Description
Picture this: you’re at the range with your classic .32 caliber pistol or revolver, and you realize you’re down to your last few rounds of factory ammo. The cost of a new box stings, but you still want to get some practice in. That’s where a simple, time-tested solution comes into play. For the budget-minded shooter who reloads, the Hornady .310 Diameterrd Ball offers a fundamental component to keep your older .32s fed without breaking the bank.
What is the Hornady .310 Diameterrd Ball? It is a lead round ball projectile, measuring .310 inches in diameter, designed primarily for muzzleloading and cartridge reloading in specific .32 caliber firearms. At $8.94 for a box of 100, it provides an economical way to source projectiles for handloading practice and plinking ammunition for compatible guns.
Let’s talk about what you’re really getting here. This isn’t a fancy, polymer-tipped, high-ballistic-coefficient hunting bullet. It’s a basic, swaged lead sphere. Its value is in its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. For the price of a couple of fancy coffee drinks, you get a hundred projectiles. That’s a hard-to-beat price per unit for anyone looking to stock up on components for low-recoil practice or casual target shooting. The .310″ diameter is a key spec, making it a candidate for several specific applications where a pure lead ball is the traditional or required projectile type.
One of the primary uses for this ball is in cartridge reloading for older .32 caliber revolvers and pistols, such as the .32 S&W Long. When paired with the correct brass, primer, and a light powder charge, these balls can be loaded into cartridges for extremely low-cost practice. They are also a classic choice for certain cap-and-ball revolvers in .31 or .32 caliber. The beauty is its drop-in ready nature for these applications—no sizing or special preparation needed for many uses, just lube and load according to safe reloading manuals.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Hornady .310 Diameterrd Ball |
| Diameter | .310 Inches |
| Material | Pure Lead |
| Projectile Type | Round Ball |
| Quantity per Box | 100 Balls |
| Primary Use | Muzzleloading / Cartridge Reloading |
Pros & Cons
The main advantage is glaringly obvious: cost. You are getting a functional projectile for under nine cents each. For plinking and practice where ultimate precision isn’t the goal, that’s a fantastic value. It’s also made from pure, soft lead, which is necessary for proper obturation in muzzleloaders and is easy on older barrels. The swaged construction ensures consistency in size and weight, which is crucial for predictable performance.
Here’s the thing—the cons are just as clear. This is a round ball, so its aerodynamic performance is poor compared to a modern conical bullet. It’s for short-range use only. It also requires you to be a reloader or muzzleloader shooter; this isn’t factory ammunition. You need the knowledge, equipment, and components to make it into a finished round. Finally, its application is niche, really suited to a specific set of older or traditional firearms.
Who is this for? This product is for the cost-conscious reloader who shoots a .32 caliber cap-and-ball revolver, a vintage .32 S&W Long revolver, or similar firearms. It’s for the hobbyist who enjoys the process of creating their own ammunition for the range and wants to minimize the per-round cost of their plinking sessions. It’s also for the traditional muzzleloader enthusiast who needs the correct projectile for their piece. This item is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, subject to applicable laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I shoot these as-is in my .32 ACP pistol?
A: Absolutely not. These are unloaded projectile components only. They require proper reloading into a cartridge case with powder and a primer, following established load data for a specific cartridge like .32 S&W Long. Using them incorrectly is dangerous.
Q: What powder and load should I use with these for .32 S&W Long?
A: You must consult a current, authoritative reloading manual for specific, safe load data. Never use load data from unofficial sources. Start with the minimum listed charge and work up cautiously, if needed, while watching for pressure signs.
Q: Are these suitable for hunting?
A: While historically used for small game, the round ball design is not optimal for modern ethical hunting with cartridge firearms. Its limited range and energy make it a poor choice compared to modern expanding bullets. It is best considered a target and practice projectile.
If you’re a reloader working with the compatible calibers and you prioritize volume shooting on a tight budget, the Hornady .310 Diameterrd Ball is a straightforward way to keep your costs down. Check local and federal regulations, as an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases but typically not for components like these. See if it fits your reloading needs on our site.
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