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Ballistics of 38 special vs 9mm9/25/2023 While this might be true if both cartridges were fired from the same size handgun, finding the same size handgun can be a bit of a chore. Given that the 9mm produces more kinetic energy than the 380, it would be easy to think that it also produces more recoil. Always verify that your handgun is rated for +P ammunition before purchasing this ammo designation. ** +P ammunition is not safe to fire out of every handgun. While this may not be quite the jump in performance that the 380 experienced, this load is still producing nearly 150 ft/lbs more kinetic energy than the 380 at the muzzle. If we look at Underwood’s 115 gr hollow point offering in 9mm, we see that it produces 432 ft/lbs of kinetic energy at a muzzle velocity of 1300 feet per second. We do have to keep in mind, however, that the 9mm also has +P offerings, which changes its performance considerably as well. This is nearly 100 ft/lbs more than a standard 380 load, which places it close to standard 9mm territory. If we look at Underwood’s 90 gr XTP +P offering in 380, we see that it produces 288 ft/lbs of kinetic energy at a muzzle velocity of 1200 feet per second. If your handgun is rated for +P (added pressure) ammunition, however, the 380 gains considerably more performance than standard pressure offerings. However, its penetration capabilities may not compete with 9mm on certain materials. This is not to say that the 380 is inadequate for self-defense. Winchester’s 95 gr FMJ offering in 380 only produces 190 ft/lbs at a muzzle velocity of 955 feet per second, or about half the muzzle energy of the 9mm. In fact, Winchester’s 115 gr FMJ offering in 9mm produces 362 ft/lbs of energy at a muzzle velocity of 1190 feet per second. Having an extra 13,500 psi, or approximately 62.8 percent over the 380, helps the 9mm produce considerably more kinetic energy than the 380. This is much higher than a standard 380’s maximum pressure rating of 21,500 psi. Perhaps the biggest difference between the 9mm and the 380, is the pressure at which each cartridge is operating.Īccording to SAAMI ( Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute), a standard 9mm has a maximum pressure rating of 35,000 psi. Although this assumption is correct, the reasoning for this difference in kinetic energy is not solely based on the difference in size. It should be noted that lighter bullets do exist for each cartridge, though they are typically made of a solid copper or similar alloy.īased on the size difference between these cases, it would be easy to assume that the 9mm produces more kinetic energy than the 380. Because of this, reloaders should be careful when choosing projectiles for either cartridge. 380-specific bullets on the other hand, typically weigh between 85 to 100 grains and are generally too short for most 9mm handguns to feed them reliably. Do NOT, however, be confused into thinking that they use the same projectiles though.ĩmm-specific bullets typically weigh between 115 to 150 grains and are much too long/heavy to be seated into a 380 case. Although the naming can be confusing, both the 9mm and the 380 utilize 0.355” diameter projectiles (0.356” diameter projectiles are common for cast/plated bullets). If you noticed that the 380 and the 9mm appear to be using the same diameter projectile, you would be correct. An increase of 1.5 grains of H2O may not seem like all that much, but this small difference gives the 9mm a 12.7 percent increase in H2O capacity over the 380. This extra length gives the 9mm a capacity of approximately* 13.30 grains of H2O compared to the 380’s capacity of approximately* 11.8 grains of H2O. With an empty case length of 0.754 inches, the 9mm case stands over 1/16 of an inch taller than the 380, which has an empty case length of 0.680 inches. Stood side by side, it is easy to see that the 9mm stands much taller than the 380. Luckily, this article will be going over the benefits of each cartridge to help make your decision a little easier. So, you want a new carry gun but just can’t decide between the 380 and the 9mm? Considering that these are two of the most popular carry choices currently available, it is easy to see why it is such a difficult decision.
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