Quick Tip: What's the Best .32 Caliber Cartridge?

Published on September 16, 2020
Duration: 6:09

This guide provides an expert overview of various .32 caliber handgun cartridges, drawing from the knowledge of a Brownells representative. It details the historical development, ballistic performance (velocity, bullet weight), and cross-compatibility of rounds like the .32 ACP, .32 S&W Long, .32 Magnum, .327 Federal, and .32 NAA. The information is presented to help shooters understand the nuances and applications of these diverse calibers.

Quick Summary

The .32 caliber handgun cartridge landscape includes options like the compact .32 ACP, the historically significant .32 S&W Long (700-800 fps), the versatile .32 Magnum, and the high-velocity .327 Federal. The .32 NAA is a self-defense round designed for pistols like the NAA Guardian, offering more energy than a .380 ACP.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and .32 ACP
  2. 00:33Military .30 Calibers
  3. 01:06Revolver Cartridges: .32 S&W Long
  4. 01:52.32 Magnum Versatility
  5. 02:30.327 Federal
  6. 03:24.32-20 Winchester
  7. 04:36.32 NAA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the .32 ACP cartridge?

The .32 ACP is a semi-rimless pistol cartridge developed by John Browning around 1900. It's known for offering decent firepower within a compact firearm package, making it suitable for concealed carry or smaller handguns.

Which .32 caliber cartridges are high-velocity options?

High-velocity .32 caliber options include the .30 Tokarev, reaching 1200-1400 fps, and the .327 Federal Magnum, which offers significant velocity and versatility. The .32 NAA also achieves around 1000 fps with an 80gr bullet.

Can firearms chambered for .32 Magnum fire other .32 caliber rounds?

Yes, firearms chambered for .32 Magnum can typically and safely fire .32 S&W Long and .32 S&W Short cartridges. This interchangeability adds to the versatility of revolvers chambered in .32 Magnum.

What are the key differences between .32 S&W Long and .32 ACP?

.32 S&W Long is primarily a revolver cartridge with lower velocities (700-800 fps) and was historically used by law enforcement. The .32 ACP is a semi-rimless cartridge designed for semi-automatic pistols, offering more compact dimensions and generally higher velocities than the .32 S&W Long.

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