.32 H&R Mag Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.32 H&R Mag: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Revolver |
| Primer Type | Small Pistol |
| Used For | Self-defense, Target Shooting, Small Game Hunting |
| Case Design | Rimmed, Straight |
| Year Introduced | 1984 |
.32 H&R Mag: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Low recoil for easy handling
- ✔ Improved ballistics over .32 S&W Long
- ✔ Suitable for small-frame revolvers
- ✔ Effective for small game hunting
- ✔ Good balance of power and control
Cons
- ✘ Limited ammunition variety compared to more popular calibers
- ✘ Not as powerful as larger magnum rounds
- ✘ Less common than other revolver calibers
- ✘ May be challenging to find in some areas
- ✘ Not ideal for larger game or long-range shooting
.32 H&R Magnum: A Comprehensive Overview
The .32 H&R Magnum is a versatile revolver cartridge that bridges the gap between the .32 S&W Long and the .327 Federal Magnum. Introduced in 1984 by Harrington & Richardson and Federal Cartridge, this round offers improved ballistics over its predecessor while maintaining manageable recoil. It has gained popularity among target shooters, small game hunters, and those seeking a compact self-defense option.
History and Development
The .32 H&R Magnum was developed in 1984 as a collaborative effort between Harrington & Richardson and Federal Cartridge. The goal was to create a more powerful .32 caliber cartridge that could be used in small-frame revolvers. By lengthening the case of the .32 S&W Long and increasing its pressure, the .32 H&R Magnum achieved significantly higher velocities and energy.
Initially, the cartridge was primarily used in H&R's small-frame revolvers. However, its potential was quickly recognized by other manufacturers. Companies like Ruger, Smith & Wesson, and Charter Arms began producing revolvers chambered for this round, expanding its market presence and popularity.
The .32 H&R Magnum found a niche among shooters who appreciated its balance of power and controllability. It became popular for small game hunting, target shooting, and as a self-defense option for those who found larger calibers difficult to handle. The cartridge's success paved the way for the later development of the even more powerful .327 Federal Magnum in 2008.
Ballistic Performance
The .32 H&R Magnum offers a significant performance increase over the .32 S&W Long. Typical loads feature bullet weights ranging from 85 to 115 grains, with muzzle velocities between 1,000 and 1,300 feet per second. This results in muzzle energies of 200 to 300 foot-pounds, making it effective for small game hunting and self-defense at short to medium ranges.
The cartridge's relatively high velocity for its caliber contributes to a flatter trajectory compared to other small-bore revolver rounds. This characteristic, combined with its moderate recoil, makes the .32 H&R Magnum an excellent choice for accurate shooting, especially in compact revolvers.
Timeline of .32 H&R Magnum Development:
.32 H&R Magnum Performance Characteristics
Key performance metrics of the .32 H&R Magnum cartridge:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 85-115 grains Common bullet weights used in commercial loadings |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1,000-1,300 fps Varies based on bullet weight and load |
| Muzzle Energy | 200-300 ft-lbs Sufficient for small game hunting and self-defense |
| Effective Range | 50-75 yards Optimal for small game hunting and target shooting |
| Recoil | Moderate Manageable in small-frame revolvers |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .32 H&R Magnum loads.
.32 H&R Mag: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .32 H&R Mag ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Defense | 0-25 | Effective for close-quarters self-defense situations |
| Hunting (Small Game) | 0-50 | Suitable for small game hunting within reasonable distances |
| Target Shooting | 0-75 | Accurate for target shooting at moderate ranges |
| Plinking | 0-100 | Enjoyable for recreational shooting at various distances |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .32 H&R Mag is primarily used in revolvers and offers improved performance over the .32 S&W Long. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .32 H&R Mag
The .32 H&R Mag's performance profile makes it suitable for several applications:
Caliber Comparisons: .32 H&R Mag
The .32 H&R Magnum is a versatile revolver cartridge. To understand its place in the handgun world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .32 H&R Mag with other popular handgun cartridges. (Based on a 32 oz revolver)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .32 H&R Mag with other popular handgun cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .32 H&R Mag with other popular handgun cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .32 H&R Mag with other popular handgun cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .32 H&R Mag
Sectional density is a measure of a bullet's mass relative to its diameter. For the .32 H&R Mag, this value indicates its potential for penetration and energy retention.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .32 H&R Mag | 85 | 0.118 |
| .32 H&R Mag | 95 | 0.132 |
| .32 H&R Mag | 100 | 0.139 |
| .32 H&R Mag | 115 | 0.160 |
Note: Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². For the .32 H&R Mag, the bullet diameter is 0.312 inches. While higher sectional density can indicate better penetration, factors such as velocity and bullet construction also significantly influence overall performance.