What is the difference in 380 and 38?

The main difference between the 380 and . 38 special is that the . 38 special has a larger cartridge. The bullet diameter on the other hand is virtually the same.

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Also to know is, is 38 and 380 the same thing?

38 Special bullet is 0.357" in diameter; a . 380 bullet is, however, the same diameter as a 9mm Parabellum bullet. Oh, and a . 38 Special bullet is the same diameter as a .

Subsequently, question is, is there a difference between a 38 and 38 special? Basically, the . 38 caliber weapons do better the faster you push the bullet. 38 S&W, which was shorter, tapered, and had a different (I think) bullet diameter. . 38 Special has a longer case, straight walled, has more power, and is not really .

Also asked, what has more recoil 380 or 38?

Lighter guns will kick more, heavier guns will kick less. Cut the weight of the gun in half and the recoil energies felt would be doubled. For example, a 38 Special has roughly twice the recoil of a 380 ACP i.e. 1.39 X 2 = 2.78.

Is a .380 or 9mm more powerful?

380 ACP round is cheaper and easier to handle and conceal, while the 9mm is more powerful overall. The rounds can both be used in revolvers and autoloaders, but are not interchangeable with one another. The . 380 ACP cartridge (also called a 9mm Browning) was introduced in 1908 by Colt as a self defense weapon.

Related Question Answers

Can a 380 stop an attacker?

A .380 Auto Can't Stop An Attacker Never mind "stopping power;" some people believe that sufficient trauma can't be done by a .380 auto to stop an attacker. Hogwash. However, ammunition selection is important if carrying .380.

Why is 38 special so weak?

. 38 Special has earned a reputation as being under powered or weak based on its performance. The old standard police load of a 158 grain round nose bullet fired at 900 feet per second earned the nickname “ Widowmaker” because of poor performance in police use.

Is a 380 enough for self defense?

In short, a .380 ACP is best served as your BUG (backup gun), the pistol you pocket or ankle carry as insurance. It's a good rule to follow, meaning any gun — even one of a smaller caliber — is better than no gun at all.

Is the 38 special good for self defense?

38 Special are that it's effective in a self-defense capacity in service-size pistols. It doesn't produce excessive recoil, so most shooters can accurately shoot it. 38 Special has a certain problem. You see, revolver rounds typically need a little more barrel length and velocity to get good expansion from JHP rounds.

Why is 380 so expensive?

Manufacturers can mass produce large volumes of 9mm ammo. The raw material of the .380 ACP ammo is cheaper, however it costs more than 9mm ammo because is not nearly in as much demand as 9mm is. The larger the run of ammo a manufacturer can produce the cheaper their costs become.

Is 38 special more powerful than 9mm?

38 Special only produces 264 foot-pounds of force (147-grain bullet at 900 feet per second out of a 4-inch barrel), while standard pressure 9mm can produce 365 foot-pounds of force (124-grain bullet at 1,150 feet per second). This is 38.25% more energy at the muzzle in favor of the 9mm.

What has more power 38 or 9mm?

38 special, a revolver cartridge, was designed for lower pressure loads, with heavier bullets at slower velocities. The 9mm Parabellum (or 9mm Luger), an auto pistol cartridge, is designed for higher pressure loads with lighter bullets at faster velocities. 38 Special case than in the 9mm Parabellum.

What does ACP mean?

Automatic Colt Pistol

What caliber has the most recoil?

The Hardest-Kicking Rounds of All Time

• Two .577 Tyrannosaurs dwarf a .308 cartridge.
• The recoil of a T-Rex is no joke.
• Measuring up the .600 Nitro Express.
• A close look at the .460 Weatherby.
• The .475 A&M Magnum kicks with more than 100 foot-pounds of recoil.
• The .700 Holland and Holland produces 160 foot-pounds of recoil force.

What caliber has the least recoil?

10 Low-Recoil Defensive Handguns

• Smith & Wesson Model 351C .
• FNH Five-SeveN MK2.
• Ruger LC380 .380 ACP.
• Taurus PT638 Pro SA .380 ACP.
• Browning Black Label 1911-380 .380 ACP.
• Rock Island Armory M206 .
• Charter Arms Pitbull 9 mm Revolver.
• Springfield Armory EMP4 9 mm.

How much recoil does a .380 have?

380 wins in shootability, with one caveat. Because the 380 has 94 percent less recoil (if fired from an equal-weight gun), it's easier to shoot. But, you must consider that 9mms are typically a few ounces heavier than guns chambered in .

Is a 38 A good gun?

38 Special is one of the best revolver cartridges ever made. Because it was introduced in the late 19^th century as a black powder cartridge and has not changed dimensionally in that time, today's . 38 Special is a mild recoiling, low-pressure round that enjoys a very healthy following.

What does 38 +P mean?

For example, the .357 Magnum is slightly longer than the .38 Special, the lower powered round from which it was derived. +P ammunition, however, is externally identical to standard ammunition of its caliber. +P ammunition was designed to replicate the performance of what had been standard pressure cartridges.

What is the best revolver for the money?

Below are my favorite best revolver picks:

• Smith & Wesson Model 60 .357 Magnum 2.125IN - Best Concealed Carry.
• Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus Stainless - Best for Home Defense.
• Ruger GP100 Double Action Revolver - Best for Competition.
• Ruger Redhawk Double Action Mag.
• Taurus Model 66 Fixed Front Magnum - Best Value.

How far will a 38 bullet travel?

38 special cartridge travels at nominally 900 feet per second. Setting aside factors such as drag, that bullet would drop about 5 feet after the first 100 yards. By the time it travels 300 yards it will have dropped 15 feet.

Why is it called a 38 special?

38 Special cartridge is actually . 357 inches (36 caliber/9.07 mm), with the ". 38" referring to the approximate diameter of the loaded brass case. This came about because the original .

Is a 38 special powerful?

This round isn't uber-powerful, but with the right load is definitely capable as a defensive round or short-range handgun hunting round. The . 38 Special, when first released, was well-regarded for the easy recoil and good accuracy, which it still is to date. In other words, it's an easy round to shoot well.

Which is better 357 or 38 special?

Revolvers chambered in .357 Magnum have the significant advantage of also being able to chamber and fire the shorter and less-powerful .38 Special cartridge. Compared to the .357 Magnum, .38 Special is also lower in cost, recoil, noise, and muzzle flash.

How many shots are in a 38 revolver?

A . 38 sp “snubby” can hold between five and eight rounds in the cylinder. However, most hold five or six rounds. The platform itself can weigh as little as 12 ounces and much as 32 ounces.