I have had a P-3AT for about 3 years now; it is my regular carry gun. Recently I purchased a used Kel Tec .32 1st generation from Gander Mountain for $179.00. It is in very good condition. I decided to do a penetration comparison of the two caliber’s using the same brand of Ammunition. I had on hand Fiocchi FMJ in both .32ACP and .380 ACP.
Now I will admit that this test is not scientific. It is just a way to have some fun on a Saturday afternoon.
The testing material was a shoebox filled with TV magazines (the kind that come with the Sunday paper.) They are newsprint about 8 X 11 in size. The shoebox was filled to the top five inches thick. They were dry as I did this test on a moments notice.
I shot two rounds of each caliber from eight feet. Both guns performed flawlessly, the results are below.
Ammunition Tested:
Fiocchi .32 fmj 73gr.
Shot #1 penetration 3 inches
Shot #2 penetration 3 inches
Fiocchi .380 fmj 95 gr.
Shot #1 penetration 3.25 inches
Shot #2 penetration 3.28 inches
Observations: I am somewhat surprised that the .380 only penetrated about a quarter of an inch more than the .32 as the perceived recoil was noticeably greater in the .380. The recovered bullets were not deformed.
Now I will admit that this test is not scientific. It is just a way to have some fun on a Saturday afternoon.
The testing material was a shoebox filled with TV magazines (the kind that come with the Sunday paper.) They are newsprint about 8 X 11 in size. The shoebox was filled to the top five inches thick. They were dry as I did this test on a moments notice.
I shot two rounds of each caliber from eight feet. Both guns performed flawlessly, the results are below.
Ammunition Tested:
Fiocchi .32 fmj 73gr.
Shot #1 penetration 3 inches
Shot #2 penetration 3 inches
Fiocchi .380 fmj 95 gr.
Shot #1 penetration 3.25 inches
Shot #2 penetration 3.28 inches
Observations: I am somewhat surprised that the .380 only penetrated about a quarter of an inch more than the .32 as the perceived recoil was noticeably greater in the .380. The recovered bullets were not deformed.