.25 ACP
| .25 ACP | ||
|---|---|---|
 .25 ACP cartridge with scale |
||
| Type | Pistol | |
| Place of origin | United States | |
| Production history | ||
| Designer | John Browning | |
| Designed | 1906 | |
| Specifications | ||
| Case type | Semi-rimmed, straight | |
| Bullet diameter | .251 in (6.38 mm) | |
| Neck diameter | .276 in (7.01 mm) | |
| Base diameter | .277 in (7.04 mm) | |
| Rim diameter | .298 in (7.57 mm) | |
| Case length | .62 in (15.75 mm) | |
| Overall length | .91 in (23.11 mm) | |
| Rifling twist | 1:16 | |
| Primer type | Small pistol | |
| Ballistic performance | ||
| Bullet weight/type | Velocity | Energy |
| 35 gr Safety | 1150 ft/s (~351 m/s) |
103 ft·lbf (~140 J) |
| 35 gr JHP | 900 ft/s (~274 m/s) |
63 ft·lbf (~86 J) |
| 45 gr JHP | 815 ft/s (~248 m/s) |
66 ft·lbf (~90 J) |
| 50 gr FMJ | 760 ft/s (~232 m/s) |
65 ft·lbf (~88 J) |
| Test barrel length: 2 in Source: Guns & Ammo Magazine |
||
The .25 ACP (6.35 mm) centerfire
Design
The cartridge was designed for early blowback pistols that lacked a breech locking mechanism. The cartridge is of semi-rimmed design meaning that the rim protrudes slightly beyond the diameter of the base of the cartridge. A recessed extractor groove allows an extractor to grab the cartridge reliably. It is the smallest centerfire pistol round in production, and is commonly chambered in small, so-called "vest pocket" pistols. A line of revolvers produced by the German firm Decker were chambered for this cartridge [1]. However it is probably most popular due to use in the Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket and the Raven MP-25.
Performance
The use of the .25 ACP allows for a very compact lightweight gun, but the cartridge is short ranged with regards to power, and lacks stopping power, putting it in the same class as the .22 LR rimfire cartridge. Although the .22 is slightly more powerful when fired from equal length short barrels, the .25 ACP is viewed by many as a better choice for personal defense due to its more reliable semi-rimmed centerfire case design. Manufacturers have loaded common commercial hollow point bullets to higher velocity than the standard 50 grain FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) load. Both rounds are certainly an effective threat against attackers not armed with a firearm, and a modern loading of 50 grain FMJ twenty-five automatic is quite capable of lethally penetrating a human body. .25 ACP is quite common and is most often used in low-cost, low-quality firearms.
Reloading
Boxer primed .25 ACP cases can be reloaded, although it is very difficult due to the small size of the components.
Synonyms
- 25 Auto
- .25 Auto
- 6.35 mm
- 6.35 mm Browning
- 6.35x16mmSR
See also
References
External Links
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