.32 ACP in .32 S&W Long?

max2005

April 03, 2005 07:45

Now, I know that it is common sense NOT to fire one caliber of ammunition in firearms that are designed to fire another, however there are some combinations that are common and safe; such as .44 Special in .44 Magnum guns, .38 Special in .357's, etc... My question is, can you safely fire .32 ACP with their small semi-rim in quality (ie - Colt Pocket Positive) .32 S&W Long firearms? Bullet diameter is roughly equal (.310 - .313 for the Long, .308 - .310 for the ACP), C.U.P. in the same range (11,000 for Long, up to max of 14,000 for the ACP). There is a much greater selection of ammunition for the ACP, and assuming (after I slug it) the bore on my particular firearm is on the smaller side of the .32 S&W Long range (so that accuracy doesn't totally go by the board), is this a good idea? Thanks in advance for your comments and wisdom!

0

• 

  GaBob

  April 03, 2005 07:54

  If the semi rim will hold cartridge so that firing pin contacts it there is no reason to worry about firing it. I have fired .32ACP in my Ruger .32 Mag many times. The pressure range for .32 ACP is similar to .32 S&W Long.
  
  Keep Your Powder Dry
  
  The only criminal class that is native to the United States is congress.
  MARK TWAIN

  0
• 

  heavyiron

  April 03, 2005 08:34

  Hi Max,
  
  I am never in favor of this practice.
  
  IMHO, this may be an acceptable practice if the substituted cartridge is always of lower pressure than the parent cartridge. That is to say, the substitution of a 44 Special in the 44 Magnum is acceptable because the 44 Magnum has a much higher pressure than the 44 Special. Theoretically, the firearm should be more than capable of containing the "reduced" pressure of the substituted cartridge in this case. The same for substituting 38 Specials in 357 Magnums.
  
  However, in the scenario that you propose, the reverse is true. From my sources the SAAMI pressure spec for the 32 S&W Long is 15,000 psi. The SAAMI pressure spec for the 32 automatic is 20,500 psi (note these units are in psi not CUPs). Therefore, you are proposing to put a cartridge with 26% higher pressure potential into an older model pistol of quality (?) designed for the lower pressure 32 S&W.
  
  I wouldn't do it because while nothing may happen, IMHO this is flirting with disaster.
  
  Regards,
  
  Heavyiron
  
  
  "If I don't see you nomore on this world, I'll meet you on the next one, and don't be late!" - Jimi Hendrix

  0

Please sign in to leave a comment.