Skip to content
Lindcott Armory

Revolver · SAAMI standardized

.32 S&W

Smith & Wesson's original centerfire revolver cartridge from 1878.

Caliber
0.315″ · 8 mm
Introduced
1878
Case
Rimmed
Primary use
Self-Defense
Status
Active

Buy this cartridge

Buy at Rivertown

Buying from Rivertown

Partner link
VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains85 · 98 · 100 gr
Identity
Introduced
1878
Type
Revolver
Origin
United States
Inventor
Smith & Wesson
Manufacturer
Smith & Wesson
Standard
SAAMI standardized
Status
Active
Availability
Limited
Build
Case capacity
6 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:18.75
Primer
Boxer Small Pistol
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
17,000 psi
Eff. range
25 yd
Recoil
1–2 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Introduced by Smith & Wesson

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .32 S&W.

Performance

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

CIP TDCC · approximate
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 8.000.315 ~
Neck ⌀ 8.610.339 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 8.610.339 ✓
Rim ⌀ 9.600.378 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.370.054 ~
Neck length n/a
Case length 15.370.605 ✓
Overall length 23.620.930 ✓

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .32 S&W is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.

Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

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 →

Ruger GP100 .327 Federal Mag 4.2-inchRuger LCR .327 Federal Mag 1.875-inchRuger SP101 .327 Federal Mag 3.06-inchHopkins & Allen Safety Police .32 SWColt Police Positive .32 Colt 4-inchColt Colt Bisley .45 Colt 7.5-inchIver Johnson Arms Iver Johnson Safety HammerlessIver Johnson Arms Safety Hammerless .32 S&WSmith & Wesson Smith & Wesson Single Shot Target 22 LR 10-inchHopkins & Allen Safety PoliceHarrington & Richardson H&R Young America RevolverHarrington & Richardson H&R .38 S&W Top Break 3.25-inch

Lineage

Immediate parent
Root — no documented parent
Direct descendants (1 · 3 total)
.32 S&W Long
Family TreeOpen .32 S&W in the interactive cartridge family tree

Connected reference

Loads21 factory loads for .32 S&WFirearmsFirearms in .32 S&W

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 0.315″ (8 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.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 12 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →