I want to plink with lead bullets and the issue with .32 lead bullets is bullet manufacturers make the bullets too small, usually .311-.312 when they should be .313-.314.
Not in any Ruger or S&W I've shot. I load my own, cast my own, and I size to 0.312", cast from wheel weights with a pinch of tin, accuracy with the above has been sterling...maybe the best of all my revolvers. No leading, even with Hornady's swagged SWC's. 0.312" does just fine.
My two Rugers, both Single Sixes, (a Bird's Head 4-5/8" bbl. & a 5-1/2" plow grip), are accurate to < 2" at 25 yds with my loads. Try any LSWC, commercial offering from Missouri Bullet Co. or one you've cast, backed with an upper end published load of Unique for some great, accurate shooting.
As to the guns themselves, I'd not want one any lighter...just for accuracy's sake. Too light and the gun moves around too much when shooting from field positions. As to bullet size: both of my guns have throats that slug 0.312"...the groove dia's are 0.311". Perfect! And the shorter ones, are easier to hip holster carry. I view these Single Six Rugers as great field carry guns, trail guns if you like that term better, and they're are great for introducing new shooters transitioning from a .22 to center fire without the add'l recoil of a .38 Spl. or .357. I feel the same about the Smith 16-4 described below.
While Ruger and S&W like to bill their .32 cal. guns (.32 H&R and the relatively new .327) as self-defense weapons, I'd say they're far better advertised as field/hunting guns. My opinion is that if you want a light weight revolver for SD use, get a .38 Spl or .357 Magnum.
The Smith, a M16-4 in .32 H&R,with a 4" bbl. is as accurate as the two Rugers. It's throats slug 0.314" and groove dia. is 0.312"-0.312". No leading with Missouri Bullet SWC''s nor with my wheel weight alloy casts. It too is a shooter, and along with the Rugers, loves Hornady's swagged LSWC's as well as their 85 gr. XTP's. Chrono'd loads just under 1200 fps with that XTP bullet will do as well as the lead alloy ones.
The only time I've found that sizing to 0.312" for lead alloy affects accuracy or produces leading is with an older Smith Hand Ejector in .32-20 that dates from the '40s. In factory new condition, it's throats slug at 0.314+" and prefers sizing to 0.313"-0.314" with wheel weight alloy. And it's only a matter of holding velocities down to 1000 fps or less.
In addition, a Winchester M92 in .32-20 with a less than sterling bore, prefers 0.314" lead alloy bullets. It'll do 1-1/2" gps with either of Hornady's .32 bullets, the 100 gr. or 85 gr. XTPs, and moderate loads of Unique, SR4759, Blue Dot, or 2400.
All in all, commercial bullets, sized 0.312" are no deterent to superbly accurate Ruger and S&W handguns in my opinion.
Best Regards, Rod