Revolver · SAAMI
.32 S&W
Smith & Wesson's original centerfire revolver cartridge from 1878.
- Caliber
- 0.315″ · 8 mm
- Introduced
- 1878
- Case
- Rimmed
- Parent
- .320 Revolver (Short)
- Primary use
- Self-Defense
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 1878
- Type
- Revolver
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Smith & Wesson
- Manufacturer
- Smith & Wesson
- Standard
- SAAMI
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Limited
- Case capacity
- 8.5 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:18.75
- Primer
- Boxer Small Pistol
- Case type
- Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 17,000 psi, SAAMI transducer
- Eff. range
- 25 yd
- Max range
- 1400 yd
- Recoil
- 1–2 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Introduced by Smith & Wesson
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .32 S&W. Parent case: .320 Revolver (Short).
Performance
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| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 8.00 | 0.315 | ~ |
| Neck ⌀ | 8.61 | 0.339 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 8.61 | 0.339 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 9.60 | 0.378 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.37 | 0.054 | ~ |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 15.37 | 0.605 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 23.62 | 0.930 | ✓ |
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
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
Lineage
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.
- What is .32 S&W based on?
- .32 S&W is derived from the .320 Revolver (Short) case.
Sources & provenance
- Standard C.I.P. — C.I.P. TDCC — Tables of Dimensions of Cartridges and Chambers
- Standard SAAMI — ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3-2022 — Centerfire Pistol & Revolver Voluntary Performance Standards · grain_ballistics, representative_gun archived
- Standard SAAMI — ANSI/SAAMI Z299 — Cartridge & Chamber Drawings archived
- Manufacturer Magtech — 32 S&W 85GR LRN (SKU 32SWA) — product page · grain_ballistics, representative_gun archived
- Manufacturer Remington — Performance WheelGun 32 S&W 88 Grain LRN (SKU 22206) — product page · grain_ballistics, representative_gun archived
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 →
