Lindcott Armory Revolver · SAAMI standardized
.32 S&W
Smith & Wesson's original centerfire revolver cartridge from 1878.
- Introduced
- 1878
- Type
- Revolver
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Smith & Wesson
- Manufacturer
- Smith & Wesson
- Standard
- SAAMI standardized
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Limited
- Bullet ⌀
- 0.312″
- Case length
- 0.61″
- Overall length
- 0.92″
- Base ⌀
- 0.335″
- Rim ⌀
- 0.375″
- Case capacity
- 6 gr H₂O
- Twist
- 1:18.75
- Primer
- Boxer Small Pistol
- Case type
- Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 17,000 psi
- Eff. range
- 50 yd
- Recoil
- 1–2 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
- Velocity
- 680–750 fps
- Energy
- 97–118 ft·lb
- By real loads
- 679–1,100 fps · 12 loads
- Typical MSRP
- $0.85/rd · price history →
- Parent case
- —
Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input, not a measured load. Real published loads span the "by real loads" range above.
Factory loads
In production — 12 active loads across 9 brands. Top 15 shown · see all 21 →.
| Brand | Load | Grain | Bullet | FPS | ft·lb | BC | $/rd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiocchi | Shooting Dynamics | 98 | LRN | 705 | 108 | 0.132 | $0.38 |
| Hornady | Custom | 85 | XTP JHP | 1,100 | 228 | — | $0.85 |
| Sellier & Bellot | LWC | 100 | Lead WC | 730 | 118 | — | $0.85 |
| Sellier & Bellot | Standard | 100 | LRN | 726 | 117 | — | $0.85 |
| Magtech | Magtech | 98 | LRN | 705 | 108 | — | $0.85 |
| Lapua | Center-X | 98 | LWC | 705 | 108 | — | $0.23 |
| Black Hills | Cowboy | 98 | LRN | 705 | 108 | — | $0.85 |
| GECO | Handgun | 100 | LRN | 685 | 104 | — | $0.38 |
| Remington | LRN | 88 | LRN | 680 | 90 | — | $0.85 |
| Magtech | Sport | 85 | LRN | 680 | 87 | — | $0.85 |
| Sellier & Bellot | LRN | 85 | LRN | 679 | 87 | — | $0.85 |
| PPU | LRN | 85 | LRN | 679 | 87 | — | $0.38 |
| Norma | Classic | 98 | Lead Round Nose | 700 | 107 | — | — |
| Buffalo Arms | Custom | 98 | Lead Round Nose | 700 | 107 | — | — |
| RWS | Classic | 98 | Lead Round Nose | 700 | 107 | — | — |
Velocities are manufacturer-stated (test-barrel). Discontinued loads dimmed.
Dimensions
Reloading cost
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Firearms chambered in .32 S&W
12 models in the database chamber .32 S&W. Browse all →
Lineage
Connected reference
History
Smith & Wesson introduced this centerfire revolver cartridge in 1878 for their early double-action revolvers. Derived from black powder target cartridge traditions, it offered a mild-shooting option for ladies' defense revolvers and pocket guns. Remained in production for decades to support older firearms.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .32 S&W use?
- .32 S&W typically uses a 1:18.75 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .32 S&W?
- .32 S&W uses a 0.312″ (7.9248 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .32 S&W still in production?
- .32 S&W is active; typical availability is limited.
- What is .32 S&W used for?
- .32 S&W is primarily used for self-defense.
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 12 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. Spotted an error? Report it →