.32 S&W Long Ammo

Your Definitive Guide to .32 S&W Long Ammunition: A Legacy of Accuracy and Mild Recoil

Are you a target shooter striving for precision and minimal recoil? Do you own a cherished vintage revolver chambered in a classic caliber and need reliable ammunition? Or perhaps you're seeking a mild-recoiling option for small game hunting? The .32 S&W Long is a beloved revolver cartridge renowned for its inherent accuracy and gentle shooting characteristics. If you're asking, "What makes .32 S&W Long ammo ideal for target practice?" or "Can I use .32 S&W Long in my .32 H&R Magnum revolver?", you've arrived at the right place.

Welcome to DEGuns' .32 S&W Long Ammunition category, your trusted source for this classic revolver cartridge. We offer a wide selection of .32 S&W Long ammo to meet your needs, whether you're maintaining a treasured vintage firearm, pursuing precision in competitive target shooting, or seeking a comfortable option for small game.

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A Journey Through Time: The Story of the .32 S&W Long

Introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1896, the .32 S&W Long was designed as an improved, elongated version of the earlier .32 S&W cartridge. It quickly gained a reputation for exceptional accuracy and mild recoil, which made it an instant favorite for target shooters. Its reliability and pleasant shooting characteristics also led to its adoption by law enforcement agencies in the early 20th century, notably serving with the New York Police Department.

The cartridge's design facilitated reliable performance in the then-new hand ejector revolvers, paving the way for significant advancements in revolver design. While larger, more powerful calibers eventually eclipsed its role in mainstream law enforcement and self-defense, the .32 S&W Long never truly faded into obscurity. Its inherent accuracy and pleasant shooting characteristics ensured its enduring popularity in competitive target shooting, especially in disciplines requiring precise shot placement like bullseye shooting. Today, it remains a cherished cartridge among collectors, sport shooters, and those who appreciate its historical significance and gentle nature.

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Common Questions About .32 S&W Long Ammunition

Leveraging insights from numerous inquiries, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about .32 S&W Long ammunition, providing valuable insights for both new and experienced shooters considering or using this historic cartridge:

1. What is .32 S&W Long ammo primarily used for today?

• Target Shooting: Renowned for its accuracy and low recoil, the .32 S&W Long is an excellent choice for competitive bullseye shooting and general target practice. Its mild nature makes it particularly suitable for new shooters or those sensitive to recoil, allowing for extended, comfortable practice sessions.
• Collecting Vintage Firearms: For enthusiasts, this ammo is essential for safely shooting and preserving the functionality of classic revolvers and hand ejectors chambered in this caliber, allowing for an authentic historical experience.
• Small Game Hunting/Pest Control: With appropriate bullet types, it can be effective for small game like rabbits and squirrels due to its good accuracy and manageable power, especially in appropriate revolvers or rifles.
• Plinking: Its mild recoil and often affordable cost per round make it a fun and enjoyable option for casual recreational shooting sessions.

2. Can .32 S&W Long be used for self-defense?

While historically used for self-defense, contemporary defensive cartridges generally offer significantly greater stopping power. The .32 S&W Long's relatively low velocity and energy (typical ballistics around 700-900 fps and 100-150 ft-lbs) mean that modern ballistic performance standards, such as reliable expansion in ballistic gel, are often difficult to achieve consistently. For primary personal defense, most experts recommend larger, more potent calibers like 9mm, .380 ACP, or .38 Special. However, its low recoil can allow for faster and more accurate follow-up shots for some shooters, and for those with specific needs or limitations, it remains a viable option, particularly with modern specialty loads designed for improved terminal performance or deeper penetration (e.g., full wadcutters).

3. What are the typical ballistics of .32 S&W Long ammunition?

The .32 S&W Long typically fires a bullet in the range of 85-100 grains. Muzzle velocities usually fall between 700 to 900 feet per second (fps), generating muzzle energies from approximately 100 to 150 foot-pounds (ft-lbs). These figures can vary based on bullet weight, specific manufacturer's loading, and the barrel length of the firearm it's discharged from.

4. What bullet types are commonly available for .32 S&W Long?

Despite its age, manufacturers still produce a variety of .32 S&W Long bullet types to suit different purposes:

• Lead Round Nose (LRN): A traditional and very common bullet type. It's excellent for general purpose shooting and target practice, providing consistent performance and affordability.
• Wadcutter (WC) / Lead Wadcutter (LWC): This is a distinctive flat-fronted, often flush-seated bullet. Wadcutters are highly favored for precision target shooting due to their ability to cut clean, precise, full-caliber holes in paper targets, making scoring easier. Some also consider certain wadcutter designs for improved terminal performance in self-defense due to their full-caliber impact and straight-line penetration, often preferred over unreliable expansion.
• Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): Less common than LRN for this caliber but available, FMJ .32 S&W Long offers reliable feeding, particularly in older semi-automatic pistols that were sometimes chambered in this round.
• Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point (SJHP) / Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP): These are designed for expansion upon impact, generally for hunting or defense. However, in .32 S&W Long, reliable expansion can be inconsistent and often does not meet modern ballistic standards due to the cartridge's lower velocities compared to higher-velocity calibers.

5. Can I use .32 S&W Long ammo in other .32 caliber firearms?

Yes, there's some compatibility, but crucial safety rules apply. Revolvers chambered in the more powerful .32 H&R Magnum and .327 Federal Magnum can safely fire the shorter .32 S&W Long cartridge, as well as the even shorter .32 S&W. This is due to their design which accommodates the longer, higher-pressure rounds while allowing for shorter ones to headspace on the rim.

CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: You should NEVER attempt to fire a .32 H&R Magnum or .327 Federal Magnum cartridge in a firearm chambered only for .32 S&W Long (or .32 S&W). Doing so can lead to dangerous overpressure, catastrophic firearm damage, and severe injury. Always consult your firearm's manual to confirm the exact calibers it is rated for, and visually verify ammunition before loading.

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Why Choose DEGuns for Your .32 S&W Long Ammunition Needs?

Finding a consistent supply of .32 S&W Long ammo can sometimes be a challenge at every local gun store, given its more niche nature compared to mainstream calibers like 9mm. However, online retailers offer the broadest selection and best availability.

At DEGuns, we specialize in offering a diverse and comprehensive inventory of ammunition, including classic and hard-to-find calibers like the .32 S&W Long. We ensure you can easily:

• Access our extensive selection of .32 S&W Long ammunition from leading manufacturers.
• Find quality .32 S&W Long bullets in various types (LRN, WC, FMJ, SJHP) to suit your specific shooting purpose.
• Benefit from competitive pricing and reliable shipping directly to your door (where permitted by state and local laws).

Browse our extensive selection of .32 S&W Long ammunition from leading manufacturers today. Whether for competition, plinking, or collecting, DEGuns has the quality rounds you need to keep your cherished revolver firing. Trust DEGuns.com to be your go-to source for this timeless cartridge.