ditto, takes you to caliber search page only
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22-rimfire
New member
Thanks GAK. I appreciate your comments on the 32 H&R Mag. As you can tell, I have never shot one, so my comments are related more to impressions and reading about the caliber. Can't say that I am going to run out to the store and buy one, but if I saw a really cheap one (cheap as in low price vs quality), I may consider the addition. It would almost have to be a S&W for me to buy it.
As a carry gun, I can see some utility. Just like I think a 22 LR ain't a bad carry gun (and most disaggree). The 22 is no 380. But, most here always recommend a larger caliber for carry. Hey! Buy that gun. That is what keeps this old US economy steaming along.
As a carry gun, I can see some utility. Just like I think a 22 LR ain't a bad carry gun (and most disaggree). The 22 is no 380. But, most here always recommend a larger caliber for carry. Hey! Buy that gun. That is what keeps this old US economy steaming along.
.22-rimfire
I am in full agreement 22, and I mean no disparagement when I say ".22 much better than nothing," I'd feel much better with a .22 (likely DA revolver) than unarmed -- and I'd like to get a Taurus .8 shot stainless "just because," -- everyone should have one! But I do think upon handling/shooting the .32 H&R you will come away convinced and I hope you get a chance at a S&W! BTW, if you indeed found "something" of quality cheap, maybe worth a shot!
I am in full agreement 22, and I mean no disparagement when I say ".22 much better than nothing," I'd feel much better with a .22 (likely DA revolver) than unarmed -- and I'd like to get a Taurus .8 shot stainless "just because," -- everyone should have one! But I do think upon handling/shooting the .32 H&R you will come away convinced and I hope you get a chance at a S&W! BTW, if you indeed found "something" of quality cheap, maybe worth a shot!
P. Plainsman
New member
The .32 Mag may be the round that prompts me to buy a chrono. I recently picked up a supply of the Georgia Arms 100 gr JHPs. They are clearly the factory ammo of choice for defensive applications, with one caveat I'll mention below.
The Georgia Arms rounds feel uniform when fired, and are accurate. They give a friendly little flip to my stainless 3" Ruger SP101 that you don't get from the competing Black Hills or Federal JHP loads. More energy is a good thing with a little round like the .32 Mag; you need hollowpoint expansion if the thing is going to work. The GA rounds also put only a partial jacket on the hollowpoint; the leading edge is a plain lead SWCHP, which should aid expansion.
Don't get me wrong, we aren't talking about monster rounds by any stretch. The GAs are still a treat to shoot in the sturdy SP101. You might feel their extra zip a little more if fired in a featherweight snubby like the S&W or Taurus, but I bet it's not bad. I want me one of those S&W 432PDs!
Based purely on subjective shooting experience (no chrono), I would rank the .32 Mag factory ammo as follows in effectiveness: Georgia Arms is #1, then Black Hills, then Federal. The very mild Black Hills 90 gr FPL cowboy round is the closest thing to a good affordable factory practice/plinking load.
Only complaint about the Georgia Arms rounds -- a QC issue. In one of the 50-round packs shipped to me, most of the rounds had bits of unidentified crap lodged in the hollowpoint's hollow. Looked like little pebbles of white styrofoam or something. Presumably an artifact of somebody's progressive loading press. That's not a thing you want in your carry ammo. I opened the plastic bag, sorted the ammo, and tried to fire all the funny ones off at the range last week.
One other ammo pack had a small number of rounds infected with the aforementioned crap. The remaining packs were fine.
The Georgia Arms rounds feel uniform when fired, and are accurate. They give a friendly little flip to my stainless 3" Ruger SP101 that you don't get from the competing Black Hills or Federal JHP loads. More energy is a good thing with a little round like the .32 Mag; you need hollowpoint expansion if the thing is going to work. The GA rounds also put only a partial jacket on the hollowpoint; the leading edge is a plain lead SWCHP, which should aid expansion.
Don't get me wrong, we aren't talking about monster rounds by any stretch. The GAs are still a treat to shoot in the sturdy SP101. You might feel their extra zip a little more if fired in a featherweight snubby like the S&W or Taurus, but I bet it's not bad. I want me one of those S&W 432PDs!
Based purely on subjective shooting experience (no chrono), I would rank the .32 Mag factory ammo as follows in effectiveness: Georgia Arms is #1, then Black Hills, then Federal. The very mild Black Hills 90 gr FPL cowboy round is the closest thing to a good affordable factory practice/plinking load.
Only complaint about the Georgia Arms rounds -- a QC issue. In one of the 50-round packs shipped to me, most of the rounds had bits of unidentified crap lodged in the hollowpoint's hollow. Looked like little pebbles of white styrofoam or something. Presumably an artifact of somebody's progressive loading press. That's not a thing you want in your carry ammo. I opened the plastic bag, sorted the ammo, and tried to fire all the funny ones off at the range last week.
One other ammo pack had a small number of rounds infected with the aforementioned crap. The remaining packs were fine.
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Webleywielder
Moderator
If you want a cheap gun that shoots .32mag...
...buy an M95 Russian Nagant. The .32mag cases will bulge, but the gun will not Kaboom and you will hit the target.
"In a world devoid of semiautomatics, a properly set-up Webley is the ultimate full-size self-defense handgun.
...buy an M95 Russian Nagant. The .32mag cases will bulge, but the gun will not Kaboom and you will hit the target.
"In a world devoid of semiautomatics, a properly set-up Webley is the ultimate full-size self-defense handgun.
Webleywielder
Moderator
The experimenting is over.
As many others have independently verified, the M95 Russian Nagant handles .32 H&R mag . The thing is built like the proverbial tank. The huge cylinder gap probably helps too.
"In a world devoid of semiautomatics, a properly set-up Webley is the ultimate full-size self-defense handgun."
As many others have independently verified, the M95 Russian Nagant handles .32 H&R mag
. The thing is built like the proverbial tank. The huge cylinder gap probably helps too."In a world devoid of semiautomatics, a properly set-up Webley is the ultimate full-size self-defense handgun."