380 mm vs. 9 mm: both are the two most popular ammunition used in many different firearms. Because of the same cartridges of both these ammunitions, most people got confused between these two. But the main difference between 380 mm and 9 mm is due to their length variation. The 380 mm is much smaller than 9 mm and is also known as 9 mm short.
Let’s take a closer look at 9 mm versus 380 mm
| Velocity | The velocity of 380 mm is 1,040 feet per second, and 9 mm is 1,180 feet per second |
| Powder | 9 mm has more powder as compared to 380 mm |
| Shell | The shell of 380 mm is slightly shorter than 9 mm |
| Cost | 380 mm are costly than 9 mm |
Table of Contents
What Is 380 mm?
If we look at 380 mm meaning: it is straight-walled pistol ammunition which is mostly used by the members of the American police and military as ammunition for their backup weapons. This ammunition was primarily used for self-defense by the civilians, which found it very easy to conceal and hold a good amount of rounds. No doubt that the cartridge of 380 mm is compact and light, but it offers a short range and less stopping power as compared to the other modern cartridges. 380 mm are usually used by people who prefer a lightweight, small handgun with manageable recoil. The wounding potential of the bullet depends upon the bullet energy, penetration depth and expanded diameter. The bullet energy of a 380 mm bullet is 190 to 220 feet per pound-force. And its penetration depth ranges from 6.5 to 17 inches. This ammunition was also used by Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his spouse Sophia at the event during World War I.
What Is 9 mm?
If we look at 9 mm meaning: it is one the most famous and widely used handgun used in the military and submachine guns. It is also known as 6 mm NATO, 9 mm Luger, and 9×19 mm parabellum. 9 mm is one of the most common weapons that can be found these days. The best things about this are that it is very cheap to buy, does not require shooting skills, uses ordinary ammunition and can be used well with very little power. It has a small idling swing and three-point illuminated front and rear steel sights, which can increase low-light combat. It can also be upgraded to a longer magazine and longer scope to increase its performance. 9 mm is also on the list of an advanced bulletproof gun as it can be hidden with the stealth skill of more than 50. The 9 mm cartridge was the first design to possess a stopping power of up to 50 meters, but it is still effective at longer distances. It has a moderate recoil which is combined with a flat trajectory.
5 Key Differences Between 9 mm and 380 mm
| Components | 380 mm | 9 mm |
|---|---|---|
| Specification | It was designed by John Browning in the United States. Its bullet diameter is 355 in, and its case length is 680 in, with an overall length of 25.0mm | It was designed by Georg Luger during the German Empire. This weapon has a 9.11mm bullet diameter, with a 19.15 mm case length and 26 mm overall length |
| Performance | The power and performance of 380 mm are lower than the 9 mm. The energy rating and maximum velocity are about 40% below the 9 mm | The 9 mm has a maximum energy rating of 2465 foot-pounds and a maximum velocity of 1,400 FPS, as it is measured as a powerful cartridge |
| Gun Design | In 1903, 380 mm was just a variant of the 32 ACP Pocket Hammerless pistol released by colt. The only modification to the gun was made to change its magazine and size | 9 mm is designed keeping military use in mind; it initially had a lead core. During World War II, it was modified by iron core jackets to conserve lead |
| Cost | 380 mm cartridges are more costly, but 380 pistols are cheaper than 9 mm pistols | 9 mm cartridges are cheaper than 80mm because it’s made by various manufacturers |
| Usage | 380 mm is used by some foreign police as a primary weapon, and military forces and American police use it as a backup weapon as they think it lacks the power of other similar-sized pistols | 9 mm has more popularity in US law enforcement agencies due to its availability of large pistols with a large magazine and round capacity. It is also a very popular cartridge for self-defense |
380 mm vs. 9 mm Similarities
- Whether it is 3880 mm or 9 mm, both are popular choices for self-defense these days.
- Both of these weapons have almost the same diameter; just the 9 mm round is longer.
380 mm vs. 9 mm Examples
380 mm Examples
- Sig Sauer P238
- Smith & Wesson
- Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ 380 ACP
9 mm Examples
- FN 509
- Sig p320
- Glock 17 Gen5
380 mm Vs. 9 mm Pros and Cons
380 mm Pros and Cons
Pros of 380 mm
- This ammunition was primarily used for self-defense by the civilians, which found it very easy to conceal and hold a good amount of rounds
- 380 mm has an ultra-weight, subcompact handgun, which makes it a great weapon to use as a primary backup concealed weapon
Cons of 380 mm
- A disadvantage of owning a 380 mm pistol is that it does not have to stop power, making it less effective than a 9 mm pistol
- The rounds of 380 mm are shorter and even less powerful
9 mm Pros and Cons
Pros of 9 mm
- The 9 mm pistol has a great advantage over the 380 mm pistols because 9 mm pistols have a large magazine capacity.
- The compact nature of 9 mm makes it easier to carry around, especially when concealed
Cons of 9 mm
- One of the main problems of having a 9 mm gun is that sometimes it is really difficult to understand how it works. Because these types of guns are more complex as compared to the revolver or 99 rifles
- 99 mm can also get jammed sometimes. And it can also get jammed in the situation where you need a gun most
Comparison Chart
Comparison Video
Conclusion
9 mm and 380 mm are both popular cartridges used for self-defense and have almost the same diameter. But if we talk about 380 mm Vs. 9 mm differences, both have different shell lengths, energy ratings, velocity and other specifications. 830 mm ammunition was primarily used for self-defense by the civilians, who found it very easy to conceal and hold a good amount of rounds. While 9 mm is one the most famous and widely used handgun used in the military and submachine guns. And if we compare the cost of 830 mm Versus 9 mm cost, the 380 mm is more costly as compared to the 9 mm.
