.380 ACP vs. .38 SPL +P

[abrams12]

Looking at the ballistics, the .380 ACP and .38 SPL +P rounds seem pretty similar. Been looking to purchase a pocket pistol (possibly LCP or LC9), but have also considered buying a small fram revolver instead (Taurus 85/Smith 642/Ruger LCR). Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[gunman41mag]

I'll say the 38 SPECIAL +P will be a better round than the .380 acp

 

[Mgderf]

I went with the Taurus model 605. It's a 5-shot .357magnum revolver, 2" barrel, and mine is total titanium, so it only weighs in at 16oz. unloaded!
It will also fire all .38spl, +p, +P+, whatever.

 

[ja7lewis]

Brass Fetcher Ballistic Testing

 

[Gunslinger45]

Right or Wrong, I have always been told that a .38 special (+p) or not is closer to a 9mm than a .380 and thus has a better ballistic profile. This does not mean that .380 is not an effective round, but simply it has less pronounced terminal ballistics.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

Which one you shoot better is a much more important variable in the equation of effectiveness than the slight difference between .38+P and .380. If possible, try them both and see which you shoot accurately the fastest at reasonable self defense ranges (say various intervals between 3y and 25y.

 

[Bigtanker]

Ok. I'll say it. IT DOES NOT MATTER. Pick a gun in either caliber that you shoot best and train with it. Shot placement means so much more than terminal ballistics. Train and practice. As much as you can. Use good quality self defense ammo that works in your gun and you will be set.

Or basically what BB↑↑↑↑↑↑↑ said. (Beat me to it)

 

[Mgderf]

Brass Fetcher Ballistic Testing

Rep's for an interesting link.

 

[pokersamurai]

I'll say the 38 SPECIAL +P will be a better round than the .380 acp

+1

The .38 special is a much better cartridge than .380 ACP.

A full-power .38 special (from Buffalo Bore) can launch a 158 gr. projectile at 1000 fps. from a snubbie. There is not a .380 ACP load made that can touch that.

If a full-power .38 special load proves to be to much recoil you can always load a revolver with lower-recoil standard pressure loads (or even target wadcutters) and they will still perform equally as reliably as with the full-power stuff. However, if a small .380 proves to be to much recoil there is not much you can do if you want the gun to still function reliably.

 

[gunman41mag]

+1

The .38 special is a much better cartridge than .380 ACP.

A full-power .38 special (from Buffalo Bore) can launch a 158 gr. projectile at 1000 fps. from a snubbie. There is not a .380 ACP load made that can touch that.

If a full-power .38 special load proves to be to much recoil you can always load a revolver with lower-recoil standard pressure loads (or even target wadcutters) and they will still perform equally as reliably as with the full-power stuff. However, if a small .380 proves to be to much recoil there is not much you can do if you want the gun to still function reliably.

I like the 158 gr. +P 38 SPECIAL over any 380 load, you'll get a deeper wound channel