Author Topic: 380 ACP VS 38 Special (Read 2665 times)

Britt · « **on:** December 13, 2002, 10:48:20 AM »

I have read alot of articles lately that have said according to the one shot stop % these to rounds are very equal. What are you thoughts on this. You would think that the 38 would handle the job better.

KING · « **Reply #1 on:** December 13, 2002, 04:55:37 PM »

Britt. Sorry..its me again.....I would take the .38 over a .380. In practicle experiance the .38 wins. king

DEPUTY · « **Reply #2 on:** December 13, 2002, 04:57:35 PM »

humm let me think! oh yes 38spl most yes!

Mikey · « **Reply #3 on:** December 16, 2002, 05:50:34 AM »

Britt: Unless you carry your 38 snubbie loaded with heavy bullets, either a 168 grain - 173 grain Keith style semiwadcutter or the 200 grain semiwadcutter, the only advantage a 380 would give you is in the number of shots you have available.

S. Summer used to carry a Beretta 70S in 380 - one of my favorite handguns and calibers (unless I could find an almost new Model 34 in 380) and on occassion I pack that along but most frequently I will carry a 38 snubbie with 200 grain semi wadcutters. I would rather deliver 1000 grains of lead, if I have to, than only 3/4s that from the 380. I like 'em both and sometimes it is tough to decide.

Hope I haven't confused you this time. Mikey.

leadbutt · « **Reply #4 on:** December 16, 2002, 01:33:46 PM »

Britt here again,its apples and oranges,the 38 is better with +p loads out of a 2" but the 380- will come close with the hot loads from Cor-bon or Triton,the 380 is a fine back up weapon or pocket gun as it can be had in a smaller size than the 38