Got a .32 win special at auction. Now looking to reload for it, manuals say .321 dia actual measurement of a pulled bullet is .320. Haven't looked for 170 gr .321 bullets yet but have 170 gr in 8mm that measure .321. I know there is no definite answer but in your opinion would you load the .321?
.32 win special vs 8mm
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Is the .321" measurement with a micrometer or caliper? For anything with a tolerance under .005" (+/- .0025") I always use a micrometer. Even the best caliper can have an error range up to +/- .002"
If they indeed measure .321" with a known, calibrated micrometer I would have no issue loading them if the bore is the proper diameter.
Edit:
That is assuming they are cup and core bullets, not solids. Solids is a totally different story.
If you slug the bore you may find it's a bit worn or over spec anyway. I've shot .310" lead core bullets in .308" bores without issue. Just start low and work up.
If they indeed measure .321" with a known, calibrated micrometer I would have no issue loading them if the bore is the proper diameter.
Edit:
That is assuming they are cup and core bullets, not solids. Solids is a totally different story.
If you slug the bore you may find it's a bit worn or over spec anyway. I've shot .310" lead core bullets in .308" bores without issue. Just start low and work up.
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Most bullet manufacturers have a specific bullet for the 32 Special.
Hornady have the bullet # 3210FP, Speer it's the 32 FNSP and on. A bullet made for the real 8mm (0.323") will increase the pressure for sure.
Getting the proper bullets (also better suited for the tubular magazines) will avoid possible bad surprises.
What is the make a # of the bullets you have? - usually the 0.323" nominal are much closer to 0.3225" than anything else.
Hornady have the bullet # 3210FP, Speer it's the 32 FNSP and on. A bullet made for the real 8mm (0.323") will increase the pressure for sure.
Getting the proper bullets (also better suited for the tubular magazines) will avoid possible bad surprises.
What is the make a # of the bullets you have? - usually the 0.323" nominal are much closer to 0.3225" than anything else.
Don't worry about the smaller bullet diameter, Sierra makes its 30-30 bullets at .307 and it a fudge factor for older firearms to reduce chamber pressure due to the age of many of the firearms still in use. And forget 8mm Mauser bullets, the .32 win special will have a "SOFTER" lead core designed for lower velocities. I would jump on any Hornady 170 grain interlock bullets you can get your hands on.
I do not have a .32 special but have a 30-30 and shoot Hornady bullets in it, the 170 grain 30-30 bullet is .300 in front of the crimping groove and .308 behind the crimping groove.
I used the same 170 grain Hornady bullets in a 1943 Remington 03A3 with a badly worn barrel and loaded them to approximately 2,500-2,600 fps. These recovered fired bullets from the 30-06 were very cupped on the base of the bullet, meaning the higher velocity and softer lead core caused the bullet to deform more and filled the worn bore. Bottom line these Hornady bullets were the most accurate fired from both these rifles and the interlock design keeps the lead core locked inside the copper jacket for one tough bullet.
Again you will be MUCH better off using bullets designed for the .32 Special and its lower velocities.
I do not have a .32 special but have a 30-30 and shoot Hornady bullets in it, the 170 grain 30-30 bullet is .300 in front of the crimping groove and .308 behind the crimping groove.
I used the same 170 grain Hornady bullets in a 1943 Remington 03A3 with a badly worn barrel and loaded them to approximately 2,500-2,600 fps. These recovered fired bullets from the 30-06 were very cupped on the base of the bullet, meaning the higher velocity and softer lead core caused the bullet to deform more and filled the worn bore. Bottom line these Hornady bullets were the most accurate fired from both these rifles and the interlock design keeps the lead core locked inside the copper jacket for one tough bullet.
Again you will be MUCH better off using bullets designed for the .32 Special and its lower velocities.
