This week I've been off and thus had time to hit the range a few times. I've taken a few revolvers and run several loads over my Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph.
The Garmin is so compact and easy to use I just leave it in my range bag.
Among the guns I've taken is a new S&W Model 432UC. This is an Airweight J-Frame in .32 H&R Magnum. My intention for this is to replace my 1990s-vintage Model 632 Airweight as a carry gun. The 632 is a collectible, but more importantly, was a gift from my late father. I wouldn't want it taken into evidence should I ever need to use it.
I ran a few loads over the Garmin from the 432UC.
Factory loads:
High Desert Cartridge Company .32 H&R Magnum 98 grain wadcutter:
811 FPS / 143 ft. lbs.
Black Hills .32 H&R Magnum 85 grain JHP:
948 FPS / 170 ft. lbs.
A couple handloads:
.32 H&R Magnum, Lee TL314 90 grain SWC
3.6 grains Accurate No.2
930 FPS / 173 ft. lbs. ME
.32 S&W Long, Lee TL314 90 grain SWC
2.2 grains Titegroup
682 FPS / 93 ft. lbs. ME
Of these, the HDCC 98 grain wadcutter is my choice in a carry load. It's very controllable in the Airweight and should give plenty of penetration, enough to poke a 5/16" diameter hole well into an attacker's vitals.
I also chronographed some .38 Special.
Colt Detective Special 2"
Hornady 148 grain HBWC over 2.7 grains of Red Dot
697 FPS / 160 ft. lbs ME
Colt Detective Special 2"
Hornady 148 grain HBWC over 2.9 grains of Accurate No.2
750 FPS / 185 ft. lbs. ME
S&W Model 66-2 2.5"
Hornady 148 grain HBWC over 2.9 grains of Accurate No.2
748 FPS / 184 ft. lbs.
NOTE: The Colt is chambered for .38 Special while the S&W 66-2 is chambered for .357 Magnum. The longer chamber with .38 cartridges leads to some velocity loss.
S&W Model 15-3 4":
Hornady 148 grain HBWC
3.0 grains HP-38
727 FPS / 174 ft. lbs. ME
S&W Model 1905, 4th Change .32-20 4"
Desperado Cowboy Bullets 96 grain RNFP over 3.5 grains Titegroup
792 FPS / 134 ft. lbs. ME
S&W Model 10-8 3"
Hornady 158 grain LSWC over 3.5 grains Titegroup
726 FPS / 185 ft. lbs. ME
This load does about 775 FPS from a 4" barrel.
I've found that 3.5 grains of Titegroup under a 158 grain bullet in .38 Special approximates factory loads and is both accurate and pleasant to shoot in K-Frame and larger guns. The same bullet with 3.5 grains of Bullseye is roughly equivalent but in 2025, Bullseye is nearly impossible to find. In contrast, Titegroup is readily available.