CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.
akanotken,
There is wisdom in your statement, but there is alure in the latest whiz bang
60 gr Gold Dot test
The P32 32 acp with 20,500 psi SAAMI max pressures will make 168 foot pounds
The P32 32 acp with overloads and reasonable pressures will make 267 foot pounds
110 gr test
The P32 32 acp with welded up feed ramp and recoil that shears off the ejector will make 450 foot pounds
90 gr Gold Dot test
The P-3AT .380 with 21,500 psi SAMMI max pressers will make 213 foot pounds
The P-3AT .380 hot rodded to case bulging pressers will make 267foot pounds
The P-3AT .380 hot rodded near case bulging pressers will make 250foot pounds
The P-3AT cannot have the feed ramp simply welded up, becuase the chamber walls are too thin.
What does it all mean?
The P-3AT is hotter with factory ammo.
The P32 can be handloaded more powerfully, but the P-3AT makes a bigger hole. The guns are the same size to carry. Which do you want?