32 Win Spl and cast bullets

[hondo1892]

Has any one here used lighter than 170 grain cast bullets in a 32 WS Winchester 94. I'm going to get me a five cavity mold from Accurate Molds. I was thinking of having it made with two bullet weights since it will only cost another fifteen buck to have it done. They show a couple of lighter bullets one is a 135 grainer the other two are 155 and 160. The bullet style I am getting for sure is their 32-170A. I am going to have them cut it so it will drop a 175 gr bullet fro ww lead. But I'm not sure about lighter and shorter bullets since the rifling is 1-16. Maybe I should just stick to one bullet and then the sights don't need moving but since lead is getting scarce I kinda wanted to try to conserve my lead. Any thoughts or someone with experience with this caliber appreciated.

[tdoor]

Hi-

I reload for several 32 Spls (Winchester & Marlin) but I have not used anything lighter than the RCBS 32 170FNGS (which works very well). However, I would not expect any problems with a lighter i.e. shorter, bullet due to the rifling twist.

I had a multi cavity (all identical) Accurate Mold made for 32-20, very nice mold. Good luck
tdoor

[Sixgun]

Good question. I've reloaded a whole lot for the 32 spl with cast. I also have an original Lyman plain base mould that comes out at 130 grains. I have played with it a little (maybe 100 rds) and so far, its nothing to brag about unless I keep the velocity down around 1200 or less. But....that's what these short bullets were originally for, shooting at low velocity for camp meat.

I also have done the same with the 348. I had a 4 cav. mould cut out with 225 gr and 150 gr. Same results, as long as I keep the velocity down (on the short bullet) below 1200, its OK.

Don't take these words for gospel as I still have work to do such as playing with sizing diameters, softer/harder alloys, and seating depths.

I say go for it, it will be challenging and a learning experience. If worse comes to worse, you can always use the short bullet for sniper work on varmints, cat sneeze loads etc.

Just make sure your heavy 32 bullet wears a gas check.------------Sixgun

[Canuck Bob]

I asked the same question on the Cast Boolit site. Most reported no problem with lighter bullets and no feed problems from a short nosed bullet. I don't have a short bullet mould yet but plan one for my 32.

I plan a bullet design with a shortish nose and a good length of shank for ample driving bands.

[rjohns94]

Great topic. Good info. I need to get set up to load cast bullets for my carbine.

[hondo1892]

Here's the bullet designs I'm looking at. The plain base is 125 gr and the gas check base is 155gr. Accurate will let you decide on the weight though so you can go heavier or lighter.


I have had only one mold from Accurate but it is a very nice mold and Tom has a quick turn around. And its nice to be able to have multiple bullet designs in one block.

[Hawkeye2]

I have a button magazine SRC in nice shape and I had thought about using the Lyman Rifle Bullet Mould: 32/40 - #319247 over regular .32-40 loads. I realize the ballistics probably wouldn't be quite the same because of the case volume and shape but they would be a good starting point.
The .32-40 is a very accurate cartridge and both it and the .32 Special use the same twist. Have any of you tried this?