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Lindcott Armory

Pistol · SAAMI

.25 ACP

Also known as 6.35mm Browning · 6.35x15.5mmSR

The smallest practical centerfire pistol cartridge.

Caliber
0.2512″ · 6.38 mm
Introduced
1905
Case
Semi-Rimmed
Primary use
Concealed Carry, Self-Defense
Status
Active

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains35 · 45 · 50 gr
Identity
Introduced
1905
Type
Pistol
Origin
Belgium
Inventor
John Browning
Manufacturer
FN Herstal (John Browning)
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Active
Availability
Common
Build
Case capacity
5 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:16
Primer
Small Pistol
Case type
Semi-Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
25,000 psi
Eff. range
25 yd
Max range
100 yd
Recoil
1–2 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .25 ACP.

Performance

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

CIP TDCC · verified
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 6.380.251 ✓
Neck ⌀ 7.000.276 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 7.020.276 ✓
Rim ⌀ 7.650.301 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.100.043 ✓
Neck length n/a
Case length 15.550.612 ✓
Overall length 23.000.906 ✓

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .25 ACP is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.

Suitable powders

2 reloading powders listed for .25 ACP, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

Bull's-EyeHP-38
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Firearms chambered in .25 ACP

12 models in the database chamber .25 ACP. Browse all →

North American Arms Guardian .25 ACP 2.49-inchNorth American Arms Guardian 380Phoenix Arms HP25ATaurus PT25 .25 ACP 2.75-inchTaurus PT-25 .25 ACPTaurus PT-25Phoenix Arms HP25Beretta Bobcat 21A .22 LR 2.4-inchBeretta Beretta 21A Bobcat .22 LR 2.4-inchBeretta 21A Bobcat .22 LR 2.4-inchBeretta 21A .25 ACP 2.4-inchBeretta 21A Bobcat .25 ACP 2.4-inch

Connected reference

Loads23 factory loads for .25 ACPReloading2 suitable powders — cross-referenceFirearmsFirearms in .25 ACP

History

Designed by John Browning for the FN Model 1906, the first true pocket pistol. Enabled a new class of ultra-compact concealed carry pistols. Popular among civilians and women's market in the early 20th century.

FAQs

What twist rate does .25 ACP use?
.25 ACP typically uses a 1:16 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .25 ACP?
.25 ACP uses a 0.2512″ (6.38 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .25 ACP still in production?
.25 ACP is active; typical availability is common.
What is .25 ACP used for?
.25 ACP is primarily used for concealed carry, self-defense.
What are the best powders for .25 ACP?
Reloading powders commonly listed for .25 ACP include Bull's-Eye, HP-38.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 23 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →