.32 Long Colt Load Data

The .32 Long Colt is a classic American revolver cartridge that traces its roots back to the latter half of the 19th century. Introduced by Colt in the late 1800s, the cartridge was designed initially for use in their New Line of pocket revolvers, which became highly popular for civilian self-defense and as a convenient companion for travelers. The .32 Long Colt was a natural evolution from the shorter .32 Short Colt, offering a slightly larger cartridge case and increased powder capacity. As centerfire cartridges began to replace earlier rimfire designs, the .32 Long Colt found its place in a variety of revolvers, and its straightforward design and moderate recoil made it accessible to a broad segment of shooters.

Over time, the .32 Long Colt saw application both as a defensive round and for various forms of sport shooting. It became a staple in many older revolvers throughout the early 20th century, especially appreciated for its manageable recoil and reasonable accuracy at short ranges. While the round was never considered particularly powerful compared to later developments, its mild characteristics and compatibility with small, easily-carried revolvers helped carve out a loyal following. Many reloaders and firearm enthusiasts continue to appreciate the .32 Long Colt for antique and vintage revolver restoration, as well as for its historical significance, making it a popular choice for those maintaining or shooting legacy firearms.

When considering target species, the .32 Long Colt is best suited for small game hunting and pest control. Its moderate power and relatively light bullet make it effective on targets such as rabbits, squirrels, or other similarly sized animals. While it is not typically recommended for use on larger game or for personal protection by modern standards, its utility for taking small game in a rural or farm setting has been well documented historically. Reloaders who enjoy small-caliber, low-recoil shooting will find that the .32 Long Colt offers a unique shooting experience that is gentle enough for extended practice or plinking, especially for those who own classic revolvers chambered for this caliber.

The typical bullet weights for the .32 Long Colt are generally in the range of 80 to 90 grains, often using round-nose or heeled bullets. The cartridge case is slightly longer than the .32 Short Colt, offering increased capacity but still operating at relatively low pressures. This lends itself to a mild muzzle report and soft recoil, and suitable velocities for these bullets generally range from 700 to 800 feet per second, depending on the firearm and specific loading. Its heeled-bullet design is a unique feature, as the bullet’s base matches the case diameter, a characteristic shared with other early revolver cartridges. For reloaders, working with the .32 Long Colt can require a bit more attention to bullet selection and case dimension than more modern, inside-lubricated cartridges, but this adds to the charm and technical satisfaction in reviving old revolvers and keeping their history alive.