Which handgun is more powerful a 9mm or a .32 Cal.
2007-09-19 15:39:06 · 9 answers · asked by sccrkid9 1 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
9 milimeter because it is bigger and can generate more muzzle energy. A .32 Automatic only generates almost 100 foot pounds of muzzle energy, which is the amount of pressure that is used to push the bullet out of the gun. A 9mm uses between 3 and 400 pounds of muzzle energy and it's bigger and heavier, so it will be a lot more powerful than a .32 Automatic. If you are going to buy a handgun for target shooting, get a .22. If you are going to buy a handgun for self-defense, 9mm is the smallest caliber you probably can get for it to be effective, especially with hollow point ammunition.
sidenote:I've been told that 9 milimeter 115 grain hollow point ammo is almost as powerful as a .357 magnum.
2007-09-19 16:32:57 · answer #1 · answered by super682003 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
35>32. That we can tell you. If you want to compare the power of cartridges, you need to ask specifically. An example would be, "In comparable firearms, does a 9mm Parabellum 115 grain load have more momentum at 15 yards than a 32 H&R Magnum with 100 grainers?" And it wouldn't hurt to be more specific still. You see, there are lots of different 9mm cartridges shooting lots of different bullets. The same applies to 32 calibers and just about any other caliber. Also, "more powerful" has different answers, depending on what measure you're using. A lot of people like looking at muzzle energy, but that doesn't correlate well with effectiveness, so it's best to ask something more specific to your needs.
2007-09-19 17:49:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
The 9mm is more powerful than the 32 Cal. The 9mm has a larger case and powder capacity, the bullet is larger and has more sectional density. The 9mm is even more powerful than the 32 magnum Caliber hand gun cartridge. If you want to learn more about the differences go to library and get a book on hand gun cartridges and ballistics.
Hope this helps
2007-09-19 16:34:36 · answer #3 · answered by Bassman1 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The 9mm has approx. 3 times the power of the 32 acp.
2007-09-20 03:00:04 · answer #4 · answered by Steel Rain 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't specify 32 ACP or 32 long/short but either way the 9mm is the clear winner, mainly because of bullet weight.
2007-09-20 08:53:32 · answer #5 · answered by mikey 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The 9 is.
2007-09-20 06:26:26 · answer #6 · answered by gretsch16pc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
9mm, although if the .32 is fired from a rifle, it will have better velocity and range.
2007-09-19 15:47:38 · answer #7 · answered by Curtis B 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
9 MM however you should only consider a 357 Magnum for self defense minimum caliber needed for that purpose.*
2007-09-20 13:32:15 · answer #8 · answered by dca2003311@yahoo.com 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
9 mil
2007-09-19 16:28:53 · answer #9 · answered by cptndaveahoe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋