Rifleman Q & A: 7.65 mm Or .32 ACP?

by
posted on December 13, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
765.jpg

Q: I have a German 7.65 mm Browning-chambered Ortgies semi-automatic pistol, and when using .32 ACP cartridges (as local dealers recommend) it tends to jam after shooting three to five rounds. The jamming appears to be at the time of ejection of a spent case. My question is: Are .32 ACP cartridges really the same as 7.65 mm Browning or is there a slight difference? If so, where can I purchase 7.65 mm ammunition, as no one locally supplies true 7.65 mm, and places like Sportsman’s Guide or Cabela’s, etc., don’t handle that exact cartridge either?

A: While the .32 ACP and 7.65 mm Browning cartridges are dimensionally identical, some early European ammunition was loaded to slightly higher pressures, which can cause a problem similar to yours. The best way to address that is at the gun. First, I would make sure it is clean and well-lubricated. Then, if the problem persists, contact Wolff Gunsprings at (800) 545-0077 or at gunsprings.com. The company is very knowledgeable and should be able to suggest a reduced-power mainspring.

—Charles E. Petty

Latest

Taurus Raging Hunter 350 Legend 1
Taurus Raging Hunter 350 Legend 1

Rifleman Review: Taurus Raging Hunter in 350 Legend

The Taurus Raging Hunter is designed for field use, and one of the latest versions incorporates a great straight-walled cartridge designed for taking game: the 350 Legend.

SAAMI Formally Introduces 5.56 Commercial Cartridge Standard

SAAMI has formally standardized the 5.56 Commercial cartridge as introduced by Hornady Mfg., a designation that provides universally agreed-upon commercial dimensions for the popular 5.56 NATO cartridge.

I Have This Old Gun: Colt’s 1849 London Pocket

Encouraged by his generally positive reception at the Great Exhibition in 1851, and always anxious to gain elusive government contracts, Colt, in 1853, opened a London factory where he would make a number of revolvers, including his popular 1849 Pocket Model.

Springfield Armory Echelon Central Operating Group

Springfield Armory now offers its Echelon Central Operating Group (COG) as a standalone item for purchase.

Modern Cowboy Gun: The Savage Arms Revel Tactical

Savage Arms jumped back into the lever-action market in 2024 with its rimfire Revel platform, and this year, the company is expanding with a feature-rich Revel Tactical model.

Hunting with a Legend: Sierra’s MatchKing X Bullet

Sierra’s MatchKing is a highly respected target bullet, but for the new trend of long-range hunting, the design needed to offer improved terminal performance. Enter the MatchKing X.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.