Re-loading the 32acp

[Ganderite]

I have been re-loading the 32ACP (32 Auto) for many years, using 83gr cast lead bullets, sized .312

Last night I tried to re-load using CamPro 71gr plated bullets. About 40% of the cases would let the bullet drop right into the sized case. The case walls are so thin that the sizer does not make the case tight enough to hold a bullet.

I checked the Internet to see if others have had the same problem, and sure enough, they have.

And Lee has come up with a solution, an undersize die # 91759. I have one on order.

 

[BattleRife]

I am a novice loader of the .32 Auto as I only have one pistol in that caliber, and I picked it up just a couple of years ago. And, it turns out, I don't like shooting it that much.

So, the Campro 71 grain plated is the only bullet I have loaded. I made just a couple hundred, but I didn't notice the problem you are describing.

What I did notice is that accuracy was terrible. At 10m I could run a mag of factory loads through the PPK and easily cover the holes with my palm. With my reloads, they spread out over most of the paper.

 

[anchor3593]

If the bullets really are correct for the bore, yes - a new die will fix you up. Sometimes, a guy has some cast bullets a bit small, so they can be squashed a little before sizing - or center punched to just expand the base.

A board with an indent in it for the nose of the bullet - set each bullet in the indent, and center-punch the base to upset it just a little, or make something to use the press to do the same.

Lee Tumble-lube bullets had instructions that suggested that if they were a bit big, to load them - and the loading die would bring them down to size while loading - I use a factory-crimp die as a fourth die to bring them to chamber size on .45acp - but I donno if the 32acp die would bring a slightly too large base back to perfect size if they were centre-punched just a little. Velocity deviation might be an issue.

I once thought that I would try reloading 25acp ... until I tried to find the silly little cases after firing - and although I might have 32 dies here and lots of the guns, I've never loaded them.

Paper patching....sure - why not? I'll stop now.

 

[Ganderite]

I am a novice loader of the .32 Auto as I only have one pistol in that caliber, and I picked it up just a couple of years ago. And, it turns out, I don't like shooting it that much.

So, the Campro 71 grain plated is the only bullet I have loaded. I made just a couple hundred, but I didn't notice the problem you are describing.

What I did notice is that accuracy was terrible. At 10m I could run a mag of factory loads through the PPK and easily cover the holes with my palm. With my reloads, they spread out over most of the paper.

I have found the PPK to be quite accurate, so some experimenting is called for, to find a load that works.

I have loaded some CamPro 71s (in brand new Starline cases) but have not yet shot them, so do not know if this bullet can be accurate.

I have shot cast bullets and some FMJs in my 32s, and they worked just fine.

I suggest you try your ammo with 0.2 gr more and less powder and see if things improve.

 

[SP641]

I also use campro 71 gr, as they are easy to obtain. I reload using mix brass and did not experience Ganderite bullet dropping into the case. I use the carbide three die set from Lee precision. My current load average 870 fps. I find them accurate at normal shooting distance. I can hit a 10 inch metal plate at 50 yards.

 

[dan belisle]

I have been re-loading the 32ACP (32 Auto) for many years, using 83gr cast lead bullets, sized .312

Last night I tried to re-load using CamPro 71gr plated bullets. About 40% of the cases would let the bullet drop right into the sized case. The case walls are so thin that the sizer does not make the case tight enough to hold a bullet.

I checked the Internet to see if others have had the same problem, and sure enough, they have.

And Lee has come up with a solution, an undersize die # 91759. I have one on order.

Thx, good info. I have some of those same bullets, and expect my results will be similar. - dan