.32 Win. Spec.
Reloading data for .32 Win. Spec. cartridges and specifications for cases and loads in this caliber.
Product number: CID_421
Load data for caliber ".32 Win. Spec."
The .32 Winchester Special, also known as the .32 WCF (Winchester Center Fire), is a centerfire rifle cartridge developed by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company in the early 1900s. It was designed for use in lever-action rifles and was based on the same case as the .30-30 Winchester, but necked up to accept a larger, .321-inch bullet. The .32 Winchester Special cartridge typically fires a 170- or 165-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of around 2,000 to 2,100 feet per second, delivering moderate energy and stopping power at medium ranges. It was designed as a hunting cartridge for use on medium-sized game such as deer and black bear, and it gained a reputation as an effective and versatile cartridge for hunters.
The .32 Winchester Special was a popular cartridge in the early to mid-20th century, and was widely used by hunters and law enforcement officers. However, it was eventually largely replaced by more modern cartridges with similar performance characteristics, and is now considered a relatively rare and specialized cartridge. Nonetheless, it remains popular among collectors and enthusiasts of classic lever-action rifles.
You find .32 Win. Spec. with all common powders and bullets by clicking the 'Loads in this caliber' button above.
Technical Specifications (based on the respective safety standard - see more details in tab 'Datasheet' if available)
| Caliber: | .32 Win. Spec. |
|---|---|
| Cartridge Type: | Rimmed |
| Bullet Diameter: | 0.320 '' | 8.13 mm |
| Primer Size: | Large Rifle (LR) |
| Max. Case Length (l3): | 2.04'' | 51.82 mm |
| Max .Cartridge Length / OAL: | 2.56'' | 65.15 mm |
| Maximum Standardized Pressure: | 44237.2 psi | 3050 bar |
C.I.P.
The Commission internationale permanente pour l'épreuve des armes à feu portatives ("Permanent International Commission for the Proof of Small Arms" – commonly abbreviated as C.I.P.) is an international organisation which sets standards for safety testing of firearms. (The word portatives ("portable") in the name refers to the fact the C.I.P. tests small arms almost exclusively; it is ordinarily omitted from the English translation of the name.) As of 2015, its members are the national governments of 14 countries, of which 11 are European Union member states. The C.I.P. safeguards that all firearms and ammunition sold to civilian purchasers in member states are safe for the users.
To achieve this, all such firearms are first proof tested at C.I.P. accredited Proof Houses. The same applies for cartridges; at regular intervals, cartridges are tested against the C.I.P. pressure specifications at the ammunition manufacturing plants and at C.I.P. accredited Proof Houses.