Hello. As has been mentioned, the thirty-eight is round for round more powerful than the .380ACP, but with many loads in each caliber, they're ballistically equivalent. Still, the best .38 loads will outperform the .380s. My decision which to tote would be the weapon with which I was most comfortable and could hit best with. In my case, it would be a J-frame airweight loaded with Federal 125 gr Nyclad HPs. My wife is very, very recoil sensitive and a new shooter. She does her very best with a Walther PP in .32ACP. This caliber falls behind either under discussion, but loaded with Hornady XTPs, it's better than nothing. More importantly, she can HIT with her little .32ACP. I will work her up the ladder at her own pace. Perhaps the thing to remember with either the .38 or the .380, one must "put the medicine where the pain is" to attain the desired effect. A center hit with a .380 JHP is likely going to be better than a periphreal hit with a .38 JHP. Best to all and I hope none of us has to find out.