Home Forums Lever Action Central Marlin Talk Where do I find .32 win spl bullets

Going to start reloading for the .32 win spl I bought. All I can find is 170gr bullets. I would like to find some 150gr bullets for deer hunting. Any ideas where to look?

I own and load for a 32Spec. and sorry to say if your looking at name brand bullets such as Hornady & Speer (the only two I have found on the shelf) 170gr is your only choice. There may be a custom bullet maker out there that that makes other weights. I have never checked and wouldn't hold my breath on it. Even commercial cast bullets are real scarce in this caliber as well as molds to cast your own. Not a real popular caliber so supply and demand come into play and the bullet selection available indicates very low demand.

Given the ballistic limitations of a 32 Special (or 30-30), there is no reason to use anything lighter than the 170. A good flat nosed cast bullet like the NEI 322-185-GC will penetrate better and allow lots of cheap shooting and zero bore wear.
If Hornady made their spire point rubber nosed bullet in 32 you might gain a bit but as, is it's a fine 150 yard deer killer.
2000 MV fps cartridges kill with penetration not speed, and a 94 is a joy for a walk around in the woods.

The 170 grain flat nose bullet has been the bench mark for the 32 win special for over 100 years. When the 32 came out it was considered the latest, greatest wiz, bang, pow of it's day and no doubt has been contributed to the demise of 100's of thousands (perhaps millions) of deer since. I know the old timers in my neck of the woods (Upstate NY) swore by it. Why would you want to mess with that?

Would 150 grain round nose 8mm bullets work? The .323 diameter compared to the .321 diameter shouldn't be too much trouble. With a Lee Factory Crimp Die you could squeeze the cannelure in where it needs to go. I mean if you're the type that just has to experiment it might be an option. As for me, I'll just keep my 32 Special stoked with 170 grain Hornady flat points. They don't call it the 30-30 improved for nothing you know. Thanks; Mike

Thanks for taking the time to answer why question. I have some factory ammo that came with the gun, so I'll give it a try. 99GUY, I guess my answer to " why mess with it " is, I like to handload. Thats part of the fun of a new gun for me. But it looks like I'll have to use the 170gr bullets! Thanks again.
PS. I did see some 165gr leverevlotion bullets at Cabela's

Wasn't aware they made the LEVERevolution in 32 WS.

http://www.hornady.com/store/32-Win-Special-165-gr-FTX-LEVERevolution

Selecting them for deer sized game is a no brainer (as long as they shoot well in your rifle)

Both Speer and Hornady make 321 bullets for the 32 if you are into reloading. Otherwise loaded ammo should be found at about any larger sporting goods store. Though not hugely popular, I think there are a lot of these rifles still in use.

look up about sizing bullets. if you a good press i have heard of people sizing bullets down about .003 of an inch with special sizing dies. some use lee sizing dies.