Please School Me on .32 acp/auto

[DWalt]

I feel that while firing .32 ACP in a revolver chambered for .32 S&W-L can be done without great concern, I wouldn't recommend using it for self-defense purposes unless no .32 S&W-L ammo was available.

 

[DWalt]

To answer a few questions, yes, the .32 ACP is also known as .32 Auto or 7.65 Browning. The .32 cal. was made in a short and long version named either Colt or S&W. The .32 Colt ammo may be fired in .32 S&W-chambered guns, but not vice-versa. This is because Colt used a bullet of case diameter, while S&W seated their bullet inside the case meaning the case diameter is larger than Colt's.

.32 Colt ammunition, so far as I know, is obsolete and unobtainable today except on the ammo collectors' market. Additionally, there is no good way to form the .32 Colt case from any other case caliber. On the other hand, it is not unusual to run across an old Colt revolver chambered for the .32 Colt. Beware buying such a revolver if you plan to shoot it. .32 S&W ammo won't fit in it unless it has been rechambered.