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Post by Encore64 on Oct 21, 2023 2:47:36 GMT -5
My 32s outnumber my 38s probably 5 or 6 to 1. I'm absolutely a 32 Caliber Junkie.
I will admit that mine are mostly 327s, with an occasional 32 Mag and 32-20 thrown in.
But, the 38 Special gets a bad rap by hunters. I think it's because it's become synonymous with snub nosed carry guns.
Since you started this thread in the Reloading Section, I'll assume you handload.
As pointed out, the Clements 38 Special is not an ordinary gun. But, my Uberti P Jr Target is pretty ordinary.
I can tell you that with some powders, especially some newer ones, it's impressive on small game.
I'd like to see more 5.5-6.5" Revolvers with Adjustable Sights available in 38 Special. But, like others wanting this, I'm a minority too small for manufacturers to listen too.
It's too easy to just build 357 Magnums and point out they fire 38 Specials too...
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Post by rjm52 on Oct 21, 2023 3:25:37 GMT -5
While I like and own both, the biggest drawback I see for someone new to the game is limited selection of .32 H&Rs and .327s...and when you do find what you want it is 30-50 more than one would pay for a similar gun in .38/.357.
And forget about factory ammo in both selection and off the shelf availability if you go .32...strictly a reloaders cartridge. Even trying to find brass to reload can be challenging.
.32s are great, but there are a lot of "issues" at this time...
Bob
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Post by bigbore5 on Oct 21, 2023 4:34:04 GMT -5
I need to send my 353 back in to FA for the firing pin conversion. I've seriously thought about having it fitted with a 38sp cylinder. It shoots 38's pretty well now, but not as accurate as with 357's.
In fact I may try some Casull 353 pressure 38's. Might be interesting.
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Post by Encore64 on Oct 21, 2023 5:08:29 GMT -5
I suspect a FA83 in 38 Special would shoot lights out with the throats opened to .358".
What a wonderful gun that would be for experimenting...
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Post by bigbore5 on Oct 21, 2023 5:16:57 GMT -5
I suspect a FA83 in 38 Special would shoot lights out with the throats opened to .358". What a wonderful gun that would be for experimenting... From the 357 cylinder, I get 2-3" groups now with the Keith bullet and either Universal or Power Pistol for 1050fps from the 9" barrel. With 357 bass and 1175fps, it's about 5/8". The throats were opened up by Doug at Cylinder Hone. |
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Post by Encore64 on Oct 21, 2023 5:39:37 GMT -5
I suspect a FA83 in 38 Special would shoot lights out with the throats opened to .358". What a wonderful gun that would be for experimenting... From the 357 cylinder, I get 2-3" groups now with the Keith bullet and either Universal or Power Pistol for 1050fps from the 9" barrel. With 357 bass and 1175fps, it's about 5/8". The throats were opened up by Doug at Cylinder Hone. Incredible and believable!!! My FAs are the same. I did have the 44 Special and 41 Magnum throats opened for cast bullets... |
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Post by bigbore5 on Oct 21, 2023 5:48:10 GMT -5
Same Keith bullet (MP version) at 1600fps gives 7/8". Was my deer load for years.
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Post by oddshooter on Oct 24, 2023 14:51:01 GMT -5
Wow, great thread with excellent posts.
I too have become a .32 fanboy in the last few years. However, I've been a 38/357 fanboy for a long time.
Someone mentioned the S&W model 14 and 15 in 38 special. Those are two of the most accurate sixguns I've ever held.
But now I've got a Ruger Buckeye Convertible in 32-20 / 32H&Rmag; and S&W 16-4, 631. Those .32's are awesome sixguns as well.
Shooting any of those gives one fantastic day at the firing line.
Handloading the .32 gives me 7 calibers; 32-20 WCF, T/C 30-20, 32 ACP, 32 S&W, 32 S&Wlong, 32 H&Rmag, and the 327 fedmag. That makes for a fun day handloading. A 327fm shoots 5 of those calibers.
.32's ammo are not sold in very many places. Handloading is almost a requirement.
I haven't been able to find any 32-20 brass in almost 2 years. The price for just the 32-20 brass has hit over $2 on Gunbroker.
38/357 is sold almost everywhere. Brass is readily available.
Good news and bad news.
Thank Mother Nature I don't have to choose.
Prescut
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gregs
.327 Meteor
Posts: 530 
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Post by gregs on Oct 26, 2023 11:42:18 GMT -5
Being late to the meeting and just reading the first few post, if you reload and cast, the 32. 32 ammo is harder to find particularly in the last twenty years during the election/panic cycles. It can be loaded from mild to wild to suit your purpose.
32s and the 475 is what got me into casting as I had already been reloading for 2 plus decades.
Get the 38 and enjoy but look at easing into the 32. They are great.
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Post by bigbore5 on Oct 26, 2023 15:11:20 GMT -5
When it comes to revolver cartridges the correct answer on which to get is simple.
ALL OF THEM!
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Post by longoval on Oct 27, 2023 9:16:22 GMT -5
Yeah, I could never decide between the two. Both excellent options that should be pursued.
I think my favorites are 44 special and 22lr. Next would be 38 special and 32 mag. 357 and 44 mag not far behind.
I hope Rey doesn't see this post.
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Post by 45MAN on Oct 27, 2023 19:43:08 GMT -5
Yeah, I could never decide between the two. Both excellent options that should be pursued. I think my favorites are 44 special and 22lr. Next would be 38 special and 32 mag. 357 and 44 mag not far behind. I hope Rey doesn't see this post. I SAW IT! |
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Post by bula on Oct 28, 2023 9:01:18 GMT -5
Danny/OP, do you handload ?
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Post by handloadingnotes on Nov 4, 2023 20:13:52 GMT -5
You will need both, eventually. But if you want fun, and different, and don’t plan on using it on anything bigger than a ground hog - the 32 caliber is the clear winner. Start with it.
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James
.327 Meteor
Posts: 503
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Post by James on Nov 4, 2023 21:20:02 GMT -5
 Right from the box my five inch, 7 shot GP-100 in 327 proved to be one heck of a nice gun......That`s her below the Redhawk................. |
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