When it comes to small caliber handguns, there are two cartridges that are very popular: the .22 Long Rifle (22LR) and the .32 ACP. Both of these cartridges have been around for over a century and are still widely used today. However, they have some significant differences that set them apart. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at both cartridges and compare their strengths and weaknesses.
Here is the short answer:
The 22LR is a smaller and less powerful cartridge than the .32 ACP. It is commonly used for target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting. The .32 ACP is a more powerful cartridge that is used for self-defense and concealed carry.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closely at each cartridge, their ballistics, and how they compare in-depth.
In-Depth Look at the 22LR
The 22LR is one of the most popular cartridges in the world. It is a rimfire cartridge that was first introduced in 1887 and has been in continuous production ever since. The 22LR is a small and relatively low-powered cartridge that is commonly used for target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting.
The 22LR is capable of propelling a 40-grain bullet at velocities of up to 1,200 feet per second. While this is not very powerful compared to other cartridges, it is more than enough for small game hunting and target shooting. The 22LR is also very accurate and has very little recoil, which makes it a great cartridge for beginners and seasoned shooters alike.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 22LR with a 40-Grain round nose bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 1240 | 137 |
| 25 | 0 | 0.4 | 1165 | 121 |
| 50 | 0 | 1.4 | 1103 | 108 |
| 75 | -1.8 | 3 | 1052 | 98 |
| 100 | -5.6 | 5.1 | 1011 | 91 |
| 125 | -11.5 | 7.8 | 975 | 84 |
| 150 | -19.7 | 10.9 | 944 | 79 |
| 175 | -30.2 | 14.5 | 915 | 74 |
| 200 | -43.3 | 18.4 | 890 | 70 |
In-Depth Look at the .32 ACP
The 32 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) is a semi-automatic cartridge that was first introduced in 1899 by John Browning. It is a small but powerful cartridge that is commonly used for self-defense and concealed carry.
The 32 ACP is capable of propelling a 60-grain bullet at velocities of up to 900 feet per second. While this is not as powerful as larger cartridges, it is more than enough to stop an attacker at close range. The 32 ACP is also a very accurate cartridge that has relatively low recoil, which makes it easier to shoot accurately under stress. The main reason this small round is carried so much is that it can be used in a very small “pocket pistol” design making them easy to carry and conceal.
Here is a ballistics .32 ACP with a 65-grain jacketed hollow point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -0.9 | 0 | 925 | 123 |
| 25 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 892 | 115 |
| 50 | 0 | 1 | 862 | 107 |
| 75 | -3.9 | 2.4 | 834 | 100 |
| 100 | -10.8 | 4.1 | 808 | 94 |
| 125 | -21 | 6.4 | 784 | 89 |
| 150 | -34.9 | 9.3 | 761 | 84 |
| 175 | -52.5 | 12.7 | 739 | 79 |
| 200 | -74 | 16.5 | 718 | 74 |
In-Depth Comparison
When comparing the 22LR and the .32 ACP, there are several key factors to consider:
Power: The 32 ACP is better at stopping an attacker because it has a heavier bullet larger bullet. However, for hunting the difference between these two rounds would be minimal.
Accuracy: Both cartridges are very accurate, but the 22LR may be slightly more accurate due to its lower recoil.
Range: The 32 ACP has a shorter effective range than the 22LR. It is more effective at close range, while the 22LR can be used at longer ranges for small game hunting and target shooting.
Recoil: The 22LR has very little recoil, while the 32 ACP has slightly more recoil. This can make the 22LR easier to shoot accurately, especially for beginners.
Price: The 22LR is significantly cheaper than the .32 ACP, which makes it more accessible to beginners and those on a budget.
Availability: the 22Lr is an extremely popular round that is probably the most popular rifle and pistol cartridge to have ever been made. Naturally, the 32 ACP can not compete.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the 22LR and the .32 ACP are excellent cartridges that have their own strengths and weaknesses. The 22LR is a smaller and less powerful cartridge that is commonly used for target shooting and small game hunting, while the 32 ACP is a more powerful cartridge that is primarily used for self-defense and concealed carry. When comparing the two, it ultimately comes down to what you will be using the cartridge for.