.32 H&R mag shotshells

[skfullgun]

The copperheads are plentiful on the property this year and I decided to work up a load for my favorite "walking" gun - a single six in .32 h&r. Here is what I've worked up so far:

CCI primer
2.6 grains Unique
Approx 62 grains of #12 shot

I used an empty casing to punch plastic wads out of some thin plastic sheeting - about as thick as a margarine tub. I placed one wad been the powder and shot, and another on to of the shot. I crimped the load and filled the end with elmer's glue.

At about three yards it patterned great on a pizza box. I'm not eager to try then on a poisonous reptile, but I'll update you when I do.

 

[skfullgun]

The copperheads are plentiful on the property this year and I decided to work up a load for my favorite "walking" gun - a single six in .32 h&r. Here is what I've worked up so far:

CCI primer
2.6 grains Unique
Approx 62 grains of #12 shot

I used an empty casing to punch plastic wads out of some thin plastic sheeting - about as thick as a margarine tub. I placed one wad betwwen the powder and shot, and another on top of the shot. I crimped the load and filled the end with elmer's glue.

At about three yards it patterned great on a pizza box. I'm not eager to try them on a poisonous reptile, but I'll update you when I do.

I'm typing on a phone so please forgive the errors in my first post. I CAN spell!

 

[skfullgun]

Here is a photo:

 

[skfullgun]

It didn't take long. Made it to my place near Zavalla about six this evening. Stepped out of the truck to open the gate and there was a small copperheads between me and the gate. .32 mag shotshells 1, copperheads. 0. I may add a few grains to the charge.

 

[Reinz]

Those are some good looking shotshells. Glad to hear that they did the job.

 

[skfullgun]

Thank you! There is just something about firing a round you put together. It is satisfying.

 

[skfullgun]

I think I'll try 2.8 - 3.0 grains. It did the job, but sounded weak. Thoughts?

 

[motorcarman]

I load the .38 SPL cases and I loaded some re-formed .357 MAXIMUM cases necked down to fit .38 SPL cylinders. I use the plastic capsules as well.
Here is some data for different loads.

https://www.loaddata.com/articles/PDF/LD-35 Haviland LR1.pdf

bob

 

[skfullgun]

They don't make the shot capsules for .32 caliber, and the wads between and on top of the shot works well, as long as there is glue on top.

 

[motorcarman]

I know that the only shot shell capsules are .38, 44 & 45.
The advantage of the capsules is increased shot volume.
That is why I use 357 MAXIMUM cases necked to .360 to fit the cylinder chambers if I use the wad and glue method you mentioned. That way I get the shot ALL THE WAY to the end of the cylinder.

bob

 

[motorcarman]

You could get more powder/shot if you get some 7.62 x 38R Nagant cases and neck down the end that fits in the front section of the cylinder.
I loaded a dozen or so for my M1895 Nagant revolvers but the cases go all the way through the cylinder on those anyway. I used the wads and glue like you did but no neck sizing required with the Nagant.

Just an idea to get more volume.

bob

 

[skfullgun]

The Nagant brass idea sounds promising. I think I may even have some brass, but it may be berdan primed. .327 mag cases wont fit into the .32 mag cylinder as they are thicker at the base.

 

[skfullgun]

Any ideas on how to size .327 brass to fit the .32h&r mag? I have a single seven in .327, but the .32 h&r is usually my companion.

 

[Kosh75287]

Going up 1/10th grain (or more) is probably okay, but check the patterns carefully it's easy to go from "weak load/nice pattern" to "stronger load/half-moon pattern" with only a few charge adjustments.

 

[skfullgun]

You know, you are probably right. If it ain't broke - no need to fix it. They patterned well at 2.6 grains of Unique, so I might just load another batch.

 

[Kosh75287]

Don't let ME stop you from trying to improve things. If you can get more power with good patterning, get more power! I just brought up the "half-moon" patterns so that you'd be watchful for it happening.

 

[skfullgun]

Actually, I got to thinking about it...

With 2.6 grains and approx a 60-62 grain payload, they are moving about 700-750 fps. That is more than enough to ventilate a belly-crawlin' reptile, without fear of bouncing off branches, rocks, etc.

 

[motorcarman]

The reload guestimate of 2.6 grains for 60gr is probably for a solid (gas sealing) projectile so you will have to adjust for a 'porous' load of shot with escaping gases past the payload (unless the wad is a really good seal?)

You might try a chronometer to verify??

bob

 

[Kosh75287]

After you charge the primed brass, then put the plastic cut-out circle over it, do you fill the case to the edge of the case mouth with #12 shot and put another plastic cut-out over it? I'm wondering if, instead of the second plastic "dot" on top, you could seal it with a .313" ball. The result would be a sort of "buck and ball" arrangement, though on a far smaller scale. It sounds like the arrangement you have now works pretty well. I just hate to put a piece of plastic in the payload, if a projectile of some sort can be put in place of it.

 

[skfullgun]

No room. It's tight with the wad and the glue with little room for a crimp.