Is "Better Than Nothing" Good Enough For You?...PPU VS Magtech .32 ACP Ballistic Gel AMMO Test!

Published on February 20, 2026
Duration: 13:26

This video provides a detailed ballistic gel test comparing PPU and Magtech .32 ACP JHP ammunition, fired from a Beretta 3032 Tomcat. The expert instructor analyzes velocity, penetration depth, and expansion, concluding that neither round offers optimal self-defense performance at the tested velocities, suggesting alternatives for better results.

Quick Summary

A ballistic gel test comparing PPU and Magtech .32 ACP JHP ammunition fired from a Beretta 3032 Tomcat revealed that neither round achieved significant expansion. Magtech penetrated 15.5 inches with 110 ft-lb of energy, while PPU penetrated 11.25 inches with 98 ft-lb, indicating limited effectiveness for self-defense at these velocities.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Range Conditions
  2. 00:33Test Setup and Ammunition
  3. 01:00Ammunition Specs and Comparison
  4. 01:49Test Firearm Description
  5. 02:11Velocity Testing Setup
  6. 03:35Magtech Chronograph Results
  7. 04:10PPU Chronograph Testing
  8. 04:47PPU Chronograph Results and Velocity Comparison
  9. 05:20Gel Testing Setup
  10. 06:08Gel Test Results Overview
  11. 06:41Gel Test Results Details
  12. 07:11Penetration Distances Measured
  13. 09:18Projectile Examination and Comparison
  14. 09:50Projectile Measurements
  15. 10:14Gel Test Summary and .32 ACP Opinion

Frequently Asked Questions

How did PPU and Magtech .32 ACP JHP perform in a ballistic gel test?

In a ballistic gel test fired from a Beretta 3032 Tomcat, Magtech .32 ACP JHP penetrated 15.5 inches with 110 ft-lb of energy, while PPU .32 ACP JHP penetrated 11.25 inches with 98 ft-lb. Neither round showed significant expansion.

What are the actual velocities of Magtech and PPU .32 ACP JHP from a short barrel?

From a 2.9-inch barrel, Magtech .32 ACP JHP averaged 837 fps, and PPU .32 ACP JHP averaged 790 fps. These are lower than the claimed velocities from longer test barrels.

Is .32 ACP ammunition adequate for self-defense based on this test?

Based on this test, neither the Magtech nor PPU .32 ACP JHP rounds demonstrated sufficient expansion or terminal performance for reliable self-defense. The instructor suggests hotter loads from brands like Buffalo Bore for better results.

What firearm was used for the .32 ACP ammunition test?

The .32 ACP ammunition test was conducted using a Beretta 3032 Tomcat pistol, which features a compact frame and a 2.9-inch barrel.

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