Here is a good discussion for the .380 vs. 32 question I think
.32ACP vs .380ACP - Glock Talk
Muzzle energy for the 32apc is ~180 lb/ft. vs. the ~200 lb/ft. for the 380acp so for that Id say its a wash. If you already have the 32 and feel confident with it, then keep carrying it. I personally would not trade it in.
Q2:
9mm muzzle energy is ~350 to 500 (Buffalo Bore +P) lb/ft. compared to the ~200 to 300 (Buffalo Bore +P) lb/ft for the 380 acp.
They both shoot the same size bullet so its a wash there. I would shoot them into ballistics gel or something to really see all the factors that go into "stopping power", but obviously the 9mm gets the edge with the energy delivered.
The big negative I have heard about the 9mm is that it over penetrates to an extent so I personally would feel much better about firing the 380 in public and being sure that it would not go through the bad guy and into someone else. Having said that, in a situation like that I want all the stopping power I can get so it gets a bit complicated.
.32ACP vs .380ACP - Glock Talk
Muzzle energy for the 32apc is ~180 lb/ft. vs. the ~200 lb/ft. for the 380acp so for that Id say its a wash. If you already have the 32 and feel confident with it, then keep carrying it. I personally would not trade it in.
Q2:
9mm muzzle energy is ~350 to 500 (Buffalo Bore +P) lb/ft. compared to the ~200 to 300 (Buffalo Bore +P) lb/ft for the 380 acp.
They both shoot the same size bullet so its a wash there. I would shoot them into ballistics gel or something to really see all the factors that go into "stopping power", but obviously the 9mm gets the edge with the energy delivered.
The big negative I have heard about the 9mm is that it over penetrates to an extent so I personally would feel much better about firing the 380 in public and being sure that it would not go through the bad guy and into someone else. Having said that, in a situation like that I want all the stopping power I can get so it gets a bit complicated.