Lindcott Armory Compare / .32 Rimfire vs .32 S&W
Cartridge comparison
.32 Rimfire vs .32 S&W
.32 Rimfire is faster (850 vs 750 fps); .32 Rimfire carries more energy (144 vs 118 ft·lb); .32 S&W recoils less.
.32 Rimfire →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.32 S&W →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .32 Rimfire | .32 S&W | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Pistol | Revolver |
| Introduced | 1857 | 1878 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.317″ | 0.312″ |
| Case length | 0.625″ | 0.61″ |
| Velocity | 700–850 fps | 680–750 fps |
| Energy | 89–144 ft·lb | 97–118 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 10,000 psi | 17,000 psi |
| Recoil | 1.5–2.5 ft·lb | 1–2 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 15 yd | 50 yd |
FAQs
- Is .32 Rimfire faster than .32 S&W?
- .32 Rimfire is faster — up to 850 fps versus 750 fps.
- Does .32 Rimfire hit harder than .32 S&W?
- .32 Rimfire carries more muzzle energy (144 vs 118 ft·lb).