The typical .380 ACP load is a 90-grain projectile, with muzzle velocity somewhere between 900 to 1000 feet per second, and around 180 to 230 foot-pounds of energy. I can shoot a 9mm better than a 40, as well as train more with one due to the ammo being less expensive. Using the Ruger LCP .380 ACP, the S&W 342PD .38 Special and the Diamondback DB9 9mm. If you go to the store and pick up two random boxes; one a 9mm Luger and one a .380 Auto, you’re all but guaranteed to see that the 9mm packs a heavier bullet. And, this is mainly due to the type of guns that chamber it. Bullet Weight. Whenever any size round is discussed, inevitably the discussion turns towards recoil. However, there are a few calibers that are equally popular and suitable for their individual purpose. 9mm or 22LR For Self-Defense. The other side of the equation for energy is the weight of the bullet, .380 ACP normally tops out at about 100gr bullets while 9mm normally doesn't start until at least 115gr. 380 VS 9mm: Ammo Comparisons. M&P 9 Shield EZ. It has about 68 percent more energy than the .380 Auto. While 255 ft.-lbs. Winner: 9mm Luger. If your goal is to have the same trigger for both 9mm and .22 then the conversion kits are really the only game in town. It is a decent compromise between utility and defense. Why? For example, the 380 vs 9mm. Adequate though marginal as the .380 may be as a self defense round, a 22 LR is more marginal still - by far IMO. The popularity of the .32 ACP waned amid stiff competition from the .380 ACP until 1996, when the Beretta Tomcat, a slightly enlarged version of the .22 LR/.25 ACP Bobcat, was introduced in .32 ACP. .380 VS .38 VS 9mm WATERMELON Test! Plus, you might not have made your mind up about whether to get a pistol or revolver. .380 vs 9mm Recoil Management. The .380 vs 9mm ballistics is not the only comparison to consider. 9mm is faster, and hits harder, and is generally held to be more effective…though it does produce more recoil in a pistol of equal size. re: .380 vs .22 Magnum Pistol for Self-defense Posted by Slickback on 10/3/12 at 3:02 pm to CoastieGM If you're worried about size, capacity, and killing ability check out the FN FiveSeven. The .380 ACP round is cheaper and easier to handle and conceal, while the 9mm is more powerful overall. Some ammo types rank higher than others for many reasons. 40 is less expensive than 45, even if you reload. Ultimately, either round will serve you well. Me and my brother in law decided to see how well some of our ammo did against the local rocks. 380 vs. 9mm Ballistics Velocity 9mm and .380 ACP cartridges — both popular choices for self-defense rounds — have the same diameter, but a 9mm round is longer. I had the same leading experience with Remmington "Thunderbold" a few months ago in several guns. 0. .380 ACP vs 9mm comparison. The 380 ball round streaked next to the 30 grain 22 Magnum tract. The 9mm is slightly more expensive, has more recoil, is louder, and is a little more challenging to shoot. The long-brewing comparison between the 380 and the 9mm … I've quit buying it. Don'thave a box of .380 present while shooting 9mm. It’s all a matter of personal preference when talking about 380 or 9mm, or for that matter 9mm vs. 40 or 45. If you’re looking to stop an attacker you’ll want a round that can cause the maximum amount of damage. There is some overlap, but in general the 9mm Luger has heavier projectiles than the .380 ACP. Seeing which is the "better" pocket gun caliber, the .380 ACP, the .38 Special or the 9mm. Gun enthusiasts are constantly comparing popular ammunition to find the best bang for their buck. and many other smaller calibers. A great number of you reading this might be considering a conceal and carry weapon. VS. Smith & Wesson . It was a very compact and lightweight pistol with a unique “tip-up” barrel system that allowed easy loading of an additional eighth round of ammo. .380 vs 9mm ballistics…well, aren’t really close. I carry a 40 on duty because I have to, if I could I’d carry a 9mm. So which of the two is the better self-defense cartridge? There is so much more that goes into it than just how deadly these bullets can be. However, due to the popularity of the 9mm caliber, 9x19mm is typically $0.05 to $0.10 cheaper per round. Best Pocket Gun Caliber? The 9mm is fairly cheap for a centerfire round, and has good defense capability for a handgun. Always appreciative of any channel help :) … Customary Metric . Even though the material cost is more affordable to make the 380 ammo, the 9mm ammo’s production cost is lower due to being mass-produced. Ballistics are important, but then again, so is recoil, confidence, ability, price, and penetration. Compare Views. DAO Compact Pistol *Buying ammo from LuckyGunner.com helps support HandgunHero. wally, Aug 28, 2006 #7. energy—a 9mm’s energy is far greater than a .22 LR’s piddly 105 ft.-lbs. The 9mm is the perfect round to move up to when you’ve gotten used to the 22lr. 0. While .380 ACP is x17mm Vs. 9mm Luger's x19mm, it is not 11% less powder or 11% less energy. Match .22 ammo can cost more then garden variety 9mm, but cheapest vs cheapest 9mm is 4-5X more expensive per shot.--wally. DAO Compact Pistol . Compare the dimensions and specs of Smith & Wesson M&P 380 Shield EZ and Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield EZ. 0. .380 vs 9mm vs .40 Part 2 1. Another comparison featuring .380 , 9mm , .40 , and even the 22lr got in on the fun!!!! Its also a weaker self-defense round than the 9mm. Case length does not equate to either of those measurements. 9mm vs .38 Special – Conceal and Carry. There is so much more that goes into it than just how deadly these bullets can be. I know that certain .22 bullets can be driven deeper into wet pack than certain .380 bullets - and I know that more than one BG has been done in by the Israli secret service with a sub sonic .22 to the temple. Winner: 9mm Luger. Well, we argue that the .38 Special is still a super relevant caliber today. Handgun Search; Tabletop Compare; Contribute; Contact; Smith & Wesson . While the standard and lower cost 'full metal jacket' type ammo will work, many recommend the … of bullet energy from the muzzle of a 9mm Luger is not a lot in the firearm world—consider that an average .30-06 deer rifle produces around 2,500 ft.-lbs. 70 Views Share Embed Download In General. The .22 is a GREAT utility round, but is a terrible self-defense round. Most .380 caliber hand guns easily have the fire power to pierce a human or animal skull, as does even a .22 caliber. What the .380 lacks in muzzle velocity it more than makes up for in recoil management. M&P 380 Shield EZ. When comparing 380 ammo vs 9mm ammo, you would think the cheaper choice would be the 380, since there are lower costs in raw materials. 127 Views Share Embed Download In General. The entry hole was only slightly bigger and the width of the cavitation was the same as the 22 … Facing In; … All the ammunition used is standard pressure Speer Gold Dot. Ballistics are important, but then again, so is recoil, confidence, ability, price, and penetration. Why not just get a 9mm?.380 ammo is high in price relative to 9mm, so its not a good utility round. It too traversed the block. Recoil like a .22, high capacity, and will kill the hell out of anything. Now that we’ve covered the science (more or less) behind the .380 ACP and 9mm rounds, lets talk subjective traits. The .380 vs 9mm ballistics is not the only comparison to consider. 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