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.

Pistol · SAAMI

.25 ACP

6.35mm Browning6.35x15.5mmSR

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

Velocity750–900 fps

Energy62–90 ft·lb

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

Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd

Open in Ballistic Compare ↗

By real loads: 760–900 fps · 81 loads
Parent case: —

Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input (no published BC for this cartridge yet).

Performance

Best for HuntingWinchester Silvertip50 gr · Silvertip HP · 760 fpsBuy now →

Best for DefenseCor-Bon DPX35 gr · Barnes XPB · 1,050 fpsBuy now →

Best for TargetFederal Syntech50 gr · TSJ · 760 fpsBuy now →

Buy links open .25 ACP ammunition at Rivertown Munitions.

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

Measure	mm	in	✓
Bullet ⌀	6.38	0.251	✓
Neck ⌀	7.00	0.276	✓
Shoulder ⌀	n/a
Shoulder angle	n/a
Base ⌀	7.02	0.276	✓
Rim ⌀	7.65	0.301	✓
Belt ⌀	n/a
Rim thickness	1.10	0.043	✓
Neck length	n/a
Case length	15.55	0.612	✓
Overall length	23.00	0.906	✓

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

In production — 81 active loads across 32 brands. Top 15 shown · see all 81 →.

Brand	Load	Grain	Bullet	FPS	ft·lb	BC
Cor-Bon	DPX	35	Barnes XPB	1,050	86	—
Remington	JHP	35	JHP	900	63	—
Hornady	Custom XTP	35	Hornady XTP JHP	900	63	—
Hornady	Custom	35	XTP HP	900	63	—
Hornady	Critical Defense FTX	35	FTX HP	900	63	—
Speer	Gold Dot	35	Gold Dot HP	900	63	—
Cor-Bon	Self Defense	50	JHP	880	86	—
Winchester	Silvertip	45	Silvertip HP	815	66	—
Winchester	Expanding Point	45	FMJ-EP	815	66	—
Buffalo Bore	Heavy	60	Hard Cast	775	80	—
Federal	Federal Premium HST	50	HST JHP	760	64	—
Federal	Federal Premium Hydra-Shok	50	Hydra-Shok JHP	760	64	—
Federal	Syntech	50	TSJ	760	64	—
Winchester	USA White Box	50	FMJ	760	64	—
Winchester	PDX1 Defender	50	PDX1 Bonded	760	64	—

Velocities are manufacturer-stated (test-barrel). Discontinued loads dimmed.

Suitable powders

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

Bull's-Eye HP-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.

Powder $/lbCharge (gr)Bullet $/eaPrimer $/eaBrass reusesBrass $/ea

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 →

Cobra Enterprises Big Bore Derringer .25 ACPNorth American Arms Guardian 380Taurus PT25 .25 ACP 2.75-inchPhoenix Arms HP25ATaurus PT-25 .25 ACPTaurus PT-25Phoenix Arms HP25Taurus PT 25 .25 ACP 2.75-inchBeretta Bobcat 21A .22 LR 2.4-inchBeretta 21A .25 ACP 2.4-inchBeretta 21A Bobcat .22 LR 2.4-inchBeretta 21A Bobcat .25 ACP 2.4-inch

Connected reference

Loads81 factory loads for .25 ACP↗Reloading2 suitable powders — cross-reference↗FirearmsFirearms in .25 ACP↗ToolCompare ballistics↗

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 81 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →