Shooting .380 In a 9mm Pistol: Wrong Caliber Will it Work or Blow Up?

Published on June 5, 2016
Duration: 11:27

This video from Honest Outlaw explores the critical question of whether .380 ACP ammunition can be safely fired in a 9mm pistol, specifically a Glock 17 Gen 3. The expert demonstrates that while the rounds will fire and maintain surprising accuracy at various distances, the shorter .380 case does not generate enough pressure to reliably cycle the 9mm pistol's action. This necessitates manual slide manipulation for each shot, rendering it unreliable for defensive or tactical use but potentially viable in extreme emergency scenarios. The inspection confirms no damage to the firearm.

Quick Summary

Firing .380 ACP in a 9mm pistol is possible, but unreliable. While accuracy remains surprisingly good, the lower pressure of the .380 case prevents the 9mm firearm's slide from cycling automatically, necessitating manual operation for each shot. Post-test inspections revealed no damage to the firearm, but this configuration is not recommended for defensive use.

Chapters

  1. 00:14Experiment Introduction
  2. 00:57Ammunition Comparison
  3. 01:59Test Firearm Selection
  4. 02:29Control and Initial Testing
  5. 06:37Distance Testing
  6. 08:12High Pressure .380 Test
  7. 08:45Conclusion and Inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

Can .380 ACP ammunition be fired from a 9mm pistol?

Yes, .380 ACP ammunition can be fired from a 9mm pistol, as demonstrated in tests with a Glock 17 Gen 3. The bullets are the same diameter, allowing them to chamber and fire. However, this is generally not recommended due to significant reliability issues.

What happens when you shoot .380 ACP in a 9mm pistol?

When .380 ACP is fired in a 9mm pistol, the round will typically fire accurately, but the firearm's action will likely not cycle reliably. The shorter .380 case doesn't generate enough pressure to operate the slide, requiring manual manipulation for each shot.

Is it safe to shoot .380 ACP in a 9mm pistol?

While the act of firing a .380 ACP round in a 9mm pistol is generally safe in terms of not causing immediate catastrophic failure, it is not operationally safe for reliable use. Post-test inspections showed no damage to the Glock 17 Gen 3 used in the experiment.

Will a 9mm pistol cycle with .380 ACP ammunition?

No, a 9mm pistol will generally not cycle reliably with .380 ACP ammunition. The .380 ACP case is shorter and operates at lower pressures than standard 9mm Luger, which is insufficient to fully operate the slide's recoil mechanism.

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