Handloads: A Light-Recoiling .32 ACP Practice Round

by
posted on June 21, 2022
Light-Recoiling .32 ACP Practice Round

There are still more than 1 million pistols in circulation chambered for the .32 ACP, although, today, it is generally considered to be an outdated defensive cartridge. But, with its relatively low operating pressure and velocity, the .32 ACP can be the basis of economical range fodder when loaded with common lead bullets.

Practice Round specsPocket pistols chambered for the .32 ACP are built for concealability, not ergonomics, so a soft-recoiling load can help stave off blisters and pinched skin. This recipe starts with once-fired Fiocchi brass that is cleaned, re-sized and primed with standard Federal small pistol primers. Once prepped, a mild 1.9-grain charge of Alliant Unique is all that it takes to produce respectable accuracy without the associated kick of defensive ammunition. Lyman still produces a mold for a compatible bullet (#311252), but Bear Creek Supply makes an 80-grain round-nose projectile that saves an afternoon’s worth of work, and these bullets feature a proprietary coating that keeps both the gun and the reloading operation clean.

Lee’s Carbide die set is the most affordable way to address tooling and even includes the required shell holder, which is an odd duck these days. The seating die features both a taper-crimp and a roll-crimp option, and as this cartridge headspaces on the rim, it’s dealer’s choice on which to use. I like to go with a mild taper crimp, as not much is needed to keep these bullets in place under the scant recoil of this particular load. For best reliability, I seat to an overall length of 0.970", but feel free to adjust to fit your specific magazine.

Out of 2" barrels, you can expect velocities north of 600 f.p.s. and a bit more out of longer barrels. Firing five-round groups that measure less than an inch is no tall task for this cartridge in the hands of a capable shooter. If your marksmanship isn’t there yet, don’t worry—a single pound of powder yields 3,500 rounds, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to practice.

Latest

Gotw 1854 Web
Gotw 1854 Web

Gun Of The Week: Smith & Wesson Model 1854

Welcome to another American Rifleman Gun Of The Week video, and this time we have a modernized American lever-action to take to the range. Meet the Smith & Wesson Model 1854.

New For 2025: Kimber 2K11

With its new 2K11, Kimber now has a dedicated design based on the 2011 concept that comes loaded with a number of added features.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 22, 2024

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Red Fifty: The Soviet 12.7 mm DShK Heavy Machine Gun

While the Browning .50-cal. M2 machine gun has been unequaled for more than a century, John Moses Browning’s genius design has had one significant 12.7 mm competitor: the Soviet DShK.

Support The NRA Youth Education Summit (YES) On Giving Tuesday

With more than 1,200 students having graduated from the program and over $700,000 in scholarships awarded since 1996, NRA's YES is an immersive leadership program for high school students eager to learn about the foundations of our nation, the importance of civic engagement and the role of the Second Amendment.

Rifleman Review: Remington 360 Buckhammer

Remington Ammunition's 360 Buckhammer is a straight-wall hunting cartridge that's designed to give deer hunters an ideal round for their Midwestern hunt.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.