.32 Rem. Load Data & Reloading Guide

Rifle

Also known as: .32 Remington, .32 Remington Rifle, .32 Remington Express

About .32 Rem.

The .32 Remington was introduced in the early 20th century as a centerfire rifle cartridge, meant to compete with other rimless designs, like the .30-30 Winchester. Developed for the Remington Model 8 semi-automatic rifle, it was intended for hunters and sportsmen looking for a powerful yet versatile cartridge. Despite its niche popularity, production saw a decline, particularly with the advent of newer calibers, leading it to become more of a historical curiosity among firearms enthusiasts.

Technically, the .32 Remington features a case length of 2.06 inches, with a bullet diameter of .321 inches and typically employs a large rifle primer. It closely mirrors the case dimensions of the .30 Remington, allowing for a relatively streamlined manufacturing process. This cartridge is known for producing moderate recoil, which contributes to its manageable firing characteristics in semi-automatic platforms. Ballistically, it offers adequate power for medium game hunting, with a typical muzzle velocity ranging from 2,000 to 2,200 feet per second.

The .32 Remington commonly accepts bullet weights between 165 and 170 grains, providing ample stopping power for deer-sized game. While it does not match the long-range performance of more modern rounds, its effective range of up to 200 yards makes it suitable for woodland hunting scenarios. The manageable recoil also makes it comfortable for casual shooters engaging in vintage rifle competitions or recreational shooting.

For reloaders, the .32 Remington presents a unique challenge and opportunity due to its scarcity in commercial production. Reloaders find value in crafting their own ammunition, often using reformed brass from similar cartridges. This allows for customization of loads to achieve optimal performance from specific firearms. Reloaders gain the advantage of producing tailored rounds, ensuring reliable feeding in semi-automatic rifles and achieving desired ballistic characteristics suitable for their chosen application.

Technical Drawing

.32 Rem. cartridge dimensions, C.I.P.L1 = 38.05 mm, L2 = 39.67 mm, L3 = 52.07 mm, L6 = 64.14 mmL1 = 38.05 mmL2 = 39.67 mmL3 = 52.07 mmL6 = 64.14 mm48.5°

Based on C.I.P., the max. allowed case length is 2.050 in / 52.07 mm, the max. cartridge length is 2.525 in / 64.14 mm, and the max. allowed pressure is 42,786 PSI / 2,950 bar.

Technical Specifications

Maximum Pressure:42786 PSI / 2950 bar
Case Volume:46 Grains of Water
Primer Size:Large Rifle (LR)
Safety Standard:C.I.P. (Datasheet)
Bore Area:51.1 mm²
Barrel Diameter:0.319" / 8.1 mm
L1:1.498" / 38.05 mm
L2:1.562" / 39.67 mm
L3:2.050" / 52.07 mm
L6:2.525" / 64.14 mm

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Standard Load Data — .32 Rem.

Select your desired cartridge and bullet weight below to access the corresponding load table. From there, you can choose any listed load recipe and transfer it directly into the ballistics calculator for further refinement, optimization, and precision tuning.

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120 gr
140 gr
148 gr
160 gr
163 gr
165 gr
170 gr
195 gr
196 gr

Frequently Asked Questions

The maximum pressure for .32 Rem. is 42,786 psi | 2,950 bar.

.32 Rem. typically uses a Large Rifle (LR) primer.

The case capacity of .32 Rem. is approximately 46 grains of water (H₂O).