So, I kinda stumbled into a Kel Tec P32 in a trade a couple weeks ago. While its nothing I would've ever actually bought, I do like the thought of having a really tiny pistol for backup and when I'm out running. While I fully realize .32 ACP is going to be marginal as a serious defense round, I'd like to find the best performer for it I can. What do you recommend?

I can't find much on .32 ammo testing.

Euro cops used it for years (I have a .32 FEG around here somewhere) and seemed to make it work okay, but as you know it's going to be far from ideal.

I assume the same handicaps that are in play with .380 are going to affect .32s, but I don't know that for certain and can't find any testing I trust on it.

That being said, for .380 the recommendation seems to be either FMJ or a hollowpoint that is known for poor expansion. That seems counterintuitive to most ammo recommendations, but .380 doesn't really have enough "push" to penetrate adequately with an properly performing hollowpoint. However, one that opens minimally might be a good compromise between the high penetration of a FMJ and the shallow penetration of expanding rounds while providing at least a little expansion. The XTP gets recommended in .380 for this reason sometimes, so maybe a .32 load with an XTP bullet might fit the bill.

The only personal experience I have with a .32 ACP...

While skinning a huge bear this year, I started finding lumps in his fat on his legs. Cut the tissue, and inside is a nice little .32 ACP round (had a Game Warden size it with a gauge). This bear had been shot many times (we found 5-6 I think) with a .32 ACP. None of them penetrated significantly, or seemed to have done anything but piss him off.

I understand that a bear is not a good analogue for a human. But even on his legs (where the skin and fat are pretty thin) the bullets didn't appear to make contact with muscle or bone. They went into the skin, lodged in the fat and stayed right there. I think this would be somewhat comparable to a person wearing clothing, though I would expect to see some damage to organs on a person. Will it stop someone... I highly doubt it. Will it piss them off, absolutely. Will it discourage them from continuing to attack you, situation would depend.

Just my .02

Its definitely not a primary carry for me. But, it will be available as a BUG or when I absolutely can't carry anything else (running). Someone basically gave it to me, so I don't have anything really tied up in it.

.32 makes a great bear gun.

But everyone knows you're supposed to kneecap your hunting partner with it and leave him behind for the bear, not shoot the bear with it.

http://www.brassfetcher.com/Handguns/32%20ACP/32%20ACP.html

I thought I read that many people prefer the European 32ACP like Fiocchi and Czech S&B.
Found this online:

Quote:

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From 3/16/2014
As FYI, chronograph results of single, 5-shot strings of various .32 ACP FMJ ammos, all fired from my Beretta Model 3032 INOX with 2.4" barrel:

R-P 71 FMJ 785 fps
W-W 71 FMJ 847 fps
Magtech 71 FMJ 806 fps
Fiocchi 73 FMJ 845 fps
RWS 73 FMJ 959 fps
Sellier& Bellot 73 FMJ 938 fps
Norma 73 FMJ 894 fps
Geco WW2 steel cased 73 FMJ 907 fps
Handload, Magtech 71 FMJ, 2.5 Bullseye 910 fps.

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From a Keltec P32:
841 fps avg Fiocchi
874 fps avg S&B

My wife's grandfather was a Sheriff. He carried a Colt 32 auto in his car. When asked, "isn't the .32 a little light?"

He said, "naw, if I have to shoot anyone, I'll shoot'em in the head!"

Shot placement!!

I have an old Colt 1903 "Smokeless" pocket pistol in .32 ACP that belonged to my grandfather. Heavy little sucker for its size. It shoots great. It was his concealed carry weapon when he was in the Army.

The Hornady XTP bullet is excellent. They load it in 32 ACP in their Custom line

https://www.luckygunner.com/hornady-32-acp-ammo-for-sale-32auto60xtphornady-25