A Magnum Opus on heavy loads for the .32 ACP < for use in suitably strong, STEEL framed guns> is being submitted soon for The Fouling Shot, but important safety information needs to get out now and not wait for publication!
My advice is to severely limit loads producing over 130 ft.-lbs. to occasional/emergency use only in micro pistols like the Beretta Tomcat for two reasons:
1) because they may cause serious “slide bite” if you have meaty hands and don't use a Hogue Grip Sleeve, as I painfully found out. And
Jul 06, 2012 I'm keep'n the 9mm 92 i love that gun. But i will never get another Beretta, there is too much competition out there. I got the Tomcat because i only have one hand, the flip up barrel was an alternative to rack'n a slide. The 92 has right and left safetys, i can pull that slide back with my hook. I hope yours is an Inox Tomcat. The matte version has problems with frames cracking, even with the latest 'reinforced' design. I experienced this personally after 200+ rounds fired through the gun and know 2 others who had the same problem. Do a search on Tomcat cracked frame and you will see.
2) after prolonged firing,
Beretta Tomcat Cracked Frame Fix For Pc
My Beretta Model 3032 INOX Tomcat until recently had digested over 2000 rounds of hot Euro and heavy bullet hand loads before eventually failing.
If you own a Beretta Tomcat, open the tip-up barrel and inspect the frame rail above the trigger pivot hole for cracks, as shown in the photo.
Beretta 3032 Cracked Frame
Beretta doesn't “repair or replace” these any more, nor do they warrant them for use with hand loads or ammunition which exceeds 130 ft.-lbs. manufacturer's rating.
If you choose to use “hot” loads in yours, then you are on “your own nickel.”
I will continue to use my Tomcat as a teaching tool to demonstrate the advantages of the tip-up barrel for women or elderly who have trouble racking the slide, but any shooting will be VERY limited from now on, with more sedate loads than my hand loaded “Buffalo Bore” approximations.
I still have no reservations firing the heavy .32 ACP loads in STEEL FRAME, standard sized guns such as the Colt M1903, Walther PP, Beretta M1935, CZ27, etc., replacing recoil springs with the heavier Wolff .380 ACP replacements where available.
Beretta Tomcat Cracked Frame Fixed
73 de KE4SKY In Home Mix We Trust From the Home of Ed's Red in 'Almost Heaven' West Virginia