Once a staple in the holsters of law enforcement and military personnel, the .32 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridge has journeyed through the annals of firearms history as a symbol of both stylish self-defense and practical concealability. John Moses Browning. Released in 1899, the .32 ACP was designed by Browning for the FN Model 1900.
During its heyday, the .32 ACP was a prime choice for concealed carry. A century ago, it was the most popular semi-automatic pistol cartridge in use. During the first half of the 20th century, .32 ACP was even widely used by military and law enforcement personnel.
When it comes to selecting the best .32 ACP ammunition for self-defense, the conversation often gravitates towards full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds due to their ability to achieve adequate penetration. In fact, the Ammo.Com website tabbed it as the “Best 32 ACP Ammo Overall!” Here’s their rationale:
“This one might come as a bit of a surprise, as typically it is not advisable to recommend FMJ ammo for concealed carry. However, for the 32 ACP, Fiocchi 73 grain FMJ ammo provided adequate penetration and offers the lowest cost per round on our top 4 list … Based on our testing, Fiocchi 73 grain FMJ averages around 16” of penetration when fired from a mouse gun, which is right in the sweet spot based on FBI standards. Although you won’t get amazing wound channels, the Fiocchi ammo will give you the penetration you need from these smaller pistols.”
However, for those seeking expansion in addition to penetration, several specialized hollow point options are available. The Winchester Silvertip, a 60-grain hollowpoint, (now Lt.) Ed Sanow of the Benton County, Indiana Sheriff’s Department shows the .32 Silvertip to have a success rate shockingly close to .45 ACP 230-grain full metal jacket (FMJ) “hardball.”
Similarly, Speer’s Gold Dot, Hornady’s Custom XTP JHP, and Federal’s Hydra-Shok have been touted for their reliable expansion and terminal performance.
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