.32 H&R Magnum

i'm pretty sure too that none of the .32H&R out there is loaded up to the capability of the Ruger or S&W platforms, since there are so many of the original H&R's left.

To give an example, I shot some of the federal JHP out of a Nagant. Foolish, perhaps, I was testing. Worked fine. Did the brass split? Nope, just swelled the case out 1/8", no splits no cracks.

Either federal uses quite soft and resiliant brass, or the cartridge wasn't that hot.

It also makes me think of reaming a .32acp cylinder out to .32H&R for a Nagant, and having yet *another* platform.

It'd be nice to have someone with a S&W in .32H&R who reloaded and was willing to push the cartridge and find out where pressure artifacts start to pop up. I'd bet the 85gr pills could be shoved up to 1300fps or so, that's Tokarev territory.
 
It also makes me think of reaming a .32acp cylinder out to .32H&R for a Nagant, and having yet *another* platform.

It'd be nice to have someone with a S&W in .32H&R who reloaded and was willing to push the cartridge and find out where pressure artifacts start to pop up. I'd bet the 85gr pills could be shoved up to 1300fps or so, that's Tokarev territory.
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When I started loading the .32 Mag "hotter than factory," the Federal brass gave me a lot of trouble. I was getting case mouth splits all the time. Long ones. I switched to Starline brass and the problem totally went away. So I don't use that Federal brass anymore.

Dean Grennell and Skeeter got together and investigated the potential of a +P .32 Magnum and the results were published in the March 1986 issue of Gun World, pages 50-53. They mostly used the Hornady 85 grain XTP bullet. I tried a couple boxes of those myself but I got better accuracy in my 4 5/8" Ruger Single Six with the Sierra 90 grain JHC. That is one sweet little bullet and has done well for me with medium varmints. Anyway, the two writers got max velocities in Starline brass and with 9.4 grains of AA #7 powder. Ruger 6.5" Single Six. Top velocity of just over 1500 fps.

That got me interested back then and I tried to work up to that load but using the slightly heavier Sierra bullet. I started having too many pressure signs around 8.5 grains of AA #7 and ended up settling on 8.0. That is still my standard load for my little Ruger. Sharp little crack, little recoil, and deadly on something in the under 40 pound range. I use 8.2 grains of AA#7 if I decide to try the 85 grain XTP bullet again.

Well worth trying if you have a strong little Ruger. Just work your way up to it. That particular .32 Magnum load with the 90 grain Sierra JHC bullet kills medium varmints better than any .38 Special I own.

Gregg
 
There's another thread running that talks about a few revolvers out there now stamped .38+P indicating that it is strong enough for that level. Sounds like the .32M could use a similar rating system....so that the remaining H&R owners don't "have" to worry about....and have stronger .32M loads ok'd via a ".32M+P." Have warnings on ammo boxes "not for use in H&R," etc, or if shy of naming an actual brand gun, say something like "not for use in DA revolvers made before____."

Seems a shame that we might not be able to have the best .32M ammo because of some weak remnant guns. .45 Colt's have some fairly stiff factory loads (though they can usually be loaded stiffer) and yet there are older .45's out there which should not carry/shoot them. Also, I can't believe there are that many H&Rs still out there to worry about. Have yet to run into one (used) in stores--I should say in long time--or know someone who owns one. I know you can't legislate or police against stupidity, but folks should know (or be told if purchasing a gun or ammo) when the gun (H&R) they have might or likely should not shoot a certain load.
 
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It could be the first pistol cartridge that customers run out of breath on when requesting...

"Thirty-two harrington and richardson magnum plus P one hundred grain hollow points please, pant pant pant"
 
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