Saw a post sometime ago about the 224/32. Anybody out there with any updated first hand information to offer? I am thinking about one....seriously. Any thoughts, comments, experiences, would be appreciated.

I never bought one, but shot Bob Baker's 10" Mdl. 97 at the Whittington Center a couple years ago. It was quite accurate for a revolver, but wind sensitive for a 40 gr. bullet @ 2250 fps, as you might expect (Bob says 2150 fps for 7 1/2", 2050 fps for 6").
The cases require trimming by .070", and this is a bit of a put-off for me, but may not bother others.
It's certainly prairie dog accurate to over 100 yds. and groundhog / rockchuck accurate to 200 yds.

claim...,

Have a 7.5". Initially had problems with keyholing. Spoke to Bob Baker, it turned out to be an issue with the dies. FA replaced the dies and the keyholing went away. The gun is "pure hell" on gophers and a hoot to shoot. As 500 WE states the brass is trimmed after fireforming, kind of a pain in the @$$; however, it needs to be done once. Note that the parent case is the 327 Mag, not the 32 Mag.

Doc

Thanks for the comments.

Not too concerned about brass forming, been shooting 17AH and 20VT in rifles for years. The 17AH can be a real pain if you get in a hurry.

Curious about comment on key holing being fixed with a change in dies. Guess I'm missing the relationship

Also, the old 22 Jet, although a much different animal, had set back problems. Have you had any with the 224/32?

Has it been super bullet sensitive? I mean I see 40's in most listings, but what about 35's?

Most listings I have seen, and that isn't many, are using either AA1680 or H4227. Have you tried H110 or maybe Lil Gun?

Sorry for all the questions, but this is a tough decision. Not the FA, as I have two M97's and two M83's, it's the caliber. Thanks.

claim...,

When discussing the keyhole issue with Bob, he stated that others were having the same problems. He said they traced it to the die sets that they were selling. I understand your ?, it supposedly had to do with projectile misalignment due to an out of spec seating die. I can understand the mechanics of that, if the bullets were damaged, etc., upon seating and during the initial release of the bullet when fired. Would that result in keyholing? Evidently, when the die was replaced, no further issues of keyholing occurred, with the identical loads as before.

I have several 22 Jets and the setback problem is minimized by the straight taper of the 22/32 FA case. Still recommend that the cases and chambers be grease / lube free.

I've tried 35 gr HPs and have had no problems with them. Bob Baker states the twist rate was ideal for the 40 grainers.

I've used AA1680 exclusively, because I have a good store of the powder.

No problem with the questions. The website provides a sounding board for ideas and tips, that way we can share experience with one another.

Doc

Doc, thanks, I really appreciate your comments. I have a fair supply of 1680 as well, it, and Lil Gun, feed my Hornet step children.

Well, I guess it's getting down to poop or get off the pot time here. A dealer has one in stock so maybe I'd better call Freedom in the morning and see if they have dies in stock. Not much sense in buying the gun if dies are 4-5 months out. With the panic, brass is going to be tough enough.

claim,

Let me know if you have brass issues. I've got a decent supply.

Doc

Thanks, appreciate the offer; however, I got cold feet and called it off. Plus, I found a new FA M97 4 1/4" 45C last night and I couldn't resist. So, my piggy bank is empty again. A M97 in 45 has been on my list for a while and it fits in with my 44SP and 41M.

the American Handgunner mag had an article,I believe it was John Taffin on that revolver and cartridge,can't remember what month the article came out in but I believe John Taffins site has loads and such on this gun and cartridge.