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Lindcott Armory

Pistol · SAAMI

.32 ACP

Also known as 7.65mm Browning · 7.65x17mmSR

John Browning's compact semi-rimmed pistol cartridge, designed for small pocket pistols.

Caliber
0.3125″ · 7.938 mm
Introduced
1899
Case
Semi-Rimmed
Primary use
Self-Defense, Concealed Carry
Status
Active

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains60 · 71 · 73 gr
Identity
Introduced
1899
Type
Pistol
Origin
Belgium
Inventor
John Browning
Manufacturer
FN Herstal (John Browning)
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Active
Availability
Common
Build
Case capacity
8.5 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:16
Primer
Small Pistol
Case type
Semi-Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
20,500 psi
Eff. range
25 yd
Max range
150 yd
Recoil
1.5–2.5 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .32 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.

SAAMI · approximate
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 7.940.313 ~
Neck ⌀ 8.550.336 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 8.560.337 ✓
Rim ⌀ 9.090.358 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.140.045 ~
Neck length n/a
Case length 17.270.680 ✓
Overall length 24.990.984 ✓

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. .32 ACP is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

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

Suitable powders

5 reloading powders listed for .32 ACP, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

No. 2N310Bull's-EyeUniversalHP-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 .32 ACP

12 models in the database chamber .32 ACP. Browse all →

Ruger Single-Seven .327 FederalGirsan MC14-DAKel-Tec P32 32 ACP 2nd GenKel-Tec P-32 FDECobra Enterprises CA32Kel-Tec P32 32 ACP ParkerizedKel-Tec P32 32 ACP GrayKel-Tec P-32cBeretta 3032 Tomcat Covert .32 ACP 2.45-inchBeretta 3032 Tomcat Inox .32 ACP 2.45-inchNorth American Arms Guardian 32 NAABeretta Tomcat Inox .32 ACP

Connected reference

Loads83 factory loads for .32 ACPReloading5 suitable powders — cross-referenceFirearmsFirearms in .32 ACP

History

Designed by John Browning for FN and introduced with the FN Model 1900. Became the standard cartridge for European police and military sidearms. Known as 7.65mm Browning in Europe. Chambered in the iconic Walther PPK (James Bond's pistol).

FAQs

What twist rate does .32 ACP use?
.32 ACP typically uses a 1:16 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .32 ACP?
.32 ACP uses a 0.3125″ (7.938 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .32 ACP still in production?
.32 ACP is active; typical availability is common.
What is .32 ACP used for?
.32 ACP is primarily used for self-defense, concealed carry.
What are the best powders for .32 ACP?
Reloading powders commonly listed for .32 ACP include No. 2, N310, Bull's-Eye, Universal, among 5 suitable options.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 64 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →