.32 ACP defense loads

Q

Quantum Singularity

New member
When I buy the Gaurdian, I will need to decide on the defensive ammo to use. What is better? A FMJ which should penetrate decently but only leave a .30 cal hole, or a JHP which opens up somewhat, but because of the light/slow .32 ACP bullet only penetrates 7-8". I am sort of concerned about getting a hollowpoint round if it doesn't penetrate enough. Please give me some opinions and preferably loads that you all like...
 
QS,
I used to fire only Silvertips in my Guardian. They worked fine but were a little "dirty". I then started to use Fiocchi 73gr FMJ. I e-mailed Fiocchi and they sent me a catalog.
I was surprised and delighted to find that their semi jacketed hollow point .32ACP makes 1200 fps and 205 ft-lbs of energy. No mention of the barrel length they used to obtain these spectacular results, but I believe the Fiocchi SJHP to be the best .32ACP on the market. I was using Hydra-Shoks in my P-32 (I have switched to Fiocchi) and they fired just fine, however in my Guardian the Hydras just jammed into the feed ramp and stopped without continuing on into the chamber. Not all Guardians are as ammo sensitive as mine. I do like Silvertips and Fiocchi FMJ/SJHP very much, so limiting ammo choices to those hasn't been a problem.
I think that you are making the right choice with the Guardian.

Will
 
Hello. You might consider Hornady's 60 gr XTP in this caliber. It offers limited expansion compared to some makes, but like you, I was concerned about penetration in this caliber. Best.
 
Will, check out www.geocities.com/goldenloki and look at the penetration testing done with the various 32ACP loads. I thought the Fiocchi HP would be a good performer myself, but they were far from perfect. None of them expanded. I'd be wary of using them as a defense load.

Right now I'm sticking with Cor-Bons, but when the weather changes it'll be Fiocchi FMJ all the way.

The Speer Gold Dots, by the way, performed really well, despite the low KE and low FPS.



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Glock 19
S&W 629 Classic
KelTec P32

"Oh yeah? Well I talk LOOOUDLY! And I carry a BIIIGGER stick! And I'll use it, too." -Yoesemite Sam
 
If you put an unloaded Guardian in a long sock it makes a pretty effective little defensive tool, if swung properly. I would imagine if a good hit along side the head is made, you would probably find one shot stops to be quite frequent. Oh yes, you have an unlimited number of shots with this 32 also.
 
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