Post
by timmy » Mon Feb 03, 2014 1:56 am
It takes energy to expand a bullet.
It takes energy to drive a bullet through something solid.
It takes more energy to drive a large diameter bullet through something solid than it does to drive a small diameter bullet through that same solid material.
There is a valid concern that a .45 caliber bullet fired from a .45 ACP pistol will expand reliably at 800 to 900 f/s velocity.
The idea that a .32 hollow point will expand reliably at 775 f/s is suspect.
And, with such limited energy as a .32 S&W Long has (about the same as .32 ACP), I really doubt that, even if the .32 S&W Long does expand, that it will have enough energy to penetrate about 300 mm into the target. It may be doing well to penetrate that much, even if it does not expand.
Then, what if the bullet encounters thick clothing, bone, or something else solid? Will it still penetrate far enough, or will the bullet's energy be expended on expanding and stop before a vital area is reached.
I would feel a lot better about using a hollow point bullet in a high powered cartridge like 357 Magnum or 9mm, than in a relatively low powered round like .32 S&W Long or .32 ACP. Expansion takes energy, as does penetration. Energy is like money; you cannot spend it twice. If there is a limited amount available from the beginning, it is questionable to me that a hollow point bullet will work under real world conditions. But in these matters, each person has to choose what they think is right, based on the science of the matter. Personally, I'm not convinced, which is why I put my .32 ACP CorBons up.
“Fanaticism consists of redoubling your efforts when you have forgotten your aim.”
saying in the British Royal Navy
for .32 IOF Revolver costs 550/- per piece 
{that's tooooo much!!}
