Comparative effectiveness of 380 acp and 38 special
- Thread starter vito
- Start date
While the difference between the .380 ACP and the more common standard pressure and +P loadings in .38 S&W Spl can be discussed, I tend to include the "shooter" aspect in any discussion I'm having with someone looking to decide upon a smallish off-duty, retirement or CCW type weapon of those calibers.
How well can the individual do with either type of handgun in the first place, meaning shooting a diminutive revolver or pistol?
How well can they manipulate it & load it?
Can they carry it safely & securely in their normal circumstances and activities?
Can they safely, smoothly & effectively draw & present it?
Can they maintain it (properly inspect, clean & lubricate it)?
Once they've decided upon whichever platform is actually going to be carried, then we talk about ammunition.
I've seen folks using examples of each type of little handgun who would have been better off using the other type. Or spending a lot more time on the practice range. Or both. Depends on the individual ... meaning their knowledge, foundation skillset & abilities, as well as their interest and willingness to develop & maintain their skills.
They've got to actually hit their intended target before the "effectiveness" of the caliber can come into play, right?
Me? I've handled and fired a pretty fair number of .380's over the years.
The only one I ever owned was a Beretta M84 (which I sold off not that long after buying it). While they make a growing number of diminutive .380's nowadays, I choose to own half a dozen S&W J-frames. (I'm also a long time revolver shooter and longtime pistol shooter, so I have some experience using each for my needs.)
Having 5 rounds versus 6-7 rounds isn't something that concerns me, overly much, for my perceived needs and use.
I don't expect everyone else to use my reasoning for their selection process, though.
I tend to think folks ought to suit themselves, and their individual needs, based upon careful decision-making and prudent reasoning. Caliber might be part of that reasoning, but I wouldn't expect it to necessarily be the primary reason for everyone.
How well can the individual do with either type of handgun in the first place, meaning shooting a diminutive revolver or pistol?
How well can they manipulate it & load it?
Can they carry it safely & securely in their normal circumstances and activities?
Can they safely, smoothly & effectively draw & present it?
Can they maintain it (properly inspect, clean & lubricate it)?
Once they've decided upon whichever platform is actually going to be carried, then we talk about ammunition.
I've seen folks using examples of each type of little handgun who would have been better off using the other type. Or spending a lot more time on the practice range. Or both. Depends on the individual ... meaning their knowledge, foundation skillset & abilities, as well as their interest and willingness to develop & maintain their skills.
They've got to actually hit their intended target before the "effectiveness" of the caliber can come into play, right?
Me? I've handled and fired a pretty fair number of .380's over the years.
The only one I ever owned was a Beretta M84 (which I sold off not that long after buying it). While they make a growing number of diminutive .380's nowadays, I choose to own half a dozen S&W J-frames. (I'm also a long time revolver shooter and longtime pistol shooter, so I have some experience using each for my needs.)
Having 5 rounds versus 6-7 rounds isn't something that concerns me, overly much, for my perceived needs and use.
I don't expect everyone else to use my reasoning for their selection process, though.
I tend to think folks ought to suit themselves, and their individual needs, based upon careful decision-making and prudent reasoning. Caliber might be part of that reasoning, but I wouldn't expect it to necessarily be the primary reason for everyone.
pccountryboy
Inactive
The new Hornady Critical Defense ammo has been custom tailored for the .380acp in short barreled compact handguns like the Ruger LCP, etc. Ballistics and performance have been pretty impressive in gelatin with this ammo. The only difference in performance in gel when fired, between the .38 Special and the .380acp is about 1.5 inches more penetration favored for the .38 Special. On the other hand in most platforms you get 2 extra rounds with a .380 acp so its a toss up in IMO.
The 1st sentence is a prime example of:
Ignoratio elenchi (also known as irrelevant conclusion or irrelevant thesis) is the informal fallacy of presenting an argument that may in itself be valid, but does not address the issue in question.
The second sentence is factually wrong as previous posters have noted. Also, fiction is non-authoritative as it is a "made-up" by Ian Flemming and the fictional events on the Bond novels are as pertinent to the discussion as the events in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" another of his novels.
Ian Fleming was not noted for his knowledge of firearms.
FairWarning
New member
Based on James Bond movies, .380 is a 100% stopper. LETHAL! 
A snub 38 should beat a 380 everytime.
Especially loaded with the modern +p hollowpoint rounds.
The ranges are so close that targeting becomes a non issue usually.
The bad guy is right in your face by the time you get the gun out.
Does'nt mean you should'nt go to the range and learn the gun,just means you might not get the chance to use the sights and you should train like that as well as with the sights too.
A snub like the 642/442 has a concelaed hammer and the cylinder is hard to impede so functioning is usually one hundred percent even in close quarters-five rounds fired at the bad guy.
I have read accounts of people hit with 380's that were laughing after the shooting stopped.
But then again,they stopped their attack too.
Bad guys have a habit of -not continuing-their plan of attacking you- when faced with a potential victim holding a handgun.
I would'nt plan on that happening but it's nice to -not- be holding nothing in that situation.
Especially loaded with the modern +p hollowpoint rounds.
The ranges are so close that targeting becomes a non issue usually.
The bad guy is right in your face by the time you get the gun out.
Does'nt mean you should'nt go to the range and learn the gun,just means you might not get the chance to use the sights and you should train like that as well as with the sights too.
A snub like the 642/442 has a concelaed hammer and the cylinder is hard to impede so functioning is usually one hundred percent even in close quarters-five rounds fired at the bad guy.
I have read accounts of people hit with 380's that were laughing after the shooting stopped.
But then again,they stopped their attack too.
Bad guys have a habit of -not continuing-their plan of attacking you- when faced with a potential victim holding a handgun.
I would'nt plan on that happening but it's nice to -not- be holding nothing in that situation.
Sheikyourbootie
New member
The 38, and 38+p are going to have much more energy and momentum to work with in terms of getting both expansion AND penetration when compared to the little .380. Having recently acquired a new range toy, that is now on my ccw, I find that I can shoot the .380 MUCH more accurately and quickly AND out to further ranges than I can my scandium J frame.
Hell, In one MONTH of ownership of the .380 I've put 1200 rounds through it. The J frame is not pleasant to shoot for extended range sessions and has only seen a few thousand rounds in the last 10 years.
For ME, I'll feel as comfortable with my .380 as I would with my J frame...even though the 38 is quite a bit more powerful than the .380. With the .380 I am A LOT more accurate AND fast. As one of the posters above pointed out...it's the whole package of carry, presentation, training...et al.
Hell, In one MONTH of ownership of the .380 I've put 1200 rounds through it. The J frame is not pleasant to shoot for extended range sessions and has only seen a few thousand rounds in the last 10 years.
For ME, I'll feel as comfortable with my .380 as I would with my J frame...even though the 38 is quite a bit more powerful than the .380. With the .380 I am A LOT more accurate AND fast. As one of the posters above pointed out...it's the whole package of carry, presentation, training...et al.