32ACP vs. 380ACP

[bigtheno]

Make a long story short I'm looking at getting a pocket pistol, if not the LCP then something like it. I was looking at the LCP when someone gave me some food for thought and I wanted everyone's opinion on it. I was told I should consider getting the Kel-Tec P32 in 32ACP instead for a couple of reasons.
First the P32 is lighter then the LCP and can house, I believe, 2 addition bullets in the clip. Also, with the lighter 32 ACP the recoil will be less then that of the 380ACP.
All those things aside it was the next thing that got me thinking. He told me the 32ACP, being a smaller bullet, has a better chance of penetrating through winter clothes. Also, he said, the stopping power of the 380 compared to that of the 32 is insignificant difference.
In your all's opinion, is what was said in the previous 2 paragraphs true?

 

[pyth0n]

IMO, the .380 is better than the .32 for penetration using FMJ ammo. Hollowed points will give various penetration and if clogged by clothing will either behave like FMI or open to early to penetrate deep enough. I believe most will tell you that .32 should be loaded with FMJ only. But you'll get many opinions. Placement is more importent. Don't expect a definative answer.

The .32 acp, being semi rimmed, has a tendancy for the top round rim to get caught behind the rim of the next in line, causing a feed problem and jam. I have the Kel-Tec & Beretta Tomcat and haven't experienced this myself, but have read about it in magazine articles and other forums.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I'm sure the 380ACP would pack a lot more punch. These are both the same type of ammo.

32ACP
Muzzle Velocity: 950 fps
Muzzle Energy: 130 ft. lbs.

380ACP
Muzzle Velocity: 1000 fps
Muzzle Energy: 200 ft lbs

...Jimbo

 

[RICHGCOOP]

I would go with the 380acp. I have A 1903 colt 32acp but I carry the 380acp.

 

[bennettfam]

If ya gotta go with a mouse gun, pick the larger mouse.

 

[DGW1949]

Considering that the old 158 Grn 38 Spl service load had a 50% fight-stopping capability, compairing a 32 ACP to a 380 ACP is a lot to do about nothing. Statisticaly, ya might as well use a .22 .
What I'm saying here is not to get too side-tracked by (almost) meaningless differences in the two cartridges. Just buy the gun that suits ya the best. If having two extra shots makes you feel better, go for it.

DGW

 

[Bucks Owin]

Considering that the old 158 Grn 38 Spl service load had a 50% fight-stopping capability, compairing a 32 ACP to a 380 ACP is a lot to do about nothing. Statisticaly, ya might as well use a .22 .
What I'm saying here is not to get too side-tracked by (almost) meaningless differences in the two cartridges. Just buy the gun that suits ya the best. If having two extra shots makes you feel better, go for it.

DGW

10X :wink:

 

[Mobuck]

I've tested both 22lr Velocitor HP from a 2" revolver and 380 HP from a 3" semiauto on similar media and the 380 is many steps above the 22lr in wounding capability. I doubt anyone really wants to be shot with anything but using a round smaller than 380 is not nearly as likely to cause an amount of injury likely to stop a determined aggressor. For personal use, I'm not going below 9mm Luger or 38Sp regardless of what I have to do to keep this size shooter concealed.

 

[M'BOGO]

It really depends on you, your situation, and what you want.

My two cents, I like a single stack 9mm as a pocket pistol. You might want to wait to handle one of the new LC9's when they come out next month. Or one of the LCR's, for the simple reason it can function completely while in a pocket, without a slide having to cycle.