Heavy weight .32 acp's Using .32 WCF bullets

[warren5421]

I love the 1903 Colt Hammerless in .32 acp. I have not reloaded for them yet (have 3) but reading old articles published by NRA and others from the 40's and 50's talks about using a 90-100 gran or .32-20 lead with hot loads. I try to read any posts on the .32 acp as the manuals I have shows nothing for the .32 WCF weight. Has any of you long time reloaders loaded .32 acp with the .32-20 bullet? What powder and how much was used. If you have would you pm or email me the loading as I'm wanting to try the .32-20 bullet in the 100 gran +/- 15 gr bullets. I know what to look for in over pressure etc.

email: warren5421 at hotmail dot com

 

[FergusonTO35]

Any load data for the ancient .32 S&W can also be used in the .32 ACP as the latter has a slightly higher case capacity. There are some 100 grain loads out there for that little geezer. They may not have enough power to cycle the action reliably though.

 

[Colt Hammerless]

"I love the 1903 Colt Hammerless in .32 acp. I have not reloaded for them yet (have 3) but reading old articles published by NRA and others from the 40's and 50's talks about using a 90-100 gran or .32-20 lead with hot loads. I try to read any posts on the .32 acp as the manuals I have shows nothing for the .32 WCF weight. Has any of you long time reloaders loaded .32 acp with the .32-20 bullet? What powder and how much was used. If you have would you pm or email me the loading as I'm wanting to try the .32-20 bullet in the 100 gran +/- 15 gr bullets. I know what to look for in over pressure etc."


Bringing this one back to the top to see if you tried those bullets in it. I too have a 1903 (you can probably tell from my handle.) I've had the dies for some time, but haven't loaded for it. Very envious that you have three of them!

Paul

 

[Mike Armstrong]

I'll look in Ken Waters' "Pet Loads" and see what he says (if anything) about heavy bullet .32ACP.

I've done the opposite--loaded 60 gr. Silvertip .32ACP in .32-20. They blow up ground squirrels, but aren't very accurate in my Army Special or my original Bisley. Better in my old Savage 23.

 

[Mike Armstrong]

I read Ken Waters' chapter on the .32 ACP. He did try both the Speer 100 gr. bullets and a cast 91 gr. bullet. The Speers were accurate but he had problems getting them up to the velocity he wanted. The cast were accurate but caused some leading problems.

He was using an old Mauser 1914 Pocket and a Walther PP, both have somewhat shorter barrels than a 1903 Colt, so you might have better velocities. The article is fairly old (at least 25 years), so you may also have a wider selection of bullets to try.

I could snail mail you his load tables if you want them--email me at [email protected] if you do.