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32 ACP Ammo For Sale

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The .32 ACP is most commonly chambered in pocket pistols. And while it was designed for use as a self-defense cartridge, it is considered by some firearms aficionados to be less than ideal for this use. However, it remains popular for its light recoil and ease of concealment. Learn More
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  1. Federal American Eagle 32 ACP Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 71 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $449.99

    16 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 900 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 128 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 45¢ per round
    • Made by Federal
  2. PMC 32 ACP Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 60 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $449.99

    3 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 980 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 117 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 45.0¢ per round
    • Made by PMC
  3. Prvi Partizan 32 ACP Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 71 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $474.95

    18 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 902 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 129 ft lbs
  4. Sellier & Bellot 32 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 73 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $24.99

    132 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 1043 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 176 ft lbs
  5. Prvi Partizan 32 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 71 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $26.99

    3 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 902 FPS
  6. Federal 32 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 71 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $27.99

    78 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 900 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 128 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 56¢ per round
    • Made by Federal
  7. Magtech 32 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 71 Grain FMC Ammunition

    $27.99

    71 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 905 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 129 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 56.0¢ per round
    • Made by Magtech
  8. Magtech 32 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 71 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $29.99

    97 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 905 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 129 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 60¢ per round
    • Made by Magtech
  9. Blazer 32 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 71 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $29.99

    101 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Aluminum
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 900 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 128 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 60.0¢ per round
    • Made by Blazer
  10. Prvi Partizan 32 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 71 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $29.99

    62 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 902 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 129 ft lbs
  11. Hornady 32 ACP Ammo - 25 Rounds of 60 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $27.99

    101 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 1000 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 133 ft lbs
    • 25 Rounds
    • $1.12 per round
    • Made by Hornady

History of 32 ACP Ammo

The history of the .32 Automatic Colt Pistol is a rich one, filled with ups and downs, assassinations, suicides, and even iconic heroes. Its beginnings date back to 1899, when John Browning created his first successful commercial automatic pistol, and its legacy continues through today with most American and all European ammunition companies still manufacturing rounds in .32 caliber ammunition.

The .32 Automatic Colt Pistol, more commonly referred to as the .32 ACP or .32 Auto in the United States and the 7.65mm Browning in Europe, features a lightweight lead bullet that measures between .308 and .3125 inch in a semi-rimmed, straight-walled casing that measures .680 inch in length. At .984, the whole cartridge comes in just under an inch. This low-power ammunition has a wide variety of semi-automatic handguns chambered for it due its low recoil and lightweight concealability.

Since its 100-plus years of popularity, the .32 ACP has been chambered in more handguns than any other cartridge throughout history.

Development of the .32 ACP

John Moses Browning designed the .32 ACP cartridge in for the Fabrique Nationale 1900 blowback pistol in 1899. The cartridge, which is known in Europe as the 7.65mm Browning, saw great success. In 1903, the ammunition hit the U.S. market with the release of the Colt Model 1903 Pocket Pistol. Soon after, other firearm manufacturers followed suit and released their own semi-automatic pistols chambered for .32 Auto ammunition.

In the early decades of the 20th century, the .32 ACP was one of the most popular ammunitions, and was carried by law enforcement and armed forces around the world, as well as civilians looking for a reliable and easy-to-use self-defense weapon.

The .32 Auto’s Role in History

As .32 ACP ammo and the pistols that were chambered for it became more popular, these firearms started to play a role in history. On September 6, 1901, William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States, was shot twice, point blank, in the abdomen by an anarchist from New York named Leon Czolgsz. Czolgsz was carrying a .32 Iver Johnson revolver, which he concealed with a handkerchief as he pretended to shake the President’s hand. Eight days later, McKinley died of gangrene from the bullet wounds.

In 1914, a young Bosnian Serb named Gavrilo Princip used an FN Browning Model 1910 chambered in .32 Auto to assassinate Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie, taking part in the chain of events that pushed the world into World War I. Nicknamed the Gun that Shook the World, this culture-changing weapon was found in 2004, in an Austrian Jesuit community house that had inherited it from a close friend of the royal couple.

Adolf Hitler, the leader of Nazi Germany, used another pistol chambered for the .32 ACP to commit suicide. On April 30, 1945, Hitler and his wife of two days, Eva Braun, killed themselves in his underground bunker in Berlin – Hitler with his Walther PPK and Braun by taking cyanide. Just a few days later on May 8th, the German forces surrendered to the Allies unconditionally.

When talking about .32 Auto-toting figures from the past, British Secret Agent 007, James Bond, must be mentioned. Bond’s character reigned in the 1950s, when .32 ACP pistols would have been readily available throughout the world. Although it’s not the only pistol Bond carries in the books and movies, this fictional hero often carried a Walther PPK.

Uses for the .32 Auto

When first released, .32 ACP ammo and the pistols that were chambered for it quickly rose in popularity. And even today, this caliber remains one of the more popular ammunition cartridges worldwide. Its light recoil, low noise threshold, and easy concealability make it an option for a variety of people and helps to keep the .32 ACP ammo price affordable.

The cartridge was used by European police and military personnel until the 9mm Parabellum replaced it in the late 1980s. Even after the larger round became the standard, many officers continued to wear pistols in this cartridge as both a backup weapon and badge of station.

The .32 Auto is a little too weak for hunting most game, but is still effective for small animals and varmint. Remember, although the round is strong enough, most modern pistols chambered for .32 caliber ACP ammo are designed for self-defense and close-range shooting, making them less accurate than other options for small-game handguns.

Another common function of the .32 ACP is for humane kills. From both the veterinary and the farm point of view, this cartridge provides more than enough impact to quickly and effectively kill an animal for butchering or when it’s injured, without causing unnecessary pain or discomfort. When the muzzle is placed on contact, .32 ACP bullets can even humanely dispatch large farm animals like horses and cows.

The .32 ACP is also popular among handloaders. Due to its small size and easy shooting, this round becomes versatile and can be loaded to different specs to improve ballistics. Handloading allows shooters to customize the way the round shoots and can help save some money when it comes to .32 ACP price.

Pistols Chambered in .32 Caliber

Many .32 caliber pistols have become popular throughout the last 115 years. These popular pistols are manufactured by Beretta, Colt, Fabrique Nationale, Kel-Tec, Smith & Wesson (S&W), and others. In the U.S., many firearm manufacturers continue to make .32 ACP pistols, including Colt, Remington, Harrington and Richardson (H&R), S&W, and Savage. In Europe, where the .32 Auto remains a favorite, every gun manufacturer that makes semi-automatic pistols has at least one chambered in .32 ACP.

When looking for one of these small-caliber semi-automatics, consider trying one of the following:

  • Kel-Tec P32: The Kel-Tec P32 measures 5.1 inches in overall length, weighs 6.6 ounces, and has a magazine capacity of seven-plus-one. With a light trigger pull and small grip, it’s a great CCW for even the smallest-framed concealed carriers.
  • Sig Sauer P230: Although it went off production in 1996, the Sig Sauer P230 can still be found second-hand in gun shops across America. It came chambered in both .32 ACP and .380 Auto and can be used as a single or double-action firing mechanism. It features an eight-plus-one magazine capacity, compared to seven-plus-one for the same gun chambered in .380.
  • Beretta 3032 Tomcat Inox: With the tip-up design common among Beretta small-framed pistols, the Tomcat Inox is easy to load and operate with one hand. It’s designed for deep concealment and measures under five inches in total length, making it smaller than many of today’s smartphones. Some of the gun’s highlights include a seven-plus-one magazine capacity and an adjustable rear site.

Types of .32 ACP Ammo

Like other modern ammunition, the .32 ACP commonly comes in a variety of styles and types. The .32 Auto bullet is made of lead and typically weighs between 60 and 73 grain (gr) and features muzzle velocities ranging between 600 and 1,000 feet per second (fps).

From traditional full metal jacket bullets to those designed specifically for self defense, there’s a full range of .32 Auto ammo for sale.

  • Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): FMJ bullets are lead bullets encased in a harder metal, typically copper, to help the projectile keep its shape through the firing and traveling process. These bullets don’t expand on impact and cause less damage than .32 ACP ammo that’s designed for self defense.
  • Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP): JHP bullets are lead projectiles coated in a harder metal, like copper. Instead of being round, like cheap .32 ACP ammo in FMJ, these bullets have a hollow point leading to the center of the bullet. This allows the projectile to mushroom on impact, creating bigger wounds and reducing the risk of over-penetration. JHPs are often recommended for self-defense rounds and for shooting varmint.
  • +P: .32 handgun ammo that’s labeled +P is loaded under a higher pressure than standard ammunition. These bullets create more stopping power and are effective self defense rounds. Only use this type of .32 ACP ammo in modern pistols that are rated for +P loads.
  • Solid Copper: These specialty cartridges feature a solid copper bullet that doesn’t deform on impact, leading to a deeper penetration. Although the projectile keeps its odd shape, it creates energy that enlarges the wound, making these an interesting option for self defense.

Is .32 Auto Ammo Good for Self Defense?

When it comes to self defense, there’s not a solid consensus with the .32 ACP cartridge. To many, .32 Auto ammo is the benchmark for the minimally acceptable caliber for self defense, yet many firearms enthusiasts disagree, saying it lacks sufficient impact and stopping power.

To determine a firearm’s potential for self defense, the FBI has set the standard through rigorous field testing. Although .32 ACP bullets don’t make the FBI’s cut for law enforcement, some .32 Auto ammo does meet FBI’s standard for penetration, which is reaching a depth of 12 to 18 inches in 10 percent ballistics gel. For instance, Hornady’s XTP ammunition averages between 13.8 and 18.75 inches, making it meet the qualifications.

Notes on .32 ACP Ballistics

.32 ACP ammunition features some key advantages over the competition of small pistols, including light recoil, low noise, and easy concealment. Average ballistics on a standard round of .32 ACP features a 71 grain (gr) bullet that travels at 900 feet per second (fps) and has 128 foot-pound energy (ft·lbs). Scroll down to the bottom of this section for a complete .32 ACP ammo ballistics chart.

Rapidly expanding hollow point bullets traveling at high speed are on the leading edge of ammo technology for self defense, and the .32 ACP is on the list for many ammunition manufacturers. Hornady, for example, manufactures self-defense loads for the .32 ACP using its XTP bullet, and Federal tops a cartridge with its famous Hydra-Shok bullet.

Popular Names for the .32 ACP

Just like other ammo types, the .32 ACP is known by a range of other names, some of them correct and some of them not so correct. While the cartridge is officially known as the .32 Automatic Colt Pistol, it’s rarely called such, with people taking the abbreviated .32 ACP instead.

Here are some other common terms that people use for the .32 ACP round:

  • .32 Automatic
  • .32 Auto
  • .32 Rimless Smokeless
  • .32 Browning Auto
  • 7.65mm Browning
  • 7.65 Walther

Sometimes, people refer to the .32 ACP in the wrong fashion. They may omit the decimal point, as in 32 ACP ammo or 32 Auto, but this is incorrect, as the decimal point and number represent an actual measurement (the diameter of the bullet) and must both be included.

Other times, the ammo is written without the space between the caliber and the rest of the ammunition name, such as .32ACP ammo. While the meaning remains the same, when it’s written this way, it’s grammatically wrong. And lastly, sometimes it’s written with both of these aspects wrong, like 32Auto or 32ACP ammo.

Also, because ACP is an acronym of the ammunition's proper name (Automatic Colt Pistol), it should always be capitalized, as in .32 ACP, not .32 acp. In this same manner, because Auto in is an abbreviation of the proper name, it, too, should remain capitalized in .32 Auto.

Other Types of .32 Bullets and Ammo

While Browning designed the .32 ACP in 1899, the .32 bullet size hit the market over two decades earlier. In 1873, Colt released the first .32 firing pistol with the Colt New Line Pocket Pistols. At the time, .32 handgun ammo came in both centerfire and rimfire. As time went on, Colt chambered multiple single-action and double-action revolvers in .32 caliber.

Over the last 125 years, the .32 bullet has had many variations and some of the most popular include:

  • .32 Single Action Army
  • .32 S&W
  • .32 S&W Long
  • .32 S&W Gallery
  • .32 Magnum
  • .327 Federal
  • .32 Colt
  • .32 Short Colt
  • .32 Long Colt
  • .32 New Police
  • .32-20 Winchester, also known as .32 Winchester Centerfire (WCF)
  • .32 Winchester Special (WS)
  • .32 H&R Magnum
  • .32 North American Arms (NAA)
  • .32 Federal Magnum
  • .320 Revolver

Regardless what a shooter thinks of the .32 ACP, it’s hard to deny that the cartridge has its role in both history and today’s world. It may not offer the best self-defense options available, but it’s easy to shoot, easy to carry, and has one of the richest histories the world of ammunition has seen.

FAQ

What does .32 ACP mean?

The term “.32 ACP” represents a bullet cartridge designed by John Moses Browning, the .32 Automatic Colt Pistol. Designed in 1899, it’s a low-power ammunition that’s often seen in pocket pistols and other subcompact self-defense handguns.

How effective is .32 ACP ammo?

The .32 ACP can have fatal ballistics, but many do not consider it powerful enough to use for self defense. It does not meet the FBI’s criteria for law enforcement due to limited stopping power and penetration. Yet it is deadly. For best results, opt for a round labeled jacketed hollow point (JHP) or +P.

What countries use 32 ACP ammo?

Countries throughout the world use .32 ACP ammo. This round was extremely popular in the first half of the 20th century, especially in Europe, and more handguns have been chambered in .32 ACP than any other caliber. It is almost universally available wherever handguns are.

What is the difference between .32 ACP and .380 Auto ammo?

While the .32 ACP and .380 ACP measure the same length, the .380 Auto is a much more powerful cartridge. It features a larger bullet, both in diameter and weight, and has a higher velocity and more energy.

Is 32 ACP good for self-defense?

Some gun enthusiasts say the .32 ACP is the smallest caliber acceptable for self defense, while others say that it does not have the stopping power nor penetration to be effective. These people often recommend the .380 ACP or even the 9mm as the minimally acceptable cartridge. In FBI field testing, the .32 ACP did not meet their standards. If you do opt for a .32 ACP for self defense, consider using jacketed hollow points (JHP) or +P rounds.

Who makes the best 32 ACP pistol?

The best .32 ACP pistol depends on your needs. Most quality firearms manufacturers make a pistol in .32 ACP and some of the most popular include the Kel-Tec P32, Sig Sauer P230, and the Beretta 3032 Tomcat Inox. The Walther PPK is considered one of the most popular .32 ACP pistols of all time.

32 ACP Ballistics: Chart of Average 32 ACP Ballistics

Note: This information comes from the manufacturer and is for informational purposes only. The actual ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from the advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and type load.

32 ACP Bullet WEIGHT Muzzle VELOCITY (fps) Muzzle ENERGY (ft. lbs.) Mid-Range TRAJECTORY (in.) Barrel Length (in.)
  Muzzle 50 yds. 100 yds. Muzzle 50 yds. 100 yds. 50 yds. 100 yds.  
60 Grain JHP

910

n/a n/a 125 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
60 Grain 970 895 835 125 105 95 1.3 5.4 4"
60 Grain

1000

917 849 133 112 96 n/a n/a 4"
71 Grain FMJ 800 n/a n/a 100 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
71 Grain FMJ 850 n/a n/a 114 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
71 Grain FMJ 905 n/a n/a 129 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
71 Grain 905 855 810 130 115 95 1.4 5.8 4"
Molly Carter
Written by
Molly Carter

Customer Reviews

  • Feld Marshall said:

    Shot 50 rounds worked very well. Loaded to European standards which makes it a great caliber for self defense. Only one cartridge I have used that is better is the Geco, which I cannot find anywhere, any longer. Would recommend it for those looking to carry a concealed weapon with the information on the 32.ACP. This is a great caliber don't sell it short .

  • chrismyster said:

    great bullets/no problems/good price/would buy again

  • Bryan in California said:

    Made it to my house in 1week = great shiping at a great price. You guys have a new custermer Thanks

  • DK said:

    Ammo came faster than tracking. Great ammo. Does what the add says. NO misfires. Will be ordering more at later date.

  • pabear said:

    your ammo is a great buy and I will use your company more.

  • lgvelez said:

    Excellent ammo! I have shot 200 rounds and no FTE or FTF. I will be buying more.

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  • Bigfootguy said:

    Great for short ranges (10 yards or less) and reasonable kick for JHP.

  • 22Tony said:

    Better ballistics, high quality, American made, all at a lower price than competitors. What more can you ask for.

  • scott said:

    great ammo for the price

  • 1oldcop said:

    I like Fiocchi ammo. The quality is consistently good and you provide it in a timely manner and at a reasonable price.

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  • Fitz said:

    Fired 6 rounds in auto,, Performed well, no misfires.

  • James said:

    Good buy. Good quality

  • David said:

    First rounds through a Seecamp 32 were flawless. Ammo seems to be great. Value at this time can't be rated accurately as ammo shortages have driven prices sky-high. I'd buy it again in the future.

  • Pistol Pete said:

    This is an exceptionally affordable ammunition and is my go-to choice for my bi-monthly training sessions at the range. I do manage, however, to experience "hang-fire" on perhaps 10% of the rounds fired. Bit of a nuisance, of course, but I simply count to three and it without fail fires successfully on the second try. In all fairness, I should mention I am firing the Seecamp .32 pistol, which was designed specifically around the Winchester "Silvertip" 60-grain JHP round, which fire flawlessly with never an incidence of hang-fire. As these are difficult to locate, and are fairly expensive, at generally 92 cents per round, I typically reserve the Winchester rounds for my daily concealed-carry and train with the highly affordable PMC ammunition.

  • ClayT said:

    My order arrived in a timely manner and in good condition. The Fiocchi shot well with no hang ups. The ammo is accurate and is the right price considering the cost of other hand gun ammunition.

  • Mark said:

    The above statement is worded well enough.

  • Art said:

    Just awesome ammo... just perfect!!!

  • STARK said:

    Met my expectations.

  • AL said:

    We have shot 300+ rounds with no problems. I am purchasing (2) 9mm handguns and possibly a .40 or .44 mag. so i will be looking at your site for competitive pricing. Thanks for the opportunity to voice my opinion. Respectfully, Al Young

  • Boatguy007""" said:

    ~ There are many choices still in .32 ammo, but I consider the Hornady .32 ACP to be in the top three as far as Quality and value. You would have to move to Gold Dot or perhaps Federal Personal Defense to do any better. Cheers & Safe shooting out there! Jim