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.32 H&R Magnum Ammo
Your Comprehensive Guide to .32 H&R Magnum Ammo: A Versatile Cartridge for Revolvers and Rifles
Are you a revolver enthusiast seeking a powerful yet manageable round for small game hunting? Are you curious about a cartridge that offers more speed and energy than .38 Special +P, but with low recoil? Or perhaps you own a classic revolver and are asking, "What ammunition should I use for my .32 Magnum firearm?" The .32 H&R Magnum, also widely known simply as the .32 Magnum, is a remarkable rimmed cartridge designed specifically for revolvers that offers a unique blend of performance.
Developed and introduced in 1984 as a groundbreaking joint venture between Harrington & Richardson and Federal Premium Ammunition, the .32 H&R Magnum aimed to fill a specific niche. It was engineered to be more than double the speed and energy of the less powerful .32 Smith & Wesson Long cartridge, on which it is based. Notably, loadings for the .32 H&R Magnum even typically exceed hot .38 Special +P loads in terms of both speed and energy, despite having a smaller bullet diameter. This cartridge also boasts a higher maximum pressure than the .38 Special, contributing to its robust performance.
At DEGuns.com, we understand the unique appeal and practical advantages of the .32 H&R Magnum. We offer a dedicated selection of .32 H&R Magnum ammo from trusted manufacturers, ensuring you can easily find this versatile ammunition for your handgun or rifle.
What is .32 H&R Magnum Ammo and What Sets It Apart?
The .32 H&R Magnum is a powerful and efficient rimmed centerfire cartridge designed for revolvers. Its design allows it to deliver performance far exceeding its seemingly modest .32 caliber designation.
How does .32 H&R Magnum achieve superior performance compared to other .32 calibers?
- Enhanced Power: The .32 H&R Magnum offers substantially more performance than most other .32 caliber handgun cartridges, such as the .32 ACP or the .32 S&W Long. This is achieved by operating at higher pressures (Maximum pressure is set at 21,000 CUP by SAAMI) and utilizing efficient powder charges.
- Speed and Energy Advantage: Its design prioritizes velocity, which translates to impressive muzzle energy. Many loadings for the .32 H&R Magnum surpass even common .38 Special +P loads in both speed (muzzle velocity) and kinetic energy, delivering a harder hit downrange.
- Flat Trajectory: The higher velocity of the .32 Magnum offers a very flat trajectory, which aids in easier aiming and more precise shot placement, especially at distances common for handgun hunting or target shooting.
- Low Recoil for its Power: Despite its notable power increase, the relatively light weight of the bullet (compared to larger calibers like .38 Special or 9mm) results in surprisingly low recoil. This makes the .32 H&R Magnum comfortable to shoot, promoting accuracy and quicker follow-up shots.
Key Applications and Benefits of .32 H&R Magnum Ammo
Who should consider using .32 H&R Magnum ammo, and for what purposes?
The .32 H&R Magnum's unique blend of power and manageable recoil makes it a compelling choice for various shooters and applications:
- Effective Small-Game Hunting: The .32 H&R Magnum is widely considered an effective small-game hunting cartridge. Its flat trajectory and sufficient energy are ideal for taking down pests like rabbits, squirrels, and even larger varmints like coyotes or foxes, particularly from a revolver or a carbine.
- Versatile Hunting for Medium-Sized Deer: When loaded to its full potential, the cartridge can provide performance from a handgun that is similar to the traditional .32-20 rifle when fired from a rifle. Historically, this range of performance, especially with heavier expanding loads, proved efficient and versatile for many people who found success relying on a single firearm (or cartridge) for both small game and medium-sized deer within reasonable ranges. This makes it a surprisingly capable deer hunting cartridge in appropriate firearms and within ethical ranges.
- Self-Defense with Manageable Recoil: For individuals who desire a capable self-defense round but find the recoil of larger calibers (like .38 Special +P or 9mm) uncomfortable, the .32 H&R Magnum offers a compelling alternative. Its lower recoil aids in faster follow-up shots and greater accuracy under stress.
- Specific Self-Defense Loads: In 2013, Hornady introduced a .32 H&R Magnum "Critical Defense" cartridge specifically designed for personal protection. This load typically propels an 80 gr FTX (flex tip) bullet at 1,150 ft/s muzzle velocity, offering reliable expansion. Buffalo Bore also offers powerful +P rated cartridges with either 100 gr JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point) or heavy 130 gr Keith hard cast SWC (Semi-Wadcutter) bullets for maximum terminal performance.
- Target Shooting and Plinking: The cartridge's low recoil and flat trajectory make it a joy to shoot at the range. It allows for extended shooting sessions without fatigue, making it excellent for honing marksmanship skills and recreational plinking.
- New Shooters and Recoil-Sensitive Individuals: Its inherent manageability makes it a fantastic cartridge for introducing new shooters to centerfire handguns or for those who are particularly sensitive to recoil, allowing them to build confidence and proficiency.
.32 H&R Magnum Ammunition Compatibility and Safety
Can I fire other .32 caliber ammunition in a .32 H&R Magnum firearm?
Yes, there's a degree of backward compatibility with the .32 H&R Magnum, but it's crucial to understand the safety implications:
- Safe Backward Compatibility: Since the .32 H&R Magnum headspaces on the rim and shares the rim dimensions, case, and bullet diameters of the shorter .32 S&W and .32 S&W Long cartridges, these shorter, less powerful cartridges may be safely fired in revolvers and rifles chambered for the .32 H&R Magnum. This offers versatility for practice with lighter loads.
- Crucial Safety Warning: However, it is absolutely paramount to understand that the longer, more powerful .32 H&R Magnum cartridges CANNOT be safely fired in arms designed only for the .32 S&W or .32 S&W Long. Doing so could lead to catastrophic firearm failure and serious injury due to overpressure. Always match the ammunition precisely to the firearm's chambering.
How does .32 H&R Magnum relate to .327 Federal Magnum?
In 2007, the .32 H&R Magnum served as the basis for the development of an even more powerful "super magnum" cartridge: the .327 Federal Magnum. Due to their shared lineage and similar dimensions (with the .327 Federal Magnum being longer and higher pressure), the .32 H&R Magnum can safely be fired out of any firearm chambered for .327 Federal Magnum. This makes .327 Federal Magnum firearms even more versatile.
Firearms Chambered for the .32 H&R Magnum: A Range of Options
What handguns and rifles are chambered for .32 H&R Magnum ammo?
The .32 H&R Magnum has been embraced by several prominent firearm manufacturers, particularly in revolver platforms.
Handguns: Revolvers and Derringers
In addition to its original developer, Harrington & Richardson, numerous other manufacturers have offered revolvers chambered in .32 H&R Magnum, providing excellent choices for a variety of uses:
- Dan Wesson Firearms
- Charter Arms (including professional seven-round revolvers)
- Freedom Arms (known for high-quality, precise single-action revolvers)
- Smith & Wesson (offering both compact J-frame and larger K-frame models)
- Ruger (with popular models like the Blackhawk, Single-Six, GP100, SP101, Ruger LCR, and LCRx, providing both single-action and double-action options for concealed carry or field use)
- Taurus
- New England Firearms (NEF)
- It's important to remember that any gun chambered for the more powerful .327 Federal Magnum cartridge can also safely and reliably fire the .32 H&R Magnum, further expanding available handgun options.
Beyond traditional revolvers, more compact firearms have also been chambered in this round:
- Derringers: American Derringer, Bond Arms, and Cobra Firearms all offer derringers in .32 H&R Magnum, providing ultra-compact, discreet personal defense options.
- Single-Shot Pistols: Thompson Center Arms notably offered their versatile Contender pistol in .32 H&R Magnum, allowing shooters to maximize the cartridge's accuracy potential in a single-shot platform.
Rifles: Leveraging the Cartridge's Potential
While primarily a handgun cartridge, the .32 H&R Magnum also finds a capable home in certain rifles, where its velocity and flat trajectory can be further utilized:
- Marlin Model 1894CB Lever-Action Rifle: Marlin famously offered their Model 1894CB lever-action rifle chambered in .32 H&R Magnum. Unlike other Marlin 1894s, the 1894CB loads from the front of its tubular 10-shot magazine, similar to their popular Model 39A rimfire rifle. It features a faster, 10% shorter throw lever action, a 20-inch (510 mm) tapered octagonal barrel, an overall length of 37.5 inches (950 mm), and weighs a manageable 6.5 lbs (2.9 kg). This rifle allows the .32 H&R Magnum to truly stretch its legs for small game and varmint hunting.
Where to Find .32 H&R Magnum Ammo for Sale?
Finding specialized ammunition like .32 H&R Magnum ammo can sometimes be a challenge at every local gun shop due to its more niche nature compared to mainstream calibers like 9mm or .38 Special. However, online retailers offer the best selection and availability.
At DEGuns.com, we specialize in offering a diverse inventory of ammunition, including hard-to-find and unique calibers like .32 H&R Magnum. Our commitment is to ensure you can easily:
- Find a comprehensive selection of .32 H&R Magnum ammo from trusted manufacturers like Federal Premium, Hornady, Speer, and Buffalo Bore.
- Access competitive pricing and reliable shipping directly to your door (where permitted by state and local laws).
Shop DEGuns.com selection of .32 H&R Magnum ammo for your gun below. We make it easy to keep your revolver or rifle reliably fed with this versatile cartridge.
Final Thoughts on .32 H&R Magnum Ammunition
The .32 H&R Magnum cartridge represents a successful endeavor to create a powerful yet manageable .32 caliber round for handguns and rifles. Its ability to exceed .38 Special +P ballistics while maintaining low recoil makes it an excellent choice for a variety of uses, from small game hunting to personal defense for those sensitive to recoil. Its compatibility with shorter .32 S&W cartridges and the more powerful .327 Federal Magnum further adds to its versatility.
Trust DEGuns.com to be your reliable source for quality .32 H&R Magnum ammo and other ammunition needs. Our vast inventory and competitive prices ensure you can continue to enjoy your .32 Magnum firearm safely and effectively.