380 vs 38
I am an engineer. we design, take data, and publish specs.
One of my projects was a small outdoor TV antenna (AKA flying saucer model).
I tested with a $55K test instrument. Compared the antenna to other comparible antennas. Marketing had me make a comparison chart, based on specs which I did and ours was slightly better. However, ya know what? The customer (end user) ain't got one of them thar $55K test units. He puts it on his TV and if the football is fuzzy on Sunday, you get the antenna back on Monday. I tested using a TV about 40 miles from the transmitters, and could not tell muck diffeence between brands.
Point is: the data from the different sources are well, different. One showed the 380 with hydrashoks as 12" penetration and mushrooming to .55", and the 38 with the same weight hydrashok at 13" . Another listed a 7" penitration. Some showed the ammo being close, some far.
Another thing is: most CARRY 380s have a 2.3-3" barrel. Most carry 38s are 2". However, the "testguns" for .38 are 4" barrels, and of course, you get more velocity.
The question is: would a BG actually know the difference between them if you shot him with a double tap square in the upper chest area? I think not.
I carry a .380 Colt Mustang, in stanless with the HS ammo mentioned. I am in Florida ( Or Floriduh, as you may) and we wear lighter clothes, and mainly shorts. ( What do you call a Floridian wearing walking shorts and a golf style shirt? Business casual dress) I am also only 5'7, and am small framed. The choise was not so much the ammo, but the size of the gun to be concealed. The revolver was thicher, due to the cylinder. With the IWB holster, it shows thru the shirt. The Colt Mustang was thinner and occupies less space. The above mentioned outfit and a good IWB holster, for me, is very concealed, and easy to put into action.
When I bought it, the mustang ws the sammest one, maybe now, I would go Kel-tec or the LCP, but still a .380.
If the PPK with 380 is good enough for James Bond, it good enough for me. (Tongue in cheek)