.25 ACP vs .32 ACP
Table of Contents
Hey all, today we here at True Shot Academy want to go over the .25 ACP and .32 ACP. These two pocket pistol cartridges were introduced over a century ago and still retain followings to this day. We are ultimately going to provide a brief overview of these two cartridges along with information on their traits, use cases, and differences. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
What is .25 ACP?
The .25 Automatic Colt Pistol, or .25 ACP, cartridge is the brainchild of John Moses Browning. Also referred to as the .25 Auto, the cartridge was introduced in 1905. The cartridge was a popular concealed carry caliber throughout the early 20th century. The debut of the cartridge came a few years after the .32 ACP was introduced and began legitimizing the idea of semi-automatic handguns. The cartridge was exceptionally popular in Europe after its introduction, leading to many firearms being produced in the caliber. Metrically, the cartridge was denoted as the 6.35 Browning.
What is .32 ACP?
Like the name suggests, the .32 Automatic Colt Pistol, or .32 ACP was also developed by John Moses Browning. Introduced in 1899, the cartridge is commonly referred to as .32 Auto. The cartridge helped legitimize the new-at-the-time concept of a semi-automatic handgun. The cartridge debuted alongside the FN Browning M1900 semi-automatic handgun. Notably, this pistol was the first to make use of a slide. Pistols and submachine guns have been chambered in this cartridge. Notable examples include the legendary Walther PPK and the Czechoslovak vz. 61 submachine gun. Like the .25 ACP, the .32 ACP was also incredibly popular in Europe during the height of its popularity. In metric nomenclature, the cartridge is known as the 7.65 Browning.
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What is the Availability of .25 ACP Ammunition?
One will find that the .25 ACP is not nearly as common as more contemporary handgun cartridges. Despite this, one will encounter loadings from a variety of companies. Most .25 ACP loadings will feature 45 or 50 grain projectiles. The projectiles one will commonly encounter will typically be of the full metal jacket (FMJ) and jacketed hollow point (JHP) variety. Companies such as PPU, PMC, and Fiocchi are common manufacturers of .25 ACP ball ammunition. Defensive loadings in JHP form can be acquired from companies such as Speer with their .25 ACP Gold Dot offering. While a bit tougher to find than the common handgun calibers, one can definitely get their hands on .25 ACP ammunition if they want to.
What is the Availability of .32 ACP Ammunition?
Like the .25 ACP, the .32 ACP is going to be more elusive than the mainstream pistol cartridges. This is to say that the cartridge won’t be as plentiful as 9mm Luger or .45 ACP ammunition. This does not mean that .32 ACP ammunition is unobtainable by any means. Typically, one will encounter .32 ACP with projectiles ranging from 71 to 73 grains. Some lighter weight projectiles also exist in the form of some defensive loadings. Like the .25 ACP and other conventional handgun calibers, one will encounter the .32 ACP with FMJ and JHP type projectiles. Brands such as Sellier & Bellot, Norma, and PMC support the .32 ACP cartridge with ball ammunition. JHP loadings can be had from a variety of companies such as Magtech. While not as common as more mainstream pistol calibers, one can certainly find .32 ACP ammunition if they look for it.
How Available are Firearms in .25 ACP?
When it comes to acquiring firearms chambered in .25 ACP, one will encounter both vintage and recent production offerings. As far as vintage offerings go, one can encounter Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket and FN M1905 pistols. Until recently, Beretta produced their 950 Jetfire series of handguns which feature a tip-up barrel design. Another notable firearm in .25 ACP would be the Raven Arms MP-25, an iconic “Saturday Night Special” which has been a common sight at pawn shops since its inception. Not many .25 ACP pistols are currently produced today. At the end of the day, if one did wish to acquire a firearm in .25 ACP, they will definitely be able to find something.
How Available are Firearms in .32 ACP?
Like firearms chambered in .25 ACP, one will find .32 ACP offerings in both vintage and modern production form. Popular vintage offerings will include both Walter PP and PPK pistols and the Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless. As far as modern offerings go, one will encounter pistols such as the Seecamp LWS 32 and Beretta’s Tomcat family of handguns. One will have no issue finding something in .32 ACP if they truly want to.
Are these Cartridges Good for Self-Defense?
As far as self-defense goes, the .25 ACP and .32 ACP cartridges are certainly capable of getting the job done. These cartridges benefit from modern production defensive loadings. These loadings from companies such as Corbon and Speer increase the lethality of the .25 ACP and .32 ACP. While these cartridges can get the job done, they are suboptimal when compared to the 9mm Luger and other more contemporary calibers.
In today’s market, one can find a compact or subcompact 9mm Luger handgun more optimal for shooting and self defense than the vintage and modern handguns in either .25 ACP or .32 ACP. Modern 9mm Luger handgun offerings will hold more ammunition than their pocket pistol counterparts. At the end of the day, the potential lethality of these two cartridges should not be underestimated. The .25 ACP and .32 ACP will definitely get the job done, there are just superior options available in the form of more plentiful and effective cartridges. Regardless of the caliber one carries, they should strive for proficiency.
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Are these Cartridges Good for Target Shooting?
The .25 ACP and .32 ACP are suitable choices for general plinking and target shooting use. A practiced shooter will definitely achieve satisfactory accuracy and enjoy their time at the range with either caliber. The two cartridges, however, fall victim to a lack of common ammunition offerings. As far as general plinking and target shooting goes, one will always benefit from a healthy supply of ammunition. The relative scarcity of these cartridges when compared to a cartridge such as 9mm Luger, .38 Special, or even .357 Magnum is observable at most places ammunition is sold. The added challenge of stocking up on these cartridges makes them less optimal for this use than more common calibers on the market. Of course, bulk ammo purchases do help build a supply, but the lack of commonality of these rounds is still inescapable.
Additionally, handguns chambered in calibers such as 9mm Luger or .45 ACP will typically be more optimal for shooting. These handguns tend to be larger and possess form factors more conducive to comfortable and effective shooting. Even utilitarian pistols like Glocks feature ergonomics better suited to target shooting than pocket pistols in these two small cartridges. At the end of the day, the two cartridges will certainly get the job done as far as target shooting goes. There are simply more optimal calibers and firearms on the market today.
Conclusion
All in all, both of these pocket pistol cartridges have persisted for well over a century. Both the .25 ACP and .32 ACP have been employed by generations of shooters in a variety of uses. These cartridges still have their place despite the modern and more contemporary options on the market today. Regardless of whether or not you are looking for .25 ACP, .32 ACP, or something else, we here at True Shot have you covered. As always, happy shooting.
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