Best Concealed Carry Caliber | .380 or 9mm?

Published on January 6, 2023
Duration: 15:38

This review compares the .380 ACP and 9mm Luger calibers, focusing on their performance in the Sig Sauer P365 platform. While 9mm offers superior ballistic performance with heavier, faster projectiles, the .380 ACP is highlighted for its 'shootability,' reduced recoil, and suitability for individuals with less hand strength. The video includes practical tests like wood penetration and discusses hollow point expansion limitations.

Quick Summary

For concealed carry, 9mm Luger offers superior ballistics, but .380 ACP excels in 'shootability' with less recoil, making it easier for many to handle. The Sig P365 platform demonstrates these differences well, with the .380 version having a lighter slide rack.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Shooting Demo: P365 .380 vs 9mm
  2. 01:39Cartridge Comparison: .380 vs 9mm
  3. 02:40Sig P365 Platform Differences
  4. 04:53Wood Penetration Test
  5. 07:18Hollow Point Ballistics Explained
  6. 08:36Final Verdict: .380 vs 9mm for EDC

Frequently Asked Questions

Which caliber is better for concealed carry, .380 ACP or 9mm Luger?

For concealed carry, 9mm Luger offers superior ballistic performance with higher velocity and heavier projectiles. However, .380 ACP is often preferred for its significantly easier 'shootability,' reduced recoil, and suitability for shooters with less hand strength or recoil sensitivity.

How does the Sig Sauer P365 perform with .380 ACP versus 9mm?

In the Sig P365, the .380 ACP version offers noticeably less recoil and a lighter slide rack, enhancing ease of use. The 9mm version provides greater ballistic power, demonstrated by deeper penetration in tests, though it has a snappier recoil impulse.

What are the key differences between .380 ACP and 9mm cartridges?

.380 ACP is a more compact cartridge, often described as a 'necked down' 9mm. While both can fit in similar capacity magazines, 9mm Luger generally uses heavier bullets at higher velocities, resulting in greater energy and penetration.

Can hollow point bullets expand reliably in self-defense scenarios?

Hollow point ammunition's expansion can be inconsistent, especially when encountering hard barriers like wood or bone. In such cases, hollow points may fail to expand and perform more like full metal jacket rounds, impacting their terminal ballistics.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from ClassicFirearms

View all →