.32 acp vs. .380 acp penetration (FMJ)

[peacebutready]

Howdy all,

I noticed the .32 acp bullet is actually .309" wide. The .380 acp bullet is .355" wide. Assuming standard bullet weights & power for each in fmj, which will penetrate more? Any idea how much more?

Happy shooting.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Good question! I strongly advocate fmj for either cartridge. With my preference going to 32/7.65 because the small mouse guns these two rounds are best suited to are more shootable in 32

 

[glock2211]

The 380 will penetrate a little bit more but not a whole lot more 32 acp isn't very far behind the 380 i would say the 32 acp can penetrate anywhere from 6-10 inches 380 probally 7-11.5 inches.

 

[Nicky Santoro]

OP,
The .380 is going to make a bigger hole and go deeper. That's a given. The .32 pistols are smaller than the .380s. Another given. Two into the upper thorax then one in the face and the difference between the two becomes moot.
FWIW
YMMV

 

[iLikeOldgunsIlikeNewGuns]

^^^ lol, true

I own a .32acp and use it for my b.u.g. JHPs made nice nasty results in a few phonebooks duct-taped together a few years back... FMJs were always fun and accurate at the range, now I'm re-thinking if I should be carrying it with the +P JHPs as I have been...

 

[Kiln]

I'm voting for the .32acp. I've got a few .32 pistols and they're great because you can get off multiple shots easily into a torso sized area due to the lower recoil.

 

[PabloJ]

The only reason I picked .380 is due to very inexpensive LCP I found for sale at LGS. I have nothing good to say about the .32ACP. I would rather carry 9x19 but I foolishly passed on $800 R9 and finding another unfired one in box for that price will be next to impossible.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

OP,
The .380 is going to make a bigger hole and go deeper. That's a given. The .32 pistols are smaller than the .380s. Another given.

If you are shooting Kel-Tec pistols size and weight of the pistols are almost equal. As for penetration, the ammo you shoot will make a difference. Fiocchi makes a 60gr JSHP 60gr .32 Auto round that's rated at over 1100 fps, almost 200 fps more than most .380 Auto ammo. Of course you won't get that velocity when shot in a short barrel but when you start with higher velocities you end up with higher velocities...

 

[LightningMan]

IMO, Probably not a lot of difference between FMJ bullets for the .380 vs .32, other than weight when it comes to mini pocket pistols. I would give a slight edge to the .380, but when it comes to ammunition choices and availabilty, the .380 wins hands down. At least in my area, there is very few choices for .32 acp rounds. Another thought going against the .32 acp is having a possable rim-lock happen during shooting, while I have never had this happen when I used to own a .32 caliber NAA Guardian, but have heard that it can. LM

 

[bigfatdave]

how about someone digs up gel testing data, rather than making unsubstantiated statements

 

[PabloJ]

how about someone digs up gel testing data, rather than making unsubstantiated statements

That is almost pointless. I would not want gun smaller then the LCP because "three finger" hold is not for me plus ammo for .32 isn't cheaper then .380......Larger guns chambered for the .32 sell like expired milk. Local shop had to sell few CZ83 so chambered for discounted prices.

 

[Gary A]

Rimlock would be pretty unlikely with fmj .32 acp. Much more likely with shorter OAL hollowpoints.

 

[Stevie-Ray]

Had the LCP or perhaps even the 3AT been available when I bought my P32, I might have gone for the .380. But since I have the .32, I have no intention to make a purchase on a .380, indicating how I feel about the difference. Also, the price of Geco .32 ACP ball is far nicer than any .380 fodder.

 

[481]

Howdy all,

I noticed the .32 acp bullet is actually .309" wide. The .380 acp bullet is .355" wide. Assuming standard bullet weights & power for each in fmj, which will penetrate more? Any idea how much more?

Happy shooting.

http://www.goldenloki.com/ammo/gel/32acp/gel32acp.htm


http://www.goldenloki.com/ammo/gel/380acp/gel380acp.htm

 

[ArchAngelCD]

how about someone digs up gel testing data, rather than making unsubstantiated statements

If you're so interested why don't you dig it up? No reason to act like that... Really!

 

[Kiln]

Everyone knows it isn't the size of your bullet, it all depends on if you know how to use it.

Oh and the same goes for shooting too.

 

[Jon Coppenbarger]

I would think the bigger the better but it does not mean that's right?
Actually today I am carrying a 32acp and do not think its not enough gun.
My ppk was made in 1940 and that's what I am carrying today. I also love to carry my colt pocket hammer-less also as they both make nice little summer or conceal pistols.

Lots of choices out there and nothing wrong with the 380 either