{"id":7646,"date":"2021-08-03T14:21:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-03T14:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/?p=7646"},"modified":"2025-10-08T21:24:39","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T21:24:39","slug":"32-acp-vs-380-acp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/32-acp-vs-380-acp\/","title":{"rendered":"32 ACP vs 380 ACP"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Finding the right conceal-carry cartridge can be complicated; even confusing. You need something that is loaded into a small, compact handgun that is comfortable to wear and easy to access. But you also need a cartridge that delivers enough power for effective results. It\u2019s often a simple give-and-take between manageable size and effective power.<\/p>\n

The .32 ACP and .380 ACP are two cartridges that make effective options for personal protection. While both are over a century old, they still provide reliable protection from a concealable handgun.<\/p>\n

.32 ACP vs .380 ACP: Noticeable Differences<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
<\/td>.32 ACP<\/th>.380 ACP<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Released<\/td>1899<\/td>1908<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bullet Diameter<\/td>.3125 inches<\/td>.355 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rim Diameter<\/td>.358 inches<\/td>.374 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Case Length<\/td>.68 inches<\/td>.68 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total Length<\/td>.984 inches<\/td>.984 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bullet Weight<\/td>60 to 80 grains<\/td>90 to 100 grains<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

.380 ACP is Clearly Wider<\/b><\/p>\n

\n
\"Speer
32 ACP on the left, 380 ACP on the right.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Physically, these cartridges are fairly similar in size. From front to back, they are both exactly 0.984 inches in length, and both have a case length of .68 inches. But when you consider their width, you find obvious differences. Obviously the bullet diameter is lager in the .380 than the .32, but the case and rim diameter is also larger on the .380 ACP.<\/p>\n

This broader width allows the .380 ACP to do two things. First, it can pack more propellant into the casing. Second, it can seat heavier bullets.<\/p>\n

.380 ACP Packs Heavier Bullets<\/b><\/p>\n

Neither of these cartridges will be mistaken for a large, extremely powerful, heavy handgun round. However, the .380 ACP can pack bullets that are, in many cases, 50% heavier than the .32\u2019s.<\/p>\n

The range of bullet weights for the .32 ACP is roughly 55 grains to as high as 75 grains; most are 60 or 71 grains. The .380 ACP, however, starts around 50 grains and can go slightly above 100 grains. Most products, however, are around 90 to 95 grains.<\/p>\n

While heavier bullets are not always<\/i> better, these larger projectiles will create obvious differences when we look at how the .32 APC and .380 ACP perform at the range.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"product\"\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n $409.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \"logo\"\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n 1000rds - .380 Auto PMC 90gr. FMJ Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"product\"\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n $21.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \"logo\"\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n 50rds - 380 Auto PMC 90gr. FMJ Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n