[Franco2shoot]

At the gun store this last weekend I picked up a pack of 6 supposed HD rounds that had a novel approach. The nose is a ball and packed behind this ball are some #9 sized shot with the whole thing encapsulated in a .32 acp.

Mostly cuz they were inexpensive, I thought I'ld toss em in the shooting bag and evaluate them once the weather warms up and I get to do some outdoor shooting in the woods, but with all the experts at my disposal via this forum, thought I would put forth the question.

Has anyone had any experience with these, and are they really all that good as a SD round? My guess is that one is better just slinging as much lead as possible outtta the muzzel of a 32, rather than counting on some smallish shot on detering a BG from coming your way, but you remember what PT Barnum said....

KKKKFL

[DogBonz]

or an epoxy like substance right? I have seen tests done with these in a magazine, but cannot remember wich one. I remember that penetranion was very low but fragmentation was pretty good

[Geronimo45]

Depends on who you believe in the stopping-power debates: The FBI tests that say a bullet's got to penetrate 14 or so inches of ballistic gelatin (sugar free Jello, I believe). The .32 FMJ does that - but there's other folk that say the bigger the hole, the better - and might believe in sacrificing penetration for expansion.

The 'mousegun' calibers seem to all fail the FBI req's with HP loads that expand. They all pass with FMJ, IIRC.

Me, I go with hardball in my .32. I'll buy the FBI's 'penetration above all else' mantra - besides, it's cheaper.

Those some kinda Glaser Safety Slugs? Some of them don't/didn't cycle the slides on some autos.

[Starter52]

They sure sound like Glaser Safety Slugs, except for the "inexpensive" part. Glaser run $2 per round usually. Box of 6 = $12.

Glasers have a loyal following in some calibers. I've seen their .32 ACP loads but never tried them.

[1 old 0311]

In .32 you are usually better going with the FMJ.

[hceptj]

I carry FMJ's in my .32 and .380 all the time...mainly because I'm looking more for penetration than expansion (especially in the .32)...

...the rounds do sound like glaser safety slugs...with a .32 I wonder how many #9 shot could actually fit behind the ball and what effect it would actually have versus a FMJ or JHP round...personally, I'd rather have the larger bullet of a factory load...in something like a 9mm and up I could see the ball/shot combo being more potent...just my .02...:)

[Franco2shoot]

Yea they are Glaser's, and I think the box of 6 was ten bucks, which for a GOOD SD round I wouldn't care, since I'm not gonna be plinking with them.

I might intersperse one with the ball ammo just to see if it cycles ok, but I'm guessing that in a critical situation I'ld be doing the Dirty Harry thing, "Now was that 6 I fired or 9? I can't really remember, so do you feel lucky?" hehehe Honestly, the trigger would be pulled so fast as to not know which was coming out the front and the FBI could do their tests later.

KKKKFL

[highlander 5]

I carry a Walther PP on occasion loaded with Hydra Shocks and have people laugh at me for carrying a "mousegun". Then I suggest they come break into my home and I'll put 3 or 4 rounds into their chests to see how they feel afterwards and so far no takers.

[MICHAEL T]

Shoot them up They are not a good SD round Little peneteration Just not much damage form that little shot; Use Corbon 60gr HP

Go here. these were tested from a KT P-32
http://www.goldenloki.com/ammo/gel/32acp/gel32acp.htm

[shooter503]

You specify HD.

For HD any firearm can be used.

Forget the 32 and buy the cheapest reliable shot gun or carbine you can find. You will be better off.

Choosing a 32 for HD is like using the thinnest rope you can find to go mountain climbing. It may work but it does not make sense.

[gazpacho]

The only self defense cartridge I would recommend in 32acp would be FMJ.

Many people (some of them experts) have stated that #9 Birdshot is significantly less than ideal when fired from a 12 guage shotgun. I can only assume than any firearm of lesser power would be even less effective.

[Franco2shoot]

I'm with Highlander, if the .32 is the only thing I can get to. I also have a 1911 with the HydraShock's and if I have a BG continueing after me with the 32 unloaded, then the 1911 unloaded, I might be looking for the Silver bullets and the .44Magnum but at that point I'ld prolly be better off looking for a Gideon's Bible. hehehe

KKKKFL