.380 vs 9mm vs .45 | Which Gun Should You Carry?

Published on March 18, 2019
Duration: 14:52

This guide details a comparative analysis of .380 ACP, 9mm Luger, and .45 ACP calibers for concealed carry, as presented by an experienced shooter from 1ShotTV. It covers recoil characteristics, penetration through wood, and terminal ballistics performance in gel, offering insights into the practical differences between these popular handgun rounds. The expert demonstrates safe handling and uses standardized testing methods for objective evaluation.

Quick Summary

Expert analysis compares .380 ACP, 9mm Luger, and .45 ACP for concealed carry. Testing reveals .45 ACP offers the most significant expansion in ballistics gel, followed by 9mm, while .380 may lack reliable expansion. Penetration tests show .45 ACP and 9mm outperform .380 through wood blocks.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Caliber War Series
  2. 01:49Firearm Selection: .380, 9mm, .45
  3. 02:34Recoil Testing Comparison
  4. 05:57Wood Penetration Test
  5. 09:06Ballistics Gel Test
  6. 14:09Bullet Expansion Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between .380 ACP, 9mm Luger, and .45 ACP for concealed carry?

.380 ACP generally has less recoil and allows for higher capacity in smaller guns, but .45 ACP and 9mm offer superior stopping power due to larger diameter and better expansion. Testing shows .45 ACP expands most significantly, followed by 9mm, while .380 may not expand reliably.

How did the tested handguns perform in penetration tests?

In tests using 2x6 pine blocks, the .380 ACP stopped in the first block. The 9mm penetrated three blocks, and the .45 ACP stopped in the second block while splitting it, indicating greater energy transfer.

What were the results of the ballistics gel tests for .380, 9mm, and .45 ACP ammunition?

The .380 Hydra-Shok did not expand. The 9mm HST expanded well and stopped at 13 inches. The .45 ACP HST expanded significantly, creating a large wound cavity and stopping at 11 inches.

Which caliber is recommended for concealed carry based on this expert comparison?

While the choice depends on individual needs, the 9mm and .45 ACP calibers demonstrated superior terminal ballistics (expansion and wound cavity) compared to the .380 ACP in this testing. The .45 ACP showed the most impressive expansion.

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