9mm vs .380

[Scullinator]

Someone recently recommended a .380 over a 9mm because the 9mm moves too fast which would do less damage and may just pass all the way through an attacker where as a .380 would do more damage because it moves slower.

Thoughts?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[bmcgilvray]

Nope. The 9mm offers better terminal ballistics, shooting heavier bullets at higher velocities.

[matdicdad]

I've not heard that. I would say that a higher velocity 9mm would penetrate more deeply and thusly cause more damage.

[Blackeagle]

This "somebody" doesn't know what they're talking about. A bullet doesn't do less damage because it's faster. Handgun bullets are basically like a drill; they bore holes through the body. The amount of damage is going to be based on the size of the hole, the depth of the hole (penetration) and shot placement. Faster bullets will penetrate deeper, meaning they're more likely to penetrate deep enough to get to the BG's vitals. With hollowpoints, faster bullets will expand better, making the hole bigger. From a terminal ballistics standpoint, 9mm is far better than a .380.

[digitalexplr]

Bullet size, bullet weight, bullet speed, shoot placement, density of target (BG size) all figure into the equation.

Speed alone does not equal more penetration. A heavy, i.e. 230gr .45 moving at 850 fps will penetrate further than a light, i.e. 90gr 9mm, moving at 1300 fps.

Regarding the slow .380 vs fast 9mm, take similar rounds in both calibers, say HST's in 90gr .380 and 124gr in 9mm. The faster, heavier 9mm will penetrate better and do more damage in the process than the .380.

[SIXTO]

Stop listening to that somebody. They are a meat head.

[Cupcake]

Stop listening to that somebody. They are a meat head.

Sixto is my Hero.

[Glasstream15]

The only possible advantage the .380 might have is the "Pocket Rocket" guns like the Kel-Tec P3AT or Ruger LCP. These guns are tiny and quite easily concealed and carried even in the Summer in Florida. But, if I have an option, G19, PF9 then P3AT. I want a 9mm unless I am into my deep Summer garb which means the tiny Kelty is all I can conceal.

[MP45Man]

Stop listening to that somebody. They are a meat head.

The last time I heard that it was said by Archie Bunker.

[farronwolf]

Stop listening to that somebody. They are a meat head.

Wow, can't really add anything better to that.

[CR2008]

Someone recently recommended a .380 over a 9mm because the 9mm moves too fast which would do less damage and may just pass all the way through an attacker where as a .380 would do more damage because it moves slower.

Thoughts?

IF this were true, then FMJ rifle rounds would be less effective than FMJ pistol rounds... who ever told you that is talking total BS.

[highvoltage]

I recently completed a handgun orientation course at the Sig Academy here in NH in preparation for applying for my FL CCL.

One of the things the instructor commented on was caliber. His comment? Shot placement is more important than caliber. In a gunfight it has been shown that 80% of the shots fired miss their target.

He recommended a pistol with the maximum capacity magazine that you can carry.

[frankmako]

ammo/size war. which is better???? thay all are better.

[drs1457]

+1 on HighVoltage's comment. Sometimes I think we focus too much on caliber and not enough on technique. Either 9mm or .380 could stop an attack IMHO.

[retsupt99]

OK, even if the .380 was equal to the 9mm (which it is not)...try buying some right now.

Stay armed...go with 9mm, no question...stay safe!