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 review by Tools&Targets compares PPU and Magtech .32 ACP JHP ammunition through ballistic gel and velocity testing. The expert instructor found neither performed exceptionally well, with limited expansion and penetration, suggesting better options like Buffalo Bore for .32 ACP self-defense. The Beretta 3032 Tomcat was used for testing.

Quick Summary

Expert instructor tests PPU and Magtech .32 ACP JHP ammunition in ballistic gel. Neither round expanded significantly, with Magtech penetrating 15.5 inches and PPU 11.25 inches. Average velocities from a Beretta Tomcat were 837 FPS for Magtech and 790 FPS for PPU. The instructor recommends hotter loads for .32 ACP self-defense.

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 Magtech and PPU .32 ACP JHP perform in ballistic gel tests?

Both Magtech and PPU .32 ACP JHP ammunition showed limited expansion and penetration in ballistic gel tests, even after passing through a heavy clothing barrier. The projectiles tended to tumble, causing disruption but not achieving ideal terminal ballistics for self-defense.

What were the average velocities for Magtech and PPU .32 ACP JHP from a Beretta Tomcat?

From the Beretta 3032 Tomcat's 2.9-inch barrel, the Magtech .32 ACP JHP averaged 837 FPS, while the PPU Defense Line .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 according to this test?

Based on this ballistic gel test, standard .32 ACP JHP ammunition like Magtech and PPU may not be ideal for self-defense due to insufficient expansion and penetration. The expert suggests considering hotter loads like Buffalo Bore's FMJ or flat-nose hardcast for better performance.

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 2.9-inch barrel. This compact firearm was used to evaluate the performance of the Magtech and PPU JHP rounds.

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