{"id":5835,"date":"2024-01-12T22:06:43","date_gmt":"2024-01-12T22:06:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/?p=5835"},"modified":"2024-10-09T20:22:08","modified_gmt":"2024-10-09T20:22:08","slug":"380-vs-9mm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/380-vs-9mm\/","title":{"rendered":".380 vs. 9mm &#8211; Caliber Comparison"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When choosing a gun for self defense, many shooters find themselves comparing the .380 vs. 9mm. Many of the popular handguns on the market come in both calibers, so it\u2019s not a surprise that these two rounds get compared.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today we\u2019re seeing how the .380 vs. 9mm cartridges stack up for self defense.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.380 vs. 9mm Quick Facts<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 9mm cartridge is taller than the .380, but their bullet diameters are essentially the same<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9mm is more powerful than the .380 ACP<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.380 pistols are typically smaller and lighter than 9mm pistols, making them easier to conceal<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9mm ammo is generally cheaper than .380 ACP ammo<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common .380 bullet weights range from 88 to 99 grains, typically traveling at a velocity between 800 and 1,100 feet per second<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common bullet weights for 9mm range from 115 to 147 grains, typically traveling at 900 to 1300 feet per second velocities<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"mc-shortcode\">\n   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__carousel\">\n                                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\"  data-bannerIndex=\"1\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/5\/8\/58e23f643cf95a2f634e28c7a1a13617.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Federal Classic 9mm Luger Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 115 Grain Hi-Shok JHP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $22.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-classic-9mm-luger-50-rounds-of-115-grain-hi-shok-jhp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=380-vs-9mm\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\"  data-bannerIndex=\"2\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/2\/1\/212fd9aca5f42f22bcad5838e7ddda18.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Federal Classic 9mm Luger Ammunition - 1000 Rounds of 115 Grain Hi-Shok JHP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $424.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-classic-9mm-luger-1000-rounds-of-115-grain-hi-shok-jhp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=380-vs-9mm\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"3\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/b\/a\/bae3913f629349529432b19206e09141_3.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Federal Premium Law Enforcement 9mm Luger Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 147 Grain HST JHP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-regular\">\n                              $40.00                           <\/div>\n                           <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $29.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-premium-law-enforcement-9mm-luger-ammunition-50-ronds-of-147-grain-hst-jhp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=380-vs-9mm\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"4\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/8\/8\/88e0d463eaf601c4e583147fea55bf85.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Hornady Critical Duty 9mm Luger Ammunition - 25 Rounds of 135 Grain Flex Lock JHP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $30.00                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/hornady-critical-duty-9mm-luger-ammunition-25-rounds-of-135-grain-flex-lock-jhp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=380-vs-9mm\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"5\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/f\/b\/fb41ece379558ba1b6a15d57c57a7da0.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Hornady Critical Duty 9mm Luger Ammunition - 250 Rounds of 135 Grain Flex Lock JHP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $290.00                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/hornady-critical-duty-9mm-luger-ammunition-250-rounds-of-135-grain-flex-lock-jhp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=380-vs-9mm\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"6\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/f\/6\/f67c3ac92ad6719bc2aab16be79c1aec.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Hornady Critical Duty 9mm Luger Ammunition - 25 Rounds of +P 135 Grain FlexLock JHP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $31.00                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/hornady-critical-duty-9mm-luger-ammunition-25-rounds-of-p-135-grain-flexlock-jhp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=380-vs-9mm\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"7\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/d\/5\/d553ad554d870dd3a5e07f70a7746ab0_3.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Speer Gold Dot LE 9mm Luger Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 124 Grain JHP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-regular\">\n                              $40.00                           <\/div>\n                           <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $29.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/speer-gold-dot-le-9mm-luger-ammunition-50-rounds-of-124-grain-jhp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=380-vs-9mm\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"8\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/3\/7\/3770a37cd2d67ea4222488b14047911a_3.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Federal Premium Law Enforcement 9mm Luger Ammunition - 1000 Rounds of 147 Grain HST JHP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $800.00                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-premium-law-enforcement-9mm-luger-ammunition-1000-rounds-of-147-grain-hst-jhp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=380-vs-9mm\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"9\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/f\/4\/f4b14b2d24d0de67785f96f77acc2737.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        PMC Bronze 9mm Luger Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 115 Grain JHP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $22.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/pmc-bronze-9mm-luger-ammunition-50-rounds-of-115-grain-jhp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=380-vs-9mm\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"10\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/5\/1\/51fad2cba08fb1886d070b07c019b976.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Hornady Critical Duty 9mm Luger Ammunition - 250 Rounds of +P 135 Grain FlexLock JHP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $299.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/hornady-critical-duty-9mm-luger-ammunition-250-rounds-of-p-135-grain-flexlock-jhp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=380-vs-9mm\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"11\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/0\/d\/0dcb3d607cda7f36c79da09db63603c7_3.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Speer Gold Dot LE 9mm Luger Ammunition - 1000 Rounds of 124 Grain JHP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $800.00                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/speer-gold-dot-le-9mm-luger-ammunition-1000-rounds-of-124-grain-jhp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=380-vs-9mm\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"12\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/a\/2\/a2c9f95b1a35d233895ba0eeaa9e9ce7.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Federal 9mm Luger Ammunition - 1000 Rounds of 147 Grain Hi-Shok JHP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $449.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-9mm-luger-ammunition-1000-rounds-of-147-grain-hi-shok-jhp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=380-vs-9mm\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"13\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/a\/a\/aab6614dfda5d455c58efe23e35a8854_3.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Speer Gold Dot Law Enforcement 9mm Luger Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 147 Grain JHP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $40.00                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/speer-gold-dot-law-enforcement-9mm-luger-ammunition-50-rounds-of-147-grain-jhp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=380-vs-9mm\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"14\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/1\/0\/108c77bcaed7d423763eda4d8a67909c_3.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Speer Gold Dot Law Enforcement 9mm Luger Ammunition - 1000 Rounds of 147 Grain JHP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $800.00                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/speer-gold-dot-law-enforcement-9mm-luger-ammunition-1000-rounds-of-147-grain-jhp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=380-vs-9mm\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__pagination\">\n      <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-left\" onClick=\"handleMcGetPreviousSlides(event);\">\n         <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/assets\/img\/mc-arrow-left.svg\" alt=\"left icon\" width=\"16\" height=\"12\">\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-steps\">\n                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-dot mc-shortcode__nav-dot--selected\" data-slideIndex=\"2\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\"><\/div>\n                                                                                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-dot\" data-slideIndex=\"4\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\"><\/div>\n                                                                                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-dot\" data-slideIndex=\"6\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\"><\/div>\n                                                                                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-dot\" data-slideIndex=\"8\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\"><\/div>\n                                                                                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-dot\" data-slideIndex=\"10\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\"><\/div>\n                                                                                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-dot\" data-slideIndex=\"12\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\"><\/div>\n                                                                                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-dot\" data-slideIndex=\"14\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\"><\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-right mc-shortcode__nav-right--active\" onClick=\"handleMcGetNextSlides(event);\">\n         <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/assets\/img\/mc-arrow-right.svg\" alt=\"right icon\" width=\"16\" height=\"12\">\n      <\/div>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mc-shortcode\">\n   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__carousel\">\n                                    <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\"  data-bannerIndex=\"1\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/b\/a\/ba202629ee9f5d97c84e090594bc5ef8.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Remington UMC 380 ACP Ammunition - 100 Rounds of 88 Grain JHP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $65.00                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/remington-umc-380-acp-ammunition-100-rounds-of-88-grain-jhp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=380-vs-9mm\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\"  data-bannerIndex=\"2\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/3\/7\/371e7522e6cb2a1ca5744dc7da257aa1.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Winchester Bonded PDX1 Defender 380 ACP Ammunition - 200 Rounds of 95 Grain JHP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $299.99                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/winchester-bonded-pdx1-defender-380-acp-ammunition-200-rounds-of-95-grain-jhp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=380-vs-9mm\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n                              <div class=\"mc-shortcode__col\" hidden data-bannerIndex=\"3\">\n            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__container\" onmouseout=\"handleShortCodeProductOut(event);\" onmouseover=\"handleShortCodeProductOver(event);\">\n               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product\">\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-image\">\n                     <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.targetbarn.com\/media\/products\/image\/512x\/a7d3e77d50cb3f0c92923c809cbcb75d\/0\/d\/0d870ba1bea0a84989c2ad65a5fe1db9.jpg\" width=\"70\" height=\"70\" alt=\"product\" \/>\n                  <\/div>\n                  <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content\">\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-title\">\n                        Federal Premium Law Enforcement 380 ACP Ammunition - 50 Rounds of 99 Grain HST JHP                     <\/div>\n                     <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price\">\n                                                   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-price-final\">\n                              $40.00                           <\/div>\n                                             <\/div>\n                     <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-premium-law-enforcement-380-acp-ammunition-50-rounds-of-99-grain-hst-jhp.php?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=product_carousel&utm_campaign=post&utm_content=380-vs-9mm\" class=\"mc-shortcode__product-content-link\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n         <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n   <div class=\"mc-shortcode__pagination\">\n      <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-left\" onClick=\"handleMcGetPreviousSlides(event);\">\n         <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/assets\/img\/mc-arrow-left.svg\" alt=\"left icon\" width=\"16\" height=\"12\">\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-steps\">\n                                                            <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-dot mc-shortcode__nav-dot--selected\" data-slideIndex=\"2\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\"><\/div>\n                                                               <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-dot\" data-slideIndex=\"4\" onClick=\"handleMcGetSlidesByIndex(event);\">\n            <\/div>\n               <\/div>\n      <div class=\"mc-shortcode__nav-right mc-shortcode__nav-right--active\" onClick=\"handleMcGetNextSlides(event);\">\n         <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/assets\/img\/mc-arrow-right.svg\" alt=\"right icon\" width=\"16\" height=\"12\">\n      <\/div>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.380 vs. 9mm Comparison Chart<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-208\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-208\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><th class=\"column-2\">.380 ACP<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">9mm<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Designer<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">John Browning<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Georg Luger<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Designed<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1908<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1901<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Place of Origin<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">United States<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">German Empire<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Case Type<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Rimless, straight<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Rimless, tapered<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Bullet Diameter<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">.355\u201d<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">.355\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Neck Diameter<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">.373\u201d<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">.380\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Base Diameter<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">.374\u201d<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">.391\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Rim Diameter<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">.374\u201d<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">.392\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Rim Thickness<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">.045\u201d<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">.050\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Case Length<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">.680\u201d<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">.754\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-12\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Overall Length<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">.984\u201d<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1.169\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-13\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Maximum Pressure<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">21,500 psi<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">35,000 psi<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-208 from cache -->\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.380 vs. 9mm Size<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5902 size-full\" title=\".380 vs. 9mm size\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/380vs9mmsize.jpg\" alt=\"comparing the sizes of .380 vs. 9mm ammo\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1011\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/380vs9mmsize.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/380vs9mmsize-300x152.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/380vs9mmsize-1024x518.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/380vs9mmsize-768x388.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/380vs9mmsize-1536x776.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/380vs9mmsize-200x101.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/380vs9mmsize-750x379.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/380vs9mmsize-1140x576.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 9mm cartridge is larger than the .380 ACP cartridge. The overall length of a 9mm round is 1.169\u201d while the .380 ACP has an overall length of .984\u201d. The case length of the 9mm is .754\u201d, compared to the .380\u2019s .680\u201d. Because of the longer case, the 9mm has a larger case capacity, allowing for a larger case capacity to hold gunpowder and resulting in higher pressures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to the bullet size of the .380 vs. 9mm, their diameters are pretty close. You\u2019ll find bullet diameters for both cartridges in .355\u201d and .356\u201d depending on what the bullet is made out of.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.380 vs. 9mm Recoil<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5897 size-full\" title=\"shooting .380\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting380.jpg\" alt=\"shooting a .380 acp pistol\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1108\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting380.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting380-300x166.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting380-1024x567.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting380-768x425.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting380-1536x851.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting380-200x111.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting380-750x416.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting380-1140x632.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recoil is an important factor to consider when choosing a gun for concealed carry. A gun with too harsh of recoil will be difficult to shoot accurately, especially with follow-up shots.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many variables that determine recoil, including gun weight, barrel length, the cartridge\u2019s specific loading, and the shooter\u2019s strength and skill.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With comparable gun sizes, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/380-ammo.php\">.380 ACP ammo<\/a> tends to have a lighter recoil than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/9mm-ammo.php\">9mm ammo<\/a>. That\u2019s because of the .380\u2019s lighter bullets and lower powder charge. However, the recoil of the 9mm is still very manageable and shooters across a wide range of skill levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That being said, both the .380 ACP and 9mm will have some amount of recoil, and new shooters especially will need to train to learn how to best mitigate it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.380 vs. 9mm Ballistics<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5899 size-full\" title=\"velocity testing\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/velocitytesting.jpg\" alt=\"a chronograph and a gun and ammo for testing velocity\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1059\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/velocitytesting.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/velocitytesting-300x159.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/velocitytesting-1024x542.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/velocitytesting-768x407.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/velocitytesting-1536x813.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/velocitytesting-200x106.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/velocitytesting-750x397.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/velocitytesting-1140x604.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both the .380 vs. 9mm are popular self defense cartridges, though the 9mm tends to perform better.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One way to see how a round will perform is to test it in ballistic gel. We decided to test out a few different popular self defense rounds from each caliber in ballistic gel to see if it&#8217;s true that the 9mm will show better performance. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For our test, we shoot rounds from a 10-foot distance at two blocks of Clear Ballistic\u2019s 10% synthetic ballistic gel with a 4-layer fabric covering, in line with the FBI\u2019s protocols.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FBI calls for a penetration depth between 12- and 18-inches. This correlates with rounds that adequately penetrate soft tissue and reach vital organs, but don\u2019t over-penetrate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next, we look at bullet expansion by digging the fired bullet out of the ballistic gel. Bullet expansion is important because an expanded bullet will create a larger wound channel as well as prevent over-penetration. Although there is no standard for expansion, experts generally look for an expanded diameter of 150% of the bullet\u2019s original diameter. For both the .380 ACP and 9mm, we will look for an expanded bullet of about .533 inches.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ve also recorded muzzle velocity to get an idea of how fast the round is traveling as it leaves the barrel. Measuring velocity can help us determine the bullet\u2019s muzzle energy, or its destructive potential as it leaves the barrel, measured in ft\/lbs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind, these gel tests give us an idea of how the rounds might perform in a real-world situation. However, they should not be the only factor in choosing a round for self defense.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.380 vs. 9mm in Ballistic Gel<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-207\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-207\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Cartridge<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">5-Shot Average Muzzle Velocity (FPS)<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Average Penetration (inches)<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Average Expansion (inches)<\/th><th class=\"column-5\">Average Muzzle Energy (ft\/lbs)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">.380 ACP Speer Gold Dot 90gr. GDHP<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1038<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">9.875\u201d<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.5045\u201d<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">215<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">.380 ACP Federal HST 99gr.<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">892<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">12.25\u201d<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.59075\u201d<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">175<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">9mm Federal LE HST 124gr.<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1152<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">17.75\u201d<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.59825\u201d<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">365<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">9mm Hornady Critical Defense 115gr. FTX<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1115<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">14.5\u201d<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.53975\u201d<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">318<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-207 from cache -->\n<p>The chart above shows the results of our tests, but keep reading to see the break down of the rounds.<\/p>\n<h4>.380 ACP Ballistics<\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5892 size-full\" title=\"380 ballistic gel\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/380ballisticgel.jpg\" alt=\"380 acp rounds in ballistic gel\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1050\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/380ballisticgel.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/380ballisticgel-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/380ballisticgel-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/380ballisticgel-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/380ballisticgel-1536x806.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/380ballisticgel-200x105.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/380ballisticgel-750x394.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/380ballisticgel-1140x599.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The two .380 ACP rounds we tested in ballistic gel are the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/speer-le-gold-dot-380-acp-ammunition-1000-rounds-of-90-grain-gdhp.php\">Speer Gold Dot 90gr. GDHP<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-personal-defense-380-acp-ammunition-20-rounds-of-99-grain-hst-jhp.php\">Federal Personal Defense 99gr. HST JHP<\/a>. We fired the rounds out of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smith-wesson.com\/product\/shield-ez-180023\">Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P Shield EZ<\/a> in .380 ACP with a 3.68&#8243; barrel.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5898 size-full\" title=\"380 gold dot expansion\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/speergolddot380.jpg\" alt=\"a box and expanded rounds of speer gold dot 380\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1038\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/speergolddot380.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/speergolddot380-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/speergolddot380-1024x531.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/speergolddot380-768x399.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/speergolddot380-1536x797.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/speergolddot380-200x104.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/speergolddot380-750x389.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/speergolddot380-1140x592.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Neither of the Speer Gold Dot rounds fired reached the minimum 12-inch penetration depth. They also didn&#8217;t expand to the .533 inches that we look for.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5893 size-full\" title=\"federal personal defense 380 expansion\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federal380hst.jpg\" alt=\"federal personal defense HST 380 expansion\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1099\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federal380hst.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federal380hst-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federal380hst-1024x563.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federal380hst-768x422.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federal380hst-1536x844.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federal380hst-200x110.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federal380hst-750x412.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federal380hst-1140x626.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Federal Personal Defense HST barely met the minimum 12-inch penetration, averaging a penetration depth of 12.25&#8243;. However, it showed great expansion, easily expanding over 1.5 times its original size.<\/p>\n<p>While in this small test the Speer Gold Dot and Federal Personal Defense didn&#8217;t bode well, there are other .380 ACP defensive rounds that perform well. For example, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/hornady-critical-defense-380-acp-ammunition-250-rounds-of-90-grain-ftx-hp.php\">Hornady Critical Defense 90gr. FTX<\/a> has a good track record in ballistic testing.<\/p>\n<h4>9mm Ballistics<\/h4>\n<p>The two 9mm rounds we tested were the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-premium-law-enforcement-9mm-luger-ammunition-50-rounds-of-124-grain-hst-hp.php\">Federal LE 124gr. HST H<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-premium-law-enforcement-9mm-luger-ammunition-50-rounds-of-124-grain-hst-hp.php\">P<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/hornady-critical-defense-9mm-luger-ammunition-25-rounds-of-115-grain-ftx.php\">Hornady Critical Defense 115gr. FTX<\/a>. We fired the rounds out of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sigsauer.com\/p365-xl.html\">Sig Sauer P365XL<\/a> with a 3.7&#8243; barrel length.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5894 size-full\" title=\"federal 9mm hst expansion\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federalhst9mm.jpg\" alt=\"a box and two rounds of expanded federal le 9mm 124gr hst\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1072\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federalhst9mm.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federalhst9mm-300x161.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federalhst9mm-1024x549.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federalhst9mm-768x412.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federalhst9mm-1536x823.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federalhst9mm-200x107.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federalhst9mm-750x402.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federalhst9mm-1140x611.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Both rounds performed well in the ballistic gel, penetrating between the 12- and 18-inches. While the average expansion of both rounds was adequate, one of the Hornady Critical Defense rounds did not expand to the minimum .533 inches that we look for.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5895 size-full\" title=\"hornady critical defense 9mm expansion\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/hornadycriticaldefense9mm.jpg\" alt=\"a box and two expanded rounds of hornady critical defense 9mm\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1074\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/hornadycriticaldefense9mm.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/hornadycriticaldefense9mm-300x161.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/hornadycriticaldefense9mm-1024x550.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/hornadycriticaldefense9mm-768x412.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/hornadycriticaldefense9mm-1536x825.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/hornadycriticaldefense9mm-200x107.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/hornadycriticaldefense9mm-750x403.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/hornadycriticaldefense9mm-1140x612.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Luckily, there are plenty of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/9mm-ammo.php?ammo_use_type=1436\">9mm self defense rounds<\/a> to choose from, with many performing well in ballistic testing.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.380 vs. 9mm Price<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re deciding between a .380 vs. 9mm, the cost of ammo may be a factor in your decision.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, 9mm ammo is cheaper than .380 ACP ammo. The cost of a case (1,000 rounds) of .380 ACP can cost over $100 more than a case of comparable 9mm rounds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.380 vs. 9mm for Self Defense<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5896 size-full\" title=\"shooting 365xl\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting9mm.jpg\" alt=\"shooting a 9mm pistol\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1159\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting9mm.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting9mm-300x174.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting9mm-1024x593.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting9mm-768x445.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting9mm-1536x890.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting9mm-200x116.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting9mm-750x435.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting9mm-1140x661.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When comparing the .380 vs. 9mm for self defense, we need to look at the entire picture of each of the rounds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 9mm will have more gun options, more ammo options, generally cheaper ammo, and excellent ballistic performance. While it does have more recoil than the .380 ACP, it is still a very manageable recoil with some practice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The .380 ACP is popular because of its lighter recoil and because of the smaller gun options available. While it is less powerful than the 9mm, it is still a reasonable choice for self defense when using quality self defense ammo.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Whether you choose .380 ACP or 9mm, you&#8217;ll want to ensure you&#8217;re using a quality pistol and quality ammo that work well together. Both rounds will perform well with the right setup and with good shot placement.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/9mm-ammo.php?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_campaign=9mmvs45acp9mm\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5816 size-full\" title=\"shop 9mm ammo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmammo.jpg\" alt=\"box of 9mm ammo with text that reads click here to shop top 9mm ammo\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1033\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmammo.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmammo-300x155.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmammo-1024x529.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmammo-768x397.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmammo-1536x793.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmammo-200x103.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmammo-750x387.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/9mmammo-1140x589.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"b-share-calltoaction\">\n<div class=\"b-share-calltoaction--text b-share-calltoaction-text\">\n<div class=\"b-share-calltoaction-text__header\">\n<h2>Share this article with your friends!<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<ul class=\"b-social-icons clearfix\">\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" title=\"\"\n               href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/380-vs-9mm\/\"\n               class=\"social_icon facebook\">&nbsp;Facebook<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" title=\"\"\n               href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/home?status=https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/380-vs-9mm\/\"\n               class=\"social_icon twitter\">&nbsp;Twitter<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" title=\"\"\n               href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&#038;url=https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/380-vs-9mm\/\"\n               class=\"social_icon linkedin\">&nbsp;LinkedIn<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" title=\"\"\n               href=\"https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/380-vs-9mm\/\"\n               class=\"social_icon pinterest\">&nbsp;Pinterest<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When choosing a gun for self defense, many shooters find themselves comparing the .380 vs. 9mm. Many of the popular&hellip;<\/p>\n<div class=\"post-item-meta\"><span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/svg\/clock.svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" alt=\"\"><time class=\"published\" datetime=\"2024-01-12T22:06:43+00:00\">Jan. 12, 2024<\/time><\/span><span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/svg\/comment.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"\">No comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/380-vs-9mm\/\"><span>Read more <\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/svg\/chevron-right.svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" alt=\"\"><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":5910,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5835","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-range-training","category-self-defense"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5835","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5835"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5835\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6651,"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5835\/revisions\/6651"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5910"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5835"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5835"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5835"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}