.32 S&W Long N.P. Load Data

The .32 S&W Long New Police (often abbreviated as .32 S&W Long N.P.), is a cartridge with a storied past that stretches over a century. Originally developed in the late 19th century, it was introduced around 1896 for use in Smith & Wesson’s line of revolvers, offering an upgrade over the earlier .32 S&W. The "New Police" designation—particularly popularized by Colt—was mostly a marketing term directed at police agencies that were reluctant to buy cartridges carrying a rival manufacturer’s name. Both the .32 S&W Long and the .32 Colt New Police were essentially interchangeable in physical dimensions and performance, with the only difference being in some bullet profile shapes. The round quickly earned a reputation for mild recoil and dependable accuracy, becoming a favorite among police departments, civilian shooters, and competitive marksmen during the early to mid 20th century.

In terms of applications, the .32 S&W Long N.P. is known for its gentle shooting characteristics, which makes it particularly well suited for target shooting, small game hunting, and practice. For reloaders, the cartridge’s forgiving nature and long-standing popularity mean that brass and reloading data are widely available. While modern law enforcement has moved on to more powerful calibers, the .32 S&W Long N.P. is still prized by collectors and competitive shooters, especially in disciplines like bullseye and International Rapid Fire, where soft recoil and accuracy can provide an advantage. It is also favored by those seeking a reliable revolver for low recoil personal defense, especially in older firearms or as a backup gun.

When it comes to target species, the .32 S&W Long N.P. cartridge is best suited for small game, vermin control, and pest eradication. It has seen use against pests like rats, squirrels, and even small rabbits, where its moderate velocities and typically soft-lead bullets minimize damage to edible game. Its performance is generally not recommended for medium or large-sized game due to its limited energy and penetration; understanding its power limitations is essential for ethical hunting and shooting.

Reloaders examining the .32 S&W Long N.P. will find that the cartridge boasts bullet weights typically ranging from 85 to 98 grains, with the classic factory loading utilizing a round-nosed or flat-pointed lead bullet. Muzzle velocities hover in the range of 700 to 800 feet per second, giving just enough energy (around 110 to 130 foot-pounds) for effective small game work and target shooting without excessive recoil or wear on older revolvers. The caliber’s straight-walled, rimmed case design promotes positive extraction and simplified reloading, making case preparation and resizing straightforward for home reloading enthusiasts. Its mild manner gives long service life to quality brass and revolver mechanisms alike, adding to its continued appeal within the reloading community.