Low Recoil Defense? Lapua .32 S&W Long Wadcutter Test (VS .380 ACP JHP)

Thank you to my Patreon supporter Michael B. for sending this .32 S&W Long ammunition to the channel for testing. I am comparing it to .380 ACP in the S&W Shield EZ as this is known as one of the best low recoil options currently available, so I am seeing if this .32 S&W Long is as low of recoil and how it does in a 10% Clear Ballistics test. Always appreciative of any channel help :) www.patreon.com/user?u=5828221

[@PBVader]

They said the 32 was dead. I beg to differ. Long live the 32.

[@moreme40]

Maybe they meant anyone carry the 32 would wind up dead

[@Face2theScr33n]

@@moreme40 Alright tough guy, you ever been hit with one? People that act like they could eat X bullet for breakfast and Y bullet for lunch are usually just blowhards.

[@jimmybarnes2753]

Maybe not worth a comment to your comment.

[@moreme40]

@@jimmybarnes2753, That makes sense

[@ammoiscurrency5706]

It's definitely making a come back

[@CarolinaRimfire]

Don't underestimate the .32 or the person who carries one! I carried a .32 H&R magnum for a while, until my mom commandeered my revolver. She has arthritis and trouble with recoil/slides on autoloaders, but she can Mozambique the crap out of a B21 target at 7 yards with my Charter Arms .32 loaded with S&W Long. I may not be getting that revolver back for a while...

[@davehoward2791]

After seeing Sam’s test of the Buffalo Bore .32 SWL 115gr hard cast flat nose I believe it’s the best defense cartridge in this caliber hands down. It makes the .32 long a truly viable self defense cartridge.

[@MrLanternland]

Maybe the Buf B 100gm wadcutter is even better, lighter too.

[@ariesmight6978]

If clothing reduces penatration depth. Of the .32 the amount that it did. Would the .32 be properly effective at head shots? A caviot is is that you can always load your own .32. With either Magnum gunpowder. Or Nitro Express, just enough. To allow the .32 to reach the 18" depth mark. In the clothing test, which may. Result in a bit more expansion as well. The negative effect will be of course. Increased recoil, so you may be better off. With the .38 in the semi automatic pistol.

[@scubaguy007]

I'm very interested in the .327 Federal Magnum. I appreciate all your efforts to show the results.

[@GunSam]

It's a bit niche, but like I say to everyone, it's not as niche as .41 Magnum and .32 S&W Long is a very available ammo. I even find it at my local gun store. Not as available as .38 Special, but .32 S&W Long is pretty available. I even find .327 Federal from time to time at local stores, but usually .327 Federal needs to be found online.

[@thomasarmstrong9327]

In my search for a summer gun (read: more concealable in lighter clothing), I decided to try a .32 H&R Magnum Undercoverette. Since then, KZbin has been showing me more and more videos comparing the .32 H&R and .32 S&W Long to stuff I had already seen. I was concerned that I wouldn't like the revolver, as my prior experience with a similar sized revolver was a S&W Airweight in .38 Special, and the felt recoil took a lot of the fun out of target acquisition practice. I'm glad I bought this little gun anyway. Holster selection isn't great--holsters made for J-frame revolvers more-or-less fit, but many of them are leather, and collapse while the gun is drawn, making reholstering a chore. I bought a Kydex model to fit a J-frame from a fairly well-known maker, because few offer models for this gun. I worked on it with a Dremel tool for a few minutes, and it looks like it will do the job nicely. More testing to come. I hadn't really thought about reloading before now, having heard a couple of horror stories about home-loaded rounds doing bad things, but the costs of .32 S&W Long and .32 H&R Magnum rounds have me seriously reconsidering reloading.

[@alabamasmokeywilson6818]

Thanks for the. 32 test, love mine.

[@stephenmoerlein2576]

Thanks for the review

[@rippertrain]

I hope you are feeling well. Thanks for the video.

[@johnkinsel5027]

The 32 family are a valid reason to own a reloading press. Starline brass last forever, small pistol primers are available again, 32 slugs are cheap, and a pound of powder goes a long long ways. When you do every step by hand quality control is excellent. My little SP101 32 H&R has seen close to 5,000 rounds and has never fired a factory bullet.

[@GunSam]

I have loaded up a bunch or .32 Long with 85 gr XTP's. They do only 600 FPS but they are fun to shoot.

[@pecosjane]

Another excellent reason to own wheelguns: Homebrew Ammo!

[@GunSam]

@@pecosjane Yeah, I have no interest in hand loading semi auto ammo. I don't know why other than, it's more of a chore to pick up brass as there's no way to do it that isn't difficult. It's like, sure i'll put a spoonful of sugar in my coffee from that jar.....semi auto is like, here i'm gonna dump that sugar on the ground, now bend down and try to get as much up as possible, pick out the dirt and use it....i'm too old for nonsense anymore.

[@pecosjane]

@@GunSam THAT. 'dump the sugar on the ground! ha ha ha - best analogy I've seen! -- I do have one range where shooters get an individual bay with concrete walls and almost no rules. I shoot my .38 Super there - only there - because it's easy to collect most of my brass with a broom and dust pan. That's just cuz I love me a 1911! - But that's Birthday shooting, once a year. All the rest, wheelguns or rimfire.

[@bobcatforever3485]

GS. Good video. Interesting ammo and comparison. Thanks for sharing. Take care.

[@GunSam]

Thank you, take care

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

I bought the Ruger 327 magnum based on your testing. I really like the gun. Are usually carry a 9 mm, but there are times when I can’t and the 327 is a great alternative. Time to try some wadcutters.

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

Voice text, ignore grammar

[@GunSam]

.32 S&W Long is great for range fun. Nowhere near enough recoil for legit training, but they are easy to find.

[@fletchermunson6225]

My sympathies. Arthritis is a Mofo. From experience. I too am a 32 and .22 guy now. Did some hand loading of wad cutters. Love a wad cutter. Some deep base are around making a huge gaping hollow point. Fun with guns.

[@JJ_SDWR]

Good video Sam. In case it hasn't been said and if have to stop making this videos cuz of the arthritis, I appreciate you making all these videos testing this stuff out.

[@GunSam]

I doubt that by itself would stop me from making videos, but I suppose other complications from drugs while trying to treat it, might make me less able to do videos.

[@la_old_salt2241]

​@@GunSamI'm with you on the arthritis Sam. The joint at the base of my left thumb is already mostly frozen up. I like the .32 calibers. God bless, Rob

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Per your previous testing, that SJHP Magtech in .32 S&W L (rated 98gr @ 778) seems to perform quite well. But it's ridiculously hard to find that load even online. The WC load is everywhere by comparison.

[@charlesmudd9834]

★ Great video! Hitting on several points with perfect detail. Appreciated! Thank You, G.S.

[@GunSam]

Thanks

[@danoneill2846]

Many Thanks

[@charliesierra6919]

Fantastic vid!

[@falcon3719]

Interesting info on the muzzle rise.

[@livincincy4498]

Thanks again !

[@moobutt]

Yea!!! I love all things 32 for some reason 🤷‍♂️

[@lookythat2]

The main use of the .32 S&WL in Europe is in match grade automatic target pistols. My guess is that's what the Lapua was loaded for, and why it's so pricey. Those pistols are very expensive, practically custom made guns, so a few bucks more for match grade ammo for international competition is no big deal to the intended market. For that matter, all that ammo you have tested might do better in one of the longer barreled custom target pistols than any 2" snubbie pocket revolver.

[@wendyvic4046]

Pretty neat comparison! Sooo... which would you choose if you HAD to pick one? And I hope you're not in too much pain here of late. Thanks for the videos, and keep up the good work!

[@GunSam]

If I had to pick one it would be .380 ACP. It's a lot more proven to work well.

[@pecosjane]

... or perhaps, a steel frame Model 60 and load it with .38 Wadcutters. Perhaps equally low recoil with the steel frame and probably more effective on target.

[@chrisgabbert658]

👍😊 could you imagine those 32s in a 4” barrel Smith.

[@GunSam]

I mean, I could. But my imagination says depending on many factors, the velocity and accuracy would be pretty similar to my snub here.

[@philipfreeman72]

Just tripple tap with these low & slow , good test . 32 used to be the most used cal. now 9mm is.

[@fisher638]

Yeah I'm going to run out and trade in all my 380's for a 32 long 👍

[@macriggland6526]

.32 long needs to be fmj or some of that hotter magtech hollow points.

[@tedcollins4684]

Those are some big mosquitos.🦟 Thanks for testing and try not to get bit.

[@user-pd6ne2rs7p]

Thank you for all the low recoil vids. Would you say that with the same ammo, a 13 oz LCR 38 would have a lot more felt recoil than a 22 oz Taurus 856?

[@GunSam]

Depends on the ammo. If it's really weak ammo, the lighter gun will have more recoil and going up heavier will only give slight recoil reduction. With really hot ammo, a 13 oz revolver might have twice the felt recoil as the heavier one.

[@user-pd6ne2rs7p]

Thanks@@GunSam

[@jasonkeating9958]

A ideal 32 round would be some of the new 30 super carry bullets loaded into a 327FM case, I'm thinking of the HST or gold dot 115gr at 1500fps, That should give expansion, penetration and really decent fpe.

[@kimness7796]

Well that wouldn't be a .32 SW Long then, with low recoil.

[@la_old_salt2241]

30 Super is running up around 52,000 psi. I don't know if the hollow points loaded in it would expand at the lower velocity.

[@morrisadams1471]

A good idea for .327 Federal Magnum!

[@PhycoKrusk]

Factory .30 SC HSTs are only cooking at 1200-1300 fps (4 inch barrel). Well within .427 mag's capability (1300-1400 out of 3.5 inch w/ cylinder gap at lower pressure). Can't say how well they'd work (or if), but on paper, they should perform pretty well.

[@swedeson6188]

If i had to use a low power cartridge i would choose a bullet with a round nose. Nothing is more important then penetration enough to reach the vitals.

[@PhycoKrusk]

I maintain that anyone who asserts that a broken rib wouldn't stop an attacker has never had a broken rib.

[@ths414]

How about an episode with Buffalo Bore .32 magnum +p outdoorsman (SKU36B)?

[@Fudmottin]

Lapua is super serious about making accurate ammunition. Finland shares a border with Russia, so they take marksmanship very seriously. Setting aside wadcutters, what do you think about Kieth style SWC or other flat point hard cast bullets loaded to "Standard" pressure for low recoil defense loads? I don't mean cowboy action target loads. But loads that have enough pressure to expand the case in the cylinder so you don't get soot leaking back into the chambers or onto the recoil plate. I don't know how available factory ammunition is, but I'm thinking in terms of 158gr Kieth style SWC in 38 Special and 240gr Kieth style SWC in 44 Special. In both cases, short barrel loads (fast powder) so that muzzle blast is mild to reduce recoil, noise, and flash. They probably wouldn't impress Paul Harrell's meat target. But a hole is a hole. For hand loaders, these projectiles are so common that there are a lot of powder choices and you can purchase the bullets on line if you don't want to get into casting your own. I think that 380 did OK, because even though it didn't fully expand, it looked kind of like a cookie cutter. Good video.

[@GunSam]

I have tested a few. They tend to always penetrate more than wadcutters. If I took an average from memory, all of them were somewhat mid second gel block, somewhere around 24"

[@GunSam]

About 1/3 of my genetics are Scandinavian, makes me wonder how much connection I have to Finland. My mother, nieces and son all have those Asiatic eyes, where they all looks like blonde Chinese people. Rest of me is Celtic and Germanic.

[@Fudmottin]

@@GunSam I keep hearing about Kieth style bullets being good for hunting or defense against bears. While penetration may be good, the wound track is not going to be larger than the bullet diameter, unless I'm missing something. What am I missing?

[@jacksavage7808]

Quality 380 over 32 all day long.

[@rossgreenzweig]

Absolutely

[@HighStrangeDrifter]

All. Day. I mean, I guess I understand “creating content” from GSRA’s standpoint, but if you’re the guy buying $70 ammo chasing some Goldilocks bullet, what are you doing, Man?

[@henrykarla8439]

Would you like to review CVLIFE optics?

[@petergrant9259]

If one can find 32 HR magnums....the way to go...imo....if you aren't shooting paper...the recoil is not much more.

[@GunSam]

I shot either a watermelon or water filled pumpkin with a .32 H&R Critical Defense. I was surprised at how it did everything that the bigger calibers did to it.

[@imeprezime1285]

.32 wadcutters are dynamically unstable bullets on regular basis. Shotting targets over 50 yards with them doesn't make much sense. But they are great for close range and self defense

[@Nutty.357]

Have you tried S&B SB32SWLA is a 32 smith & wesson long N.P. 100 grn lrn flat point rated at 885fps. that would be pretty good if true numbers! I have some magtech 32 swl sjhp rated 778fps, no crono but they do have some pop to them lol! Would still like to have some BB wad cutters :D have a good one

[@Nutty.357]

those 32 flat points on buds for 31 beans for 50 box - decent deal too!

[@GunSam]

I don't think so but I tested the 100 gr S&B wadcutter before I was gel testing (only water jug testing). I tested them in this same revolver. Rather than these 693 FPS average, the S&B were at 682 FPS average. I suppose it's possible with over 100 FPS greater rating than the S&B wadcutter at 735 FPS rating, losing 53 FPS in a snub, the 100 gr FP which shows 853 FPS rating on their website, might do 800 FPS and do decent.

[@la_old_salt2241]

​@GunSam That's something I would be interested in seeing you test, if you can find some of it Sam.

[@ammoiscurrency5706]

Pretty sure that Lapua is for bullseye semiauto competition shooting.

[@Gieszkanne]

Maybe it has more felt recoil but with this 380 load it looks like you shoot a .22.

[@craigfinley2507]

Didn't you get on one show from magtech SJHP s&w long up in the 785 fps

[@jerredmalever2602]

32 long Buffalo Bore 100 grain hard cast. You comfortable for a viable SD round?

[@GunSam]

Yes it's much better than this. Through MDF it's still 16" penetration, and even though hard cast it expanded from .312" to .352". It was a little more recoil, about as smoky if not more. The Buffalo Bore did well enough that I would say there's no real limitations, as where Lapua there's still some penetration limitations.

[@jerredmalever2602]

Thanks. Also, I don’t have any experience with a 32 caliber. Why all the smoke?

[@GunSam]

Lead ammo. There's two reasons, it's not .32 caliber specific it's lead bullet specific. One is that lead bullets often use lube grooves that hold wax to prevent leading up the barrel, so the powder and blast burn that wax and make smoke. Also to some degree, the blast is also burning the lead itself, mostly the base of the bullet is burning and causing smoke, that's the reason that the "gas check" exists, which is an old school solution, where more or less a copper plate made in the same way as a copper jacket is, is stuck to the bullet base to prevent this.

[@grahammctygue724]

Have you tried lighter slugs in 32in your Ruger they have a eighty plus grain w/c be well GSam Pecae

[@grahammctygue724]

Peace be blessed

[@GunSam]

No, I never tried their other one, but it was 83 gr at the same velocity I think, so it would be a very underpowered load.

[@glennsammon4465]

S&W long wadcutters are usually loaded for semi auto target guns and also revolvers and are not loaded hot. it is a popular target round in Europe. I remember you tested some hollow points I think from like S&B and some other company and they did well if I remember right. otherwise , I know B.B. is expensive but they did do well , and you are talking about maybe having to save a life so we are stuck paying the price. we can handload practice ammo, and keep tjhe factory stuff for business.

[@allenlogan59]

AS a fan of the 32. I wonder why you haven't test the 32ACP. In a Berretta 81 and 12 rounds it would be formidable.

[@GunSam]

Because you cannot find a .32 ACP for less than $500 now days. And with limited ammo to test, it's a money pit.

[@allenlogan59]

Police surplus from Europe are selling for about $200.00. Ammo here is more plentiful than 32 S&W long and a lot cheaper. Guess It depends on the area.

[@oldguy9972]

Beretta on sale for $400 and then a $150 rebate from Beretta.@@GunSam

[@PhycoKrusk]

You can probably find a Kel-Tec new for between $200 and $300. They get a lot of crap, but the P-32 is probably one of their best and is at the point where it just works reliably

[@AKS-74U]

Are there any .38spl loads that have super light recoil like the .32swl?

[@GunSam]

.38 Special 148 gr wadcutters. Also .38 Short Colt will fire in .357/.38 revolvers and have less recoil

[@leaonardland9001]

What about very low recoil, but still well functioning in an LCP, .380's? Any ideas?

[@GunSam]

That's nearly impossible to do with traditional ammo. About as low as you can go in something like that is with ARX ammo that uses a 56 gr projectile. Those are relatively low recoil.

[@leaonardland9001]

@@GunSam thanks.

[@timjohnson8390]

Do people actually carry a 380 that big? Seems like it's almost the size of a G19?

[@Gieszkanne]

Yes! Yes !

[@timjohnson8390]

@@Gieszkanne that would be shitty to be in a position to have to do that but glad they make weapons for all to be able to handle and manipulate

[@macriggland6526]

.380 is a non-govt caliber and some people prefer that

[@GunSam]

it's smaller than a G19.

[@kimness7796]

The midsize .380's like the Bersa Thunder are easier to shoot than the micro .380s (ruger LCP) because they have a grip to hold onto.

[@327Federal]

32 Caliber is the Best Caliber !!

[@DinoNucci]

Nope

[@327Federal]

@@DinoNucci DinoNucci is prejudiced against 327 Fed Mag

[@la_old_salt2241]

​@@DinoNucciYep

[@327Federal]

327 Fed Mag is still KING 👑

[@DinoNucci]

Wrong

[@327Federal]

@@DinoNucci List One Chambering that’s better than 327 Federal Magnum

[@DinoNucci]

@@327Federal all

[@-CHeWy-]

Slow down ya shots on ya chrono man, i reckon thats why you keep getting bad reads.

[@GunSam]

That's....not how it works at all in any way shape or form. Misreads are due to light issues. I will go hundreds of rounds with zero misreads, do ONE video where I get a couple misreads and some "expert" likes to run their mouth.

[@nightvan4427]

38 special. 380 acp...not work for me 9mm and over that