.32 ACP

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Image:7.65x17 mm Browning ReconTanto.jpg

The .32 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) pistol cartridge is a semi-rimmed, straight-walled cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning, for use in semi-automatic pistols. It is also known as the 7.65 x 17 mm Browning or 7.65 Browning. Introduced in 1899 by Fabrique Nationale, the cartridge was first used in the Browning M1900.

1 Design
2 Performance
- 2.1 Ballistic Data
3 Trivia
4 Synonyms
5 Guns
6 See also

[edit] Design

It was designed for early blowback semi-automatic pistols which lacked a breech locking mechanism; the relatively low power of the .32 ACP round made it a practical blowback round.

It is still used today in blowback semi-automatic pistols, as well in modern locked-breech, single column magazine, deep-concealment, semi-automatic pistols.

Cartridges in .32 ACP are also sometimes used in caliber conversion sleeves, also known as supplemental chambers, for providing an alternative pistol caliber carbine functionality in .30-caliber hunting rifles.

[edit] Performance

The .32 ACP is compact and light, but short ranged, having marginal stopping power. Weapons chambered in it are often valued for their compactness and light weight relative to larger caliber pistols, particularly for concealed carry use. In the Unites States, it has long been considered by many to be the bare minimum for self defense because of its limited power, rating in the 65% range for single shot stops compared with larger calibers such as the .357 magnum and .45 ACP which rank in the 90% range. [1] In Europe, the .32 ACP is more widely accepted, having a long history of use for civilians as well as military and police agencies. The cartridge has had somewhat of a recent upsurge in popularity due to some very compact and lightweight concealed carry pistols chambered for it, such as the Kel-Tec P-32 and the Seecamp LWS 32. This increase in popularity has led many ammunition manufacturers to develop new, better-performing loads for the cartridge.

[edit] Ballistic Data

Muzzle velocity: 4.8 g (74 gr) full metal jacket: 290 m/s (950 ft/s)
Penetration 7.3" (Bare Gelatin)
Expansion 0.49" (Bare Gelatin)

[edit] Trivia

Archduke Ferdinand and his wife were both assassinated by Gavrilo Princip using a .32 ACP FN Model 1910 pistol, arguably sparking World War I.
Adolf Hitler reportedly committed suicide with a Walther PPK chambered in .32 ACP, shooting himself in the right temple.