.32 ACP question:

tallen702 · May 31, 2017

I'm going to start reloading .32ACP and just had a quick question. I'm used to using the Lee Factory Crimp Die on most of my pistol loads for automatics (9mm 9x18mm, etc) but I'm seeing that this possibly isn't advisable for .32ACP because it's a semi-rimless cartridge instead of a true rimless.

Obviously, using the factory crimp die would mean not having to trim and chamfer. Do any of you reload .32ACP for auto-loaders? If so, what is your experience?

alucard0822 · May 31, 2017

You usually don't need to trim pistol brass, especially low pressure calibers, and even so, the FCD does nothing to prevent it. In most calibers it post sizes to iron out any bulges from seating heavy/long bullets, or helping some finnicky pistols feed better. Rim size doesn't really matter either, I use a FCD on rimmed, semi-rimmed and rimless calibers. The actual problem specifically in 32ACP for the Lee FCD is they only make a single ROLL CRIMP die for several rimmed 32 revolver calibers and the semi-rimmed 32ACP. difference being the revolver calibers headspace on the rim, so a radiused roll crimp helps hold lead or cannelured bullets in place better under heavy recoil, can help light powder better in large cases with lots of airspace, and can make them a hair easier to chamber.

32ACP, being an auto cartidge that headspaces on the case mouth needs a TAPER CRIMP. Meaning the case mouth is just basically straightened, and pushed tight aggainst a bullet, leaving the mouth edge exposed to headspace at the front of the chamber. A roll crimp can allow it to get pushed forward too far, the crimp can jam up ahead of the chamber in the barrel and increase pressure as it creates a restriction for the bullet leaving the case. At minimum it can mess with headspacing, and screw up accuracy. The FCD could be used as a post sizing die if the crimp head is backed out, but you should use the correct taper crimp die for 32 ACP.

tallen702 · Jun 1, 2017

alucard0822 said:
You usually don't need to trim pistol brass, especially low pressure calibers, and even so, the FCD does nothing to prevent it. In most calibers it post sizes to iron out any bulges from seating heavy/long bullets, or helping some finnicky pistols feed better. Rim size doesn't really matter either, I use a FCD on rimmed, semi-rimmed and rimless calibers. The actual problem specifically in 32ACP for the Lee FCD is they only make a single ROLL CRIMP die for several rimmed 32 revolver calibers and the semi-rimmed 32ACP. difference being the revolver calibers headspace on the rim, so a radiused roll crimp helps hold lead or cannelured bullets in place better under heavy recoil, can help light powder better in large cases with lots of airspace, and can make them a hair easier to chamber.

32ACP, being an auto cartidge that headspaces on the case mouth needs a TAPER CRIMP. Meaning the case mouth is just basically straightened, and pushed tight aggainst a bullet, leaving the mouth edge exposed to headspace at the front of the chamber. A roll crimp can allow it to get pushed forward too far, the crimp can jam up ahead of the chamber in the barrel and increase pressure as it creates a restriction for the bullet leaving the case. At minimum it can mess with headspacing, and screw up accuracy. The FCD could be used as a post sizing die if the crimp head is backed out, but you should use the correct taper crimp die for 32 ACP.

Thank you sir! That cleared it up very well for me. Going to go ahead and order a RCBS taper-crimp die.

yellowfin · Jun 22, 2017

The Lee FCD is a taper crimp die typically--why would it be a roll crimp for the 32? I would expect it to be a taper crimp if in a 4 die set.

bayoubrass · Aug 21, 2017

Ditto, well stated.

John from MD · Aug 21, 2017

You will have to sort your brass with .32 ammo if you are using cast bullets. The brass thickness varies between American made ammo and some European companies. You will notice this right away as the thicker brass will bulge when seating. In my older .32 pistols and revolvers, I always use .311 cast bullets due to the wide tolerances. In newer pistols like NAA Guardian and Beretta Tomcat, I use .309.

FYI, I have found that WW231 works best in this caliber.

tallen702 · Aug 21, 2017

yellowfin said:
The Lee FCD is a taper crimp die typically--why would it be a roll crimp for the 32? I would expect it to be a taper crimp if in a 4 die set.

The Lee .32ACP set is a 3-die set, so only a bullet seating die, no factory carbide die. The only crimp you get with a bullet seating die from them is a slight roll crimp if you tighten it down a hair more. Their .32 factory die is a roll crimp die for .32 H&R and the like for use in revolvers.

John from MD said:
You will have to sort your brass with .32 ammo if you are using cast bullets. The brass thickness varies between American made ammo and some European companies. You will notice this right away as the thicker brass will bulge when seating. In my older .32 pistols and revolvers, I always use .311 cast bullets due to the wide tolerances. In newer pistols like NAA Guardian and Beretta Tomcat, I use .309.

FYI, I have found that WW231 works best in this caliber.

I've been using Prvi for my .32 factory ammo. Loaded with 2.1gr of HP-38 (that stuff meters beautifully by the way). Running Berry's .312 TMJs as the projos. Taper crimp is a RCBS .32ACP and it works rather well. There was so trial and error involved in setting the proper taper crimp (1-2 thousandths of an inch difference in the OD between the brass at the bullet base and at the mouth for the crimp.)

John from MD · Aug 21, 2017

Yes, the .32 ACP is a challenge at first but the pay off is worth it. My .32s can shoot bullseye groups from the bench assuming you can get the sights (if any) in focus. :lol:

I also load both .32 mag and .32/20 cases for my Nagant pistols. the .32 mag cases bulge the first time then I just neck size and they work great. They are easier to load than the 32/20's. I use the Lee .314 tumble lube SWC in both cases and they really make the old revolvers perform.

When I get a ROUND TUIT, I plan to try to load that bullet in my .32 ACP's. Most of them feed so straight that the SWC bullet shouldn't cause any problems. COAL may be an issue but I have room to seat the bullet lower since I only use 2.1 of 231 as well.

bayoubrass · Aug 30, 2017

I'd advise a Lee tamper crimp die. No headspace problems, ect. Normal crimps in auto give you headspace problems in autos.

.32 ACP question:

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