Will .380 ACP Work in a 9mm Revolver? - TheFirearmGuy

Published on January 5, 2020
Duration: 6:39

This guide details how to test the compatibility of .380 ACP ammunition in a 9mm revolver, specifically the Rock Island Armory AL 9.0, using moon clips. It covers the process of comparing round fit, testing with and without moon clips, and assessing reliability issues like headspace problems and primer ignition failures. The expert instruction highlights that while .380 ACP may fire in a 9mm revolver with moon clips, it's not recommended for self-defense due to potential inconsistencies.

Quick Summary

While .380 ACP can be fired in a 9mm revolver using moon clips, it's not recommended for self-defense due to potential reliability issues. .380 ACP rounds fit loosely in moon clips and can experience significant headspace problems without them, leading to misfires and inconsistent ignition, unlike standard 9mm ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and 9mm Shooting
  2. 00:13Revolver Specifications
  3. 01:06Ammunition Comparison
  4. 01:51Testing .380 ACP with Moon Clips
  5. 02:519mm without Moon Clips
  6. 03:42Testing .380 ACP without Moon Clips
  7. 04:35Testing MaxxTech .380 ACP
  8. 05:46Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can .380 ACP ammunition be fired in a 9mm revolver?

Yes, .380 ACP can potentially be fired in a 9mm revolver, particularly when using moon clips. However, reliability is not guaranteed and depends heavily on the specific firearm and ammunition. Issues like excessive headspace can cause misfires.

What are the risks of using .380 ACP in a 9mm revolver?

The primary risks include misfires due to headspace issues when not using moon clips, inconsistent ignition from hard primers, and potential extraction problems. This makes .380 ACP generally unsuitable for self-defense in a 9mm revolver.

How do .380 ACP and 9mm rounds compare in a moon clip?

In a moon clip, .380 ACP rounds fit more loosely compared to 9mm rounds. This difference in fit can affect feeding and extraction reliability, though moon clips help manage rimless .380 ACP cases in revolvers designed for rimmed cartridges.

What is headspace in relation to firearm cartridges?

Headspace is the critical distance within a firearm's chamber that controls the cartridge's position for proper firing. In revolvers, it's often determined by the rim or case head seating against the cylinder's rear face or the breech. Incorrect headspace, as seen with .380 ACP in a 9mm revolver without moon clips, prevents reliable ignition.

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