What is the difference between .380 and 9mm

The 9mm and are two popular ammunitions that are used for different gun types. But because they have the same diameter bullets, many are confused whether they are the same or interchangeable.

The most recognizable difference between the 9mm and the is the length of their shells. The is considerably shorter than 9mm and you can easily tell them apart at first glance. The single advantage of having a longer shell is that you can pack more powder into the shell. When the gun is fired, it is the powder that explodes and expands providing the pressure that expels the bullet out of the barrel.

Having more powder means that you can put more force into the bullet. This may mean that the bullet can be fired at much higher velocities. But commonly, the 9mm also comes with a heavier bullet, which needs more energy to launch. The 9mm and bullets may fly at the same velocity but the higher mass of the 9mm bullet means that it delivers more energy to the target.

This directly correlates to stopping power and the ability to deal more damage. The only advantage to using rounds is that the actual weapon can be made smaller and more concealable, a significant consideration for close-in bodyguards. It is important to know what type of ammunition your firearm takes and make sure to use only that type.

Bullet offerings like the new Black Hills spiral Fluted HoneyBadger ammunition have improved the performance of previously borderline self-defense calibers into truly reliable ammunition. Nonetheless, both calibers are highly effective. Bullet choice was an important factor to consider in the past. This is because the majority of the smaller framed pistols sacrificed magazine capacity to achieve their compact size.

This development brings the. When comparing the. The 9mm undoubtedly has the edge in terms of downrange performance, which unfortunately comes at the cost of added recoil, muzzle blast, and generally a more robustly built weapon. Reduced muzzle blast and recoil are a distinct advantage when fast, accurately placed follow-up shots are required.

Being so similar in performance and design, the only real advantage that the 9mm has over the. Choosing which caliber would best suit your needs would come down to personal preference.

All rights reserved. Contents 1 How Long Have The. About The Author. Travis Campbell Travis Campbell is one of those guys who never stop talking about firearms and defense equipment. When this thirty-something firearm enthusiast wanted to do more than suggesting products to his friends, he took a turn towards writing. For years, Travis has written about the best rifles, guns, and other developments in the firearms industry.

His expertise in working with different customer-bases helps Travis understand various needs people may have and offer insightful recommendations. It is one of those things he cannot get wrong even if he tries. Contact Privacy Disclaimer About Menu. Facebook-f Linkedin-in Twitter. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits.

Do not sell my personal information. Cookie Settings Accept. Manage consent. Close Privacy Overview This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website.

We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent.

You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Necessary Necessary. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly.

These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".

It does not store any personal data. Functional Functional. Diffen LLC, n. Comparison chart. Usage Although some foreign police use the. Power and Performance The power of. Accuracy The fact that the. Penetration The. Recoil and Size. Related Comparisons 9mm vs. Follow Share Cite Authors. Share this comparison: If you read this far, you should follow us: ". Related Comparisons. Contribute to Diffen Edit or create new comparisons in your area of expertise.

Log in ». Terms of use Privacy policy. Primarily for self defense. Used as a backup weapon by some armed forces.