.25 (6.35mm) Automatic (25 ACP)
Historical Notes
This cartridge was introduced in the United States in 1908 with the
Browning-designed, Colt manufactured, 25 Vest Pocket Ammunition pistol. It
was introduced in Europe a few years earlier in the F.N Baby Browning, which
is practically identical to the Colt. The design of these two pistols has
been copied by manufacturers all over the world. Literally dozens of different
pistols have used this cartridge. The original Browning is still made (for
European consumption), but Colt did not resume manufacture of their Vest
Pocket model after World War II. American Arms, Beretta, Iver Johnson,
Jennings,Lorcin, Phoenix Arms, Sundance, Taurus, Ortgies, Astra, Star, and
Walther have all made pistols in this caliber.
General Comments
The .25 Automatic has fairly high velocity for such a small cartridge. However,
the energy it delivers at any range is quite low. This, combined with the
full metal jacketed bullet, adds up to a very poor stopping or killing power
on anything. The .25 Auto is not powerful enough for hunting anything but
pests, nor is it adequate for serious self defense. However, the .25 auto
caliber pistols are popular because of their small size and low cost. The
principal usefulness is as a threat, because no one wants to get shot if
it can be avoided, even with the little 25. Recently
Winchester introduced a hollow point load in an effort to improve terminal ballistics.
* Editor's Note
One important fact not often considered or conveyed is that the .25 ACP does
provide superior functioning in typical concealable pistols, compared to
any other rimfire chambering. Also in spite of being very underpowered, it
does beat throwing rocks and can disable and kill.
Source: Cartridges of the World
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