5 Differences Between .380 vs 9mm: A Complete Ballistic Comparison

Choosing between .380 ACP and 9mm remains one of the most common decisions for handgun buyers. Both cartridges share the same bullet diameter, but they differ in several key areas that affect their performance and practical use. Understanding these differences helps shooters select the right caliber for their specific needs.

The main differences between .380 and 9mm involve magazine capacity, size and weight for concealed carry, stopping power, recoil characteristics, and cartridge dimensions. Each caliber offers distinct advantages depending on the shooter's priorities. The 9mm provides more power and capacity, while the .380 allows for smaller, lighter firearms that are easier to conceal and shoot.

Both cartridges have earned their place in the firearms market through decades of proven use. Examining the technical specifications, real-world performance, and practical considerations reveals which option works best for different situations and shooter preferences.

5) Magazine Capacity: 9mm pistols often hold more rounds compared to .380 pistols of similar size.

Magazine capacity differs between these two calibers. Standard 9mm pistols can hold 15 to 17 rounds in their magazines. .380 ACP pistols generally hold 7-9 rounds.

The difference becomes clear when comparing similar-sized guns. A compact 9mm like the Glock 48 holds 10+1 rounds, while a similar-sized .380 typically holds 8+1.

High capacity .380 designs feature 12-13 rounds versus 9mm pistols with 17-18 round magazines from the factory. The 9mm cartridge width is similar to the .380, which allows gun makers to use double-stack magazines more effectively with 9mm.

Modern 9mm handguns can hold the same or more rounds compared to .380 ACP handguns of similar size. This added capacity provides an advantage when multiple shots may be needed. The difference matters most for those who prioritize round count in their carry gun.

4) Concealability: .380 handguns are usually smaller and lighter, providing better options for discreet concealed carry.

The .380 ACP pistol is built for concealment. These firearms are designed to be compact and lightweight, which makes them easy to hide under clothing.

Most .380 handguns hold fewer rounds than 9mm pistols because of their smaller size. However, this trade-off allows for better concealment and comfort during daily carry. A smaller pistol fits more easily in pockets, waistbands, and ankle holsters.

The lighter weight of .380 pistols reduces fatigue when carrying for long periods. This makes them practical for people who need to carry a firearm all day. The compact dimensions also work well for individuals with smaller hands or frames.

9mm pistols can be compact too, but they typically have larger grips and frames to handle the more powerful cartridge. The .380 ACP offers a balance between concealability and defensive capability, making it suitable for personal protection. The reduced size does not eliminate effectiveness for self-defense situations at close range.

3) Stopping Power: 9mm offers higher velocity and energy, resulting in deeper penetration and greater expansion in ballistic tests.

The 9mm generally offers greater stopping power than the .380. This comes down to basic physics and bullet performance.

The 9mm round moves faster and carries more energy when it leaves the barrel. It typically reaches speeds between 1,100 and 1,200 feet per second, while the .380 operates at a slower 900 to 1,000 feet per second.

Higher velocity means the 9mm penetrates deeper and expands more in ballistic tests. When a bullet enters a target, it needs to reach vital areas and create enough damage to stop a threat. The 9mm does both of these things better than the .380.

Stopping power depends on energy transfer, which happens more effectively with 9mm ammunition. The round delivers more kinetic energy to the target, making it a preferred choice for self-defense situations where effectiveness matters most.

2) Recoil: The .380 typically has lighter recoil, making it easier to handle for new or recoil-sensitive shooters.

The .380 ACP produces noticeably less recoil than the 9mm round. This makes it a practical choice for shooters who are new to handguns or those who find stronger recoil uncomfortable.

The .380's recoil is typically lighter because it fires a smaller cartridge with less powder. When comparing handguns of equal weight, the difference becomes clear.

The reduced kick allows shooters to maintain better control during firing. This can lead to improved shot-to-shot accuracy since the gun moves less between shots.

People with smaller builds or less upper body strength often find the .380 more manageable. The lighter recoil means less fatigue during practice sessions at the range.

Guns chambered in .380 also use lighter recoil springs. This makes the slide easier to rack, which helps shooters who have limited hand strength or mobility issues.

1) Caliber Size: Both .380 ACP and 9mm have the same bullet diameter, but 9mm cartridges are generally longer and more powerful.

The .380 ACP and 9mm share the same bullet diameter at roughly 9mm or 0.355 inches. This often confuses shooters who assume the rounds are interchangeable. They are not.

The key difference lies in the cartridge length. The 9mm round is longer than the .380 ACP, which means it holds more gunpowder.

This extra powder gives the 9mm more power when fired. The longer case also means the overall cartridge size is bigger, affecting what guns can chamber each round.

The 9mm cartridge is taller than the .380, even though their bullet diameters match. The .380 ACP has a shorter case, making it a less powerful option compared to the 9mm.

Shooters cannot use these rounds in the same gun. A firearm designed for 9mm will not safely fire .380 ACP, and a .380 ACP gun cannot accept the longer 9mm cartridge.

Technical Specifications and Performance

The .380 ACP and 9mm differ significantly in their power output and shooting characteristics. The 9mm delivers higher velocity and energy, while the .380 produces less recoil in a smaller package.

Ballistics Comparison

The 9mm cartridge measures 9x19mm, while the .380 ACP measures 9x17mm. Both bullets share the same diameter, but the 9mm case is 2mm longer.

Velocity and Energy:

• 9mm: 1,100-1,300 feet per second with 300-400 foot-pounds of energy

• .380 ACP: 900-1,000 feet per second with 180-220 foot-pounds of energy

The 9mm delivers roughly twice the energy of the .380 ACP. This extra power translates to better penetration through barriers and clothing.

Magazine capacity also differs between the two calibers. A 9mm pistol typically holds 15-17 rounds in a full-size frame. A .380 pistol of similar size holds 6-8 rounds due to the gun's smaller dimensions.

The .380 offers specific advantages in concealment despite its lower power. Guns chambered in .380 can be built smaller and lighter than 9mm pistols.

Recoil and Handling

The .380 ACP produces noticeably less recoil than the 9mm. This makes it easier for new shooters or those with limited hand strength to control.

The 9mm generates more felt recoil due to its higher pressure and energy. However, heavier 9mm pistols absorb recoil better than lightweight .380 pocket guns. A full-size 9mm often feels softer to shoot than a tiny .380.

Shooters can fire the .380 more accurately in rapid strings due to reduced muzzle flip. The 9mm demonstrates superior ballistic performance but requires more practice to master.

Gun fit matters more than caliber choice. A pistol that's too big or small affects shooting accuracy regardless of whether it chambers .380 or 9mm.

Ammunition Availability and Cost

The 9mm cartridge dominates the ammunition market with wider availability and lower prices, while .380 ACP remains more expensive and harder to find due to smaller production volumes and less demand.

Market Accessibility

The 9mm ammunition has been more readily available than .380 ACP across retail stores and online retailers. This difference stems from the 9mm's widespread use in law enforcement and military applications worldwide. Gun owners can find 9mm rounds at almost any sporting goods store, gun shop, or online ammunition retailer.

The .380 ACP faces more limited availability because fewer manufacturers produce it in large quantities. Smaller production runs mean less inventory reaches store shelves. During ammunition shortages, 9mm typically returns to stock faster than .380 due to higher production priority.

The 9mm cartridge offers a more extensive selection of ammunition types and brands. Shooters can choose from dozens of manufacturers and bullet designs for training, self-defense, or competition use. The .380 ACP market offers fewer options, though major manufacturers still produce quality defensive loads.

Pricing Trends

The .380 ammo costs more than 9mm despite being a smaller cartridge. Market demand drives this pricing difference, as the 9mm's popularity allows manufacturers to produce it at higher volumes and lower per-unit costs.

Bulk purchasing provides significant savings for 9mm shooters. A box of 50 rounds of 9mm ranges from basic practice ammunition to premium defensive loads. The .380 ammunition pricing reflects smaller market demand, making it less economical for regular range practice.

Practice shooters and those who train frequently benefit from the 9mm's lower cost per round. The price gap becomes substantial over hundreds or thousands of rounds. Budget-conscious gun owners often factor ammunition costs into their caliber choice, especially for regular training sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The .380 ACP and 9mm differ in ballistic energy, stopping effectiveness, gun dimensions, defensive capability, ammunition pricing, and carry convenience. Each caliber presents distinct trade-offs that affect how shooters select between them.

What are the ballistic performance differences between .380 ACP and 9mm?

The 9mm delivers higher muzzle velocity and energy compared to the .380 ACP. A standard 9mm round typically reaches velocities between 1,100 and 1,200 feet per second, while .380 ACP rounds usually travel at 900 to 1,000 feet per second.

The 9mm generates roughly 350 to 400 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. The .380 ACP produces about 180 to 200 foot-pounds of energy. This difference means the 9mm carries nearly twice the kinetic energy downrange.

Both cartridges use bullets with the same diameter of .355 inches. However, the 9mm case is longer, allowing it to hold more powder and generate greater force.

How does the stopping power compare between .380 ACP and 9mm ammunition?

The 9mm offers superior stopping power due to higher velocity and energy. The increased energy allows 9mm bullets to penetrate deeper into ballistic gelatin, typically reaching 12 to 18 inches.

The .380 ACP penetrates less consistently, often reaching only 9 to 12 inches in gelatin tests. This shallower penetration may not always reach vital organs through heavy clothing or barriers.

Bullet expansion also differs between the two calibers. The 9mm expands more reliably with modern hollow point ammunition, creating larger wound channels. The .380 ACP sometimes fails to expand at all, especially from shorter barrels.

What are the size and weight differences between .380 ACP and 9mm handguns?

Handguns chambered in .380 ACP are generally smaller and lighter than 9mm pistols. A typical .380 pistol weighs 12 to 18 ounces unloaded, while most 9mm handguns weigh 20 to 30 ounces.

The reduced dimensions make .380 pistols easier to conceal. Many .380 models measure less than 6 inches in overall length and under 1 inch in width.

Some compact 9mm pistols approach the size of .380 handguns. These micro 9mm options provide more power in a small package, though they produce sharper recoil in the lighter frame.

Can .380 ACP be considered effective for self-defense compared to 9mm?

The .380 ACP can serve as an effective self-defense round when using quality ammunition. Modern hollow point designs have improved the .380's performance for defensive purposes, though it remains less powerful than 9mm.

Shot placement matters more than caliber selection. A well-placed .380 round to the chest or head will stop a threat more effectively than a missed 9mm shot.

The 9mm provides better penetration through barriers and heavy clothing. It also offers more consistent expansion and deeper wound channels, making it a more reliable choice when possible.

What factors contribute to the cost difference between .380 ACP and 9mm rounds?

The 9mm typically costs less per round than .380 ACP ammunition. This price difference seems counterintuitive since the 9mm uses more material and powder.

Manufacturing volume explains the pricing gap. The 9mm is one of the most popular handgun calibers worldwide, leading to economies of scale. The .380 ACP sees lower production numbers, resulting in higher per-unit costs.

The price difference ranges from $2 to $5 per box of 50 rounds. Target practice with .380 ACP costs more over time, which can discourage regular training sessions.

What are the considerations for concealed carry when choosing between .380 ACP and 9mm?

The .380 ACP excels in concealed carry applications due to smaller, lighter pistols that disappear under minimal clothing. These compact dimensions make all-day carry more comfortable, especially in warm weather or with light clothing.

The reduced recoil of .380 pistols allows for better control during rapid fire. Shooters who are sensitive to recoil or have limited hand strength often shoot .380 handguns more accurately.

The 9mm offers higher magazine capacity in similarly-sized frames. Many compact 9mm pistols hold 10 to 15 rounds, while .380 models typically carry 6 to 8 rounds. This capacity advantage provides more ammunition for extended encounters.

Clothing choices affect which caliber works best for concealed carry. The .380's smaller profile suits ankle holsters, pocket carry, and appendix carry positions. The 9mm requires slightly larger holsters but remains concealable with proper belt positioning and clothing selection.