ACP vs S&W

[stepupandswing]

Being a newbie to the sport of shooting I am having a difficult time absorbing all the information necessary to be reasonably good in this sport. For example, someone please help me understand (in simple terms) the difference between ACP ammunition and the S&W ammunition. I know what ACP and S&W stand for but what I don't understand is - what is the difference? Are the rounds interchangeble? How am I supposed to know which ammunition to purchase that is appropriate for my guns? Is the ACP to be used in semi-autos and the S&W to be used in revolvers? If this is true then why does it say on the box of ammo that I just purchased (which is carries the S&W designation) that this ammo is for pistol and revolver use?

[itschuck2c]

I think your confusing calibers, acp applies to any automatic, sw is the designation in ammo to the 40 cal, you could call sw 40 a 40 acp, just like they call the ammo for my walther 32 acp or they call it 45 acp.
Rich join in will ya you can probably explain it better than I just did.

[RICH 45]

ACP (Automatic colt pistol) is a type of ammo used mainly in semi automatic pistols but not exclusively. Some revolvers may use this ammo but have to use a device called a "moon clip".S&W (Smith and Wesson) or Colt ammo is used mainly in revolvers. The difference is in the 2 cases that hold the bullet. In Colt and S&W ammo the rim at the base extends beyond the sides of the case. In acp ammo the rim is is indented and does not extend beyond the sides of the case. In MOST scenarios the ammo IS NOT interchangeable. It may help if you go to your local gun shop and ask this and any other questions you might have. Trust me there are no stupid questions when it comes to firearms. Most of all, the bottom line is an unasked question could result in a safety issue and could be addressed and your local store. With all the newbies coming to the shooting world there should be more questions than ever. Remember, SAFETY FIRST!!!! Welcome to the forum!

[epcasuga]

I think your confusing calibers, acp applies to any automatic, sw is the designation in ammo to the 40 cal, you could call sw 40 a 40 acp, just like they call the ammo for my walther 32 acp or they call it 45 acp.
Rich join in will ya you can probably explain it better than I just did.

ACP does NOT apply to any automatic cartridge. The .40 is S&W, not ACP.

[Dan45]

The first thing to remember is that terms like "ACP" and "S&W" are proper names that have come to be accepted as representing entire groups or classes. As an example, Xerox has been generally recognized as the company that created the photocopy. So anytime you want a copy of a letter or report and ask for a Xerox copy of it, you are understood as wanting a copy of the original but it is anyone's guess as to the manufacturer of the machine that will do the work.. The ACP comes from "Automatic Colt Pistol" and "S&W" is a trademark for the Smith & Wesson Company. There are many, many manufacturers of weapons today that are chambered in calibers that are 45 ACP or 40 S&W. As long as you know the caliber of your weapon, your major concern should be such things as bullet weight, bullet shape, pressure ratings, etc., etc. Any competent gun shop or gunsmith can get you started in the right direction if you are unsure.