.32 S&W versus .32 ACP

[Flinch Morningwood]

I have a chance to get a good deal on a Davis .32 ACP derringer but only will go with it if I can shoot the same .32 S&W (Short) as my side pistol...

Are these two interchangable in this type of usage?

Thanks in advance!

[St. George]

Not even close...

The .32 S&W is a rimmed cartridge - headspacing on the cartidge rim and on the cylinder.

The .32 ACP is rimless - headspacing on the cartridge's mouth inside the barrel's chamber.

The revolver round naturally uses a lead projectile - whime the auto's uses a jacketed one, so as not to deform through the feed cycle.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Delmonico]

The 32 acp is a semi rimmed round ahd does headspace on the small rim, the rim though is small to feed from a magazine easlily and the rim is thinner that the 32 S&W if it has proper headspace it should not even close on the 32 S&W.   Also the 32 acp is 0.07 longer than the 32 S&W.

Bullets for the 32 acp are also 0,310.  Depends on the gun and the ammo, they might work after a fashion, but not something I would do.

[Flinch Morningwood]

I knew about the difference in rims...I was just wondering if it made a difference in a derringer since you are hand loading...

[St. George]

It does.

The derringer's built specifically for the round - and being a modern-made piece, the tolerances are likely 'far' tighter than an older weapon.

Like Delmonico said - you 'might' be able to get it to work - but I doubt you'd get it to work consistently.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Delmonico]

If the tolerances are up to modern spec, you should not be even able to close it.