32 ACP defensive round
I know there are several threads about the 32 ACP as a defensive round...none say there is a really good defensive load out there. But if I have to go with a 32 ACP round...which defensive load is better? Buffulo Bore's 75 gr FP or Speer's 60 HP GD??
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I'd pick the round that fuctioned the best. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by charliemeyer007
I'd pick the round that fuctioned the best.
And practice until you can deliver a fusillade of disabling hits.0 -
First find what works with 100% reliability in your gun. Small automatics are quite famous for having pickier appetites than a 3 year old girl. Reliability is more important than bullet design. If it doesn't go bang, the shape of that stationary bullet is a moot point. [:D]
Second, realize that small caliber pistol bullets do not have ANY so-called knock down power to speak of (unless you are talking about a point blank temple shot). Your ability to discourage an attacker with center of mass shots will depend largely on your bullet's ability to penetrate deep enough to cause organ damage and blood loss. That is why I do not subscribe to the theory of hollow point or soft nose for small caliber pistol bullets. If they are wearing multiple layers of thick clothing, such as may be common in the winter, a lot of the bullet's energy may be used up in expansion on those layers. I would rather have what little energy that small bullet has being used up penetrating several inches into his body and causing organ damage and hemorrhage. So, while I do like expanding bullets in more powerful cartridges, for the small-boys, I recommend the heaviest weight full metal jacket (FMJ)round you can find, so that bullet can burrow in and find a nice liver, heart, or lung with which to play tag. [}:)] Of course, YMMV and you will get differing opinions.0 -
The Winchester Silver Tip has always been the 32acp round to compare others to. It is the one that feed better in most guns. It is the round I and others carried in any 32 we carried. There are some good rounds out there now. Like said find one that feed in your pistol. 0 -
+1 on penetration in the small calibers, rather than "knockdown"(?) power (a contradiction in terms in so light a bullet). As has been stated, find a 71 or 73 gr. FMJ that feeds & fires every time. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by p3skyking
quote:Originally posted by charliemeyer007
I'd pick the round that fuctioned the best.
And practice until you can deliver a fusillade of disabling hits.
No round in this caliber is a 'good' defensive load, so the ability to reach something vital combined with the ability to hit something vital - preferably part of the central nervous system - are the key points.
Go with whatever bullet feeds most reliably AND has the greatest ability to reach CNS components.0 -
Looks like the consensus is for the most positive-feeding round (which is probably ball) and for the deepest-penetrating round, which is certainly ball. I agree that the fusillade should be employed, actually regardless of what caliber is used. Anyone who fires just one shot and then waits to see what the effect is, may never have an opportunity to fire again, ever. 0 -
That round does not have enough velocity or energy to deform the bullet no matter what point the bullet has. It is unreliable for self protection, but is better then nothing. 0 -
The .32ACP is a fine little round and worthy of consideration as a personal defense round. Every one out there that wouldn't mind getting shot with one; raise your hand. Just as I thought; no one. The same goes for bad guys. The Fiocchi .32ACP with the FMJ is hottest standard round out there. The Buffalo Bore is hotter, and has a heavier bullet; but is far from being standard. It would be the best round for defense; but I wouldn't shoot a lot of it; because it'll batter your gun, and with the flat nose; may cause a FTL. I shoot the Fiocchi in my Remington model 51, and my Colt 1903. It functions flawlessly in both, and is accurate to boot. My wife carries a 1903, and loves it; because it has very little recoil, is accurate, and functions without a hitch. I wouldn't want to be the bad guy that got between her and her little .32 bullets. The Colt 1903 is in my opinion the finest .32 ever made. I've tried them all at one time or another. The only other one that comes close is the Walther PP; but it's heavier, and doesn't have a hold open for the slide. The Remington 51 is nicer than either, and feels better and lighter in the hand; but it has a problem with the magazines feeding. It is much more reliable in the .380, and is my choice for carry. I keep my 1967 Colt NM at my bedside, and my wife keeps her laser sighted S&W model 60 on her side. I keep 190gr. Super Vell JHP's in mine, and she keeps 110gr. Frontiers JHP's in hers. 0 -
No handgun round is reliable for self protection. The .32 acp will work just fine if the shooter does his part. The Winchester Silvertip is the round all others are compared to. 0
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