[area51guy]

The 32 short and long Colt ammunition was the next step after the 32 short and long rimfire (cases are the same dimensions). I used to have a Marlin lever action rifle that would shoot either 32 rimfire or 32 centerfire just by changing the firing pin! Since the 32 rimfire used a heeled bullet, that practice carried over to the first 32 Colt centerfire ammo. The problem with the heeled bullet/outside lubed ammo is that it tends to attract dirt and grit. So, when the manufacturers got around to changing to using the inside lubed bullet the 32 Colt went along for the ride. The factory loaded 32 Colt inside lubed ammo used a hollow base bullet to allow for expansion of the bullet and the ability to engrave the rifling.