Description
This target load has quickly become our most popular option for your 32 S&W.
Steinel’s 32 S&W 72gr Round Nose load is designed for shooters who appreciate classic revolvers, low-recoil target shooting, and hard-to-find vintage handgun ammunition. Built using modern components while maintaining traditional .32 Smith & Wesson performance characteristics, this load delivers reliable ignition, smooth recoil, and dependable function in older revolvers chambered for .32 S&W ammo.
Loaded with a 72 grain Berry’s Round Nose projectile, this cartridge produces approximately 590 FPS from a 3-inch barrel, making it an excellent option for recreational shooting, range practice, and collectors who still enjoy shooting antique firearms rather than simply displaying them.
What is 32 Short? Is it the same as 32 S&W?
The 32 S&W is informally referred to as “32 S&W Short” and “32 Short”- only to distinguish it from 32 Long (a different cartridge). 32 S&W can also be fired through S&W Long, 32 H&R Magnum, and 327 Federal Magnum revolvers. However, firing shorter rounds through longer chambers will result in velocity loss and potentially lost accuracy due to the additional bullet jump from the case to forcing cone.
Chambers may need to be cleaned after shooting these in longer chambers, prior to shooting longer cartridges due to carbon buildup. This is normal, and common when shooting 357 Magnum after 38 Special for example.
32 S&W Built for Vintage Firearms & Classic Revolvers
remains one of the most recognizable vintage revolver cartridges ever produced. Steinel developed this load specifically for shooters seeking reliable function in older revolvers while using modern-quality components for consistency and safety.
This ammunition is ideal for:
- Antique revolvers
- Top-break revolvers
- Pocket revolvers
- Recreational target shooting
- Collectors who actively shoot vintage firearms
Clean-Burning Components & Consistent Performance
Each cartridge is assembled using premium modern components including:
- New Starline brass
- Vihtavuori powder
- CCI primers
- Berry’s plated round nose bullets
The plated projectile helps reduce smoke and fouling compared to traditional exposed lead bullets, making this load especially enjoyable for extended range sessions.
Compatibility Information of 32 S&W 72gr Round
This .32 S&W ammunition may also chamber and fire safely in:
- .32 S&W Long revolvers
- .32 H&R Magnum revolvers
- .327 Federal Magnum revolvers
However, firing shorter cartridges in longer chambers may result in:
- Reduced velocity
- Slight accuracy loss
- Increased carbon buildup near the chamber throat
As with other revolver calibers, proper chamber cleaning is recommended before switching back to longer cartridges.
