.32 S&W Long Ammo: History, Uses, and Buying Guide
The .32 S&W Long is a time-tested handgun cartridge that has served civilian, military, and law enforcement users for over a century. Originally introduced in 1896 by Smith & Wesson, this rimmed, straight-walled cartridge remains popular among target shooters, small-game hunters, and collectors of vintage revolvers.
History of the .32 S&W Long
The .32 S&W Long was developed as an improvement over the .32 S&W, offering increased case capacity and better ballistic performance. It was introduced alongside the Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector revolver series and quickly gained favor for its manageable recoil and accuracy.
While it was once used by various law enforcement agencies in the early 20th century, the .32 S&W Long has since transitioned into a niche role, primarily used for target shooting and small-game hunting. Many revolvers chambered in .32 S&W Long can also safely fire the shorter .32 S&W cartridge, adding to its versatility.
Ballistics and Performance
Typical Ballistic Specs:
- Bullet Weight: 85 to 100 grains
- Muzzle Velocity: 700 to 900 fps (feet per second)
- Muzzle Energy: 125 to 150 ft-lbs (foot-pounds)
The .32 S&W Long is known for its low recoil, making it an excellent option for new shooters and those seeking a soft-shooting revolver round. While not designed for high-impact defensive use, some modern ammunition loads improve its effectiveness with wadcutter or semi-wadcutter bullets.
Uses of .32 S&W Long Ammunition
1. Target Shooting
The .32 S&W Long is well-regarded for its precision and light recoil, making it a popular choice for competitive bullseye shooting. Many high-end target revolvers have been chambered for this caliber due to its consistent accuracy.
2. Small-Game Hunting & Pest Control
With proper bullet selection, the .32 S&W Long is effective for dispatching small game like rabbits and squirrels. Lead round-nose (LRN) or hollow-point loads are common choices for humane and effective pest control.
3. Self-Defense (Limited Use)
Though not the most powerful defensive round, the .32 S&W Long has been used for self-defense. Modern defensive loads, such as wadcutters, improve its stopping power by maximizing tissue disruption. However, it is generally considered underpowered compared to modern defensive cartridges.
Popular Firearms Chambered in .32 S&W Long
Several revolvers are chambered for .32 S&W Long, including:
- Smith & Wesson Model 30 & Model 31 – Classic double-action revolvers known for their reliability.
- Colt Police Positive – A historical law enforcement revolver from the early 1900s.
- Ruger Single-Six (Convertible Models) – Some models can fire .32 S&W Long alongside .32 H&R Magnum and .327 Federal Magnum.
Buying .32 S&W Long Ammo
When purchasing .32 S&W Long ammunition, consider the following:
- Bullet Type: Choose wadcutters for target shooting, lead round-nose for general use, and hollow points for small-game hunting or defense.
- Grain Weight: Most loads fall between 85-100 grains, impacting velocity and energy.
- Brand Reputation: Look for trusted manufacturers like Fiocchi, Remington, Winchester, and Magtech to ensure quality and consistency.
Shop .32 S&W Long Ammo at ProArmory
Looking for reliable .32 S&W Long ammunition? Browse our selection of high-quality rounds from top manufacturers at ProArmory. Whether you need target loads, hunting rounds, or defensive ammo, we have you covered with competitive pricing and fast shipping!
Final Thoughts
The .32 S&W Long remains a classic revolver cartridge with a dedicated following. Its accuracy, low recoil, and historical significance make it a fantastic choice for collectors, target shooters, and small-game hunters. Explore our available stock today and find the best ammo to fit your needs!
