The .32 ACP pistol cartridge is the child of the famous firearms designer John Browning.

7.65 mm Browning rounds. Left: standard FMJ. Right: military round with nickel coating.

Design

It was designed for early blowback pistols, that lacked a barrel locking mechanism.

Performance

The .32 ACP is compact and light, but short ranged and lacks stopping power. Even so it remains a viable self defense cartridge for use in compact pistols.

Muzzle velocity

• 4.8 g (74 gr) full metal jacket: 290 m/s (950 ft/s)

Synonyms

• .32 Browning Auto
• 7.65 x 17 mm
• 7.65 mm Browning

See Also

• List of firearms
• List of handgun cartridges
• List of rifle cartridges