9mm Parabellum vs .380 ACP in self defense handguns, is really necessary the most powerful 9mm Luger?
9mm Parabellum vs .380 ACP in self defense handguns, is really necessary the most powerful 9mm Luger in the close range combat - self defense situations?
I mean, statistically, the most combats with handguns are in a 0-50 yards range. Also, today there are a new technology in bullets and powders, for example: a .380 Auto (90-95 grains) can be pushed to 1050 fps or even more (until 1150 fps in Buffalo Bore + P vs 1200 fps in a 9mm Parabellum 'NATO', 124 grains FMJ) so, what do you think about?
It's Me!2012-08-01T14:04:54Z
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Here, look at the charts below and draw your own conclusion.
Ballistically the 9mm wins hands down. More velocity, more mass, therefore more energy. It is a self defense round that most are comfortable with. The 9 also has more ammo choices available, easier to find, and usually costs a little less.
The .380 wins in the size department. Virtually all .380's are subcompacts, really small and really light. These are a joy to carry, often you hardly notice it's on you. They can make a 9mm close to this small, but not quite.
So from a numbers standpoint the 9mm all the way. However a pistol that's less of a burden to carry is also more likely to actually be carried. The .380 may have an advantage here for some people. Granted this is dependent on the exact firearm, the person, their build, how they dress, etc. But in some cases the .380 can be a winner here due to the small size of the firearm.
Fundamentally, if you have some sort of pocket snubby semi - auto and you are running super hot +P .380 ACP in it, enough to make the gun jumpy in your hand and hard to stay on target ... then I'm not sure you've bought yourself much over a slightly larger 9mm.
However, if you can double tap on a pie plate at 10 yards from the draw in less than 2 seconds with a .380? Eh - I'd not have too many concerns about exactly how fast the round was moving.
At the end of the day, missing what you are shooting at because you picked a spec sheet instead of something you are willing to practice with may still protect you because you've convinced the assailant that you are going to try and shoot him and that's a discomforting thought. However, it's not what I count on.