Is This SILVER Worth Stacking?....32 VS .380 Winchester Silvertip Ballistic Gel AMMO Test!

Published on October 24, 2025
Duration: 14:23

This video tests Winchester Silvertip ammunition in .32 ACP and .380 ACP calibers using ballistic gel and a chronograph. The .32 ACP round showed no expansion and minimal penetration, while the .380 ACP round exhibited expansion and better performance, though both calibers were noted to be on the weaker side. The instructor emphasizes that shot placement is critical for these smaller calibers, and suggests that for .380 ACP, hard cast FMJ rounds might offer better performance than expanding hollow points.

Quick Summary

In ballistic gel tests, Winchester Silvertip .32 ACP failed to expand and showed minimal penetration, while the .380 ACP expanded and performed better, though both achieved similar penetration depths of about 10.75 inches. The .32 ACP averaged 809 FPS and the .380 ACP averaged 875 FPS, with the .380 ACP being the clear winner in this comparison.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Cold Weather Range Setup
  2. 00:32Testing .32 ACP vs .380 ACP Silvertip Rounds
  3. 01:15Projectile Specs: 32 ACP (60gr JHP) vs 380 ACP (85gr JHP)
  4. 01:39Performance Comparison: 380 ACP vs 32 ACP
  5. 02:19Test Barrel Lengths: Bodyguard 2.0 (2.75") vs Beretta Tomcat (2.9")
  6. 02:51Chronograph Testing: 32 ACP Five Round Average
  7. 04:0632 ACP Velocity Results: 809 FPS Average
  8. 04:44Chronograph Testing: 380 ACP Five Round Average
  9. 05:25380 ACP Velocity Results: 875 FPS Average
  10. 06:19Ballistic Gel Test: Silvertip Ammo
  11. 06:2332 ACP Silvertip Gel Test
  12. 07:10380 ACP Silvertip Gel Test
  13. 07:32Ballistic Gel Results Analysis
  14. 08:05Gel Performance: 32 ACP vs 380 ACP Detailed
  15. 09:06Penetration Depth: 10.75 Inches for Both
  16. 09:47Projectile Examination: 32 ACP vs 380 ACP
  17. 10:14Impact of Velocity on Performance
  18. 11:25Projectile Measurements: Weight & Diameter
  19. 12:06Conclusion: 380 ACP Wins Over 32 ACP
  20. 13:02Final Thoughts on Silvertip Performance

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the Winchester Silvertip .32 ACP and .380 ACP perform in ballistic gel tests?

The .32 ACP Silvertip showed no expansion and minimal penetration, tumbling significantly. The .380 ACP Silvertip, however, did expand and performed better, though both calibers achieved similar penetration depths of approximately 10.75 inches.

What were the average velocities for the Winchester Silvertip .32 ACP and .380 ACP rounds tested?

The Winchester Silvertip .32 ACP averaged 809 feet per second (FPS), while the .380 ACP averaged 875 FPS. Both velocities were considered lower than expected by the instructor.

Which caliber, .32 ACP or .380 ACP, performed better in the Winchester Silvertip ballistic gel test?

The .380 ACP caliber significantly outperformed the .32 ACP in the ballistic gel test, demonstrating expansion which the .32 ACP failed to achieve. The .380 ACP is considered the winner in this comparison.

What is the instructor's opinion on Winchester Silvertip ammunition for self-defense in .32 ACP and .380 ACP calibers?

The instructor expressed disappointment with the performance of both Silvertip rounds, stating that neither would be a preferred carry option for him due to their weaker performance, suggesting better alternatives exist for these calibers.

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