.380 vs. .38 Special — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Published on January 30, 2024
The .380 is a compact, low-recoil cartridge ideal for small handguns, while the .38 Special is a larger, more powerful round commonly used in revolvers.
Difference Between .380 and .38 Special
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The .380, also known as the .380 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), is a short and light cartridge, making it suitable for smaller, concealable handguns. In contrast, the .38 Special is a longer and heavier cartridge, offering greater power and range, commonly used in larger revolvers.
In terms of ballistic performance, the .380 typically has less recoil and lower energy compared to the .38 Special, making it easier to handle for shooters of all experience levels. The .38 Special, with its higher energy and velocity, is more effective for longer-range shooting and has a stronger stopping power.
The .380 is popular for personal defense in compact pistols due to its manageable size and recoil, making it a preferred choice for concealed carry. The .38 Special, being larger and more powerful, is often used in law enforcement and for home defense.
Regarding ammunition availability and cost, .380 rounds are generally widely available and affordable, though sometimes slightly more expensive than other small-caliber rounds. The .38 Special is also widely available and often favored for its cost-effectiveness and versatility in various shooting applications.
The .380 and the .38 Special cater to different needs; the former is ideal for those seeking a lightweight, easily concealable firearm, while the latter is better suited for those requiring more stopping power and range.
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Comparison Chart
Cartridge Size
Short and light
Longer and heavier
Recoil
Less recoil, easier to handle
More recoil, requires more control
Stopping Power
Lower stopping power
Higher stopping power
Ideal Use
Concealed carry, personal defense
Law enforcement, home defense
Ammunition Cost
Generally affordable
Cost-effective, versatile
Compare with Definitions
.380
Also known as .380 ACP, suitable for small firearms.
The .380 ACP is popular for concealed carry weapons.
.38 Special
A powerful, longer cartridge commonly used in revolvers.
The detective carried a .38 Special revolver.
.380
Ideal for compact and subcompact pistols.
Her subcompact pistol was chambered in .380.
.38 Special
Known for its effectiveness in law enforcement.
.38 Special rounds were standard issue in many police departments.
.380
A popular choice for first-time gun owners.
Many first-time buyers opt for a .380 pistol.
.38 Special
A preferred choice for experienced shooters.
Experienced shooters appreciate the accuracy of the .38 Special.
.380
A compact, low-recoil handgun cartridge.
She chose a .380 pistol for its easy handling.
.38 Special
Offers greater velocity and energy than smaller calibers.
For home defense, he relied on the power of the .38 Special.
.380
A light cartridge with manageable stopping power.
For personal defense, he preferred the .380 due to its lower recoil.
.38 Special
Suitable for a range of shooting applications.
The .38 Special is versatile for both target shooting and defense.
Common Curiosities
Is the .380 good for beginners?
Yes, its low recoil makes it suitable for beginners.
What is a .380?
A compact, low-recoil cartridge ideal for small handguns.
What is a .38 Special?
A larger, more powerful round commonly used in revolvers.
Is the .380 ACP the same as a .380?
Yes, .380 ACP is another name for the .380 cartridge.
Can a .380 be used for home defense?
Yes, though it has less stopping power than larger calibers.
What are typical uses for a .38 Special?
Law enforcement, home defense, and range shooting.
Are .38 Special rounds more expensive than .380?
Generally, no; .38 Special rounds are often cost-effective.
Is the .38 Special good for target practice?
Yes, it's often used for target shooting due to its accuracy.
Which is better for a small handgun, .380 or .38 Special?
The .380 is typically better suited for smaller handguns.
Is the .38 Special suitable for concealed carry?
It can be, but its larger size makes it less common than smaller calibers.
How does the recoil of a .380 compare to a .38 Special?
The .380 has significantly less recoil.
Can .38 Special be used in all revolvers?
It can be used in revolvers chambered for .38 Special or .357 Magnum.
What type of firearm is most commonly used for .380 rounds?
Compact and subcompact pistols.
Can .380 ammunition be used in a .38 Special gun?
No, they require firearms chambered for their specific caliber.
Are there different types of .38 Special ammunition?
Yes, including various bullet weights and designs for different purposes.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
