Is .380 ACP Still Relevant?

Is .380 ACP Still Relevant?

Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to explore whether or not .380 ACP is still relevant. We are going to delve into many considerations and variables which come into play regarding the relevance of .380 ACP. Specifically, we are going to address some of the historic complaints regarding the cartridge within the context of modern .380 ACP ammo and firearms. Without further ado, let’s find out if .380 ACP is still relevant.

What is .380 ACP?

The .380 ACP, or .380 Automatic Colt Pistol, was designed by John Moses Browning in 1908. Production of the cartridge began in the same year and saw immediate use in Colt’s Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless handgun. The .380 ACP was derived from the .38 ACP, or .38 Auto cartridge which was introduced in 1900 by Browning. The cartridge features a recessed rim, a design trait conducive to use in autoloaders and a departure from established norms. Many cartridges of the era and earlier featured distinct, pronounced rims which aided in achieving proper headspacing and ensuring rounds indexed properly in cylinders. .380 ACP notably headspaces off of the case mouth as opposed to a rim in order to promote accuracy. Boasting low pressures, with a maximum pressure of 21,500 psi, the .380 ACP was intended for and well-suited for use with blowback type firearms. These types of firearms notably feature heavy bolts and slides which are intended to absorb recoil and inertia during the firing process. Blowback operated pistols notably utilize fixed barrels, a feature conducive to accuracy and adequate for low pressure rounds. Essentially, everything with higher pressures than .380 ACP and 9mm Makarov are best-suited for use in locking barrel type handguns. Purchase .380 ACP Ammo

Why is .380 ACP’s Relevance in Question?

With the advent of compact, high capacity 9mm handguns, many have questioned whether or not .380 ACP is still relevant. This questioning typically stems from the merits of the cartridge itself in addition to the types of firearms available in .380 ACP. Some feel that the .380 ACP, especially when compared to 9mm and other duty calibers, falls short in terms of defense. Notably, the .380 ACP is not counted among the cartridges employed for duty by armed professionals in roles such as law enforcement. Some shooters believe that this alone makes the cartridge less than viable or ideal. Many shooters gravitate to firearms, weapons, calibers, and equipment employed by military and law enforcement personnel. Despite this, the .380 ACP is still utilized by many shooters even in the modern era.

.380 ACP in a Recreational Capacity

While many feel that the .380 ACP is an inadequate defensive loading, there are few who will argue that it is insufficient for recreation. Many shooters employ cartridges which have been described as anemic, suboptimal, or even obsolete in recreational capacities. These terms can be applied to a wide range of vintage and military cartridges from the 20^th century. Nevertheless, these qualities do not make these cartridges any less fun to shoot. .380 ACP is certainly more than capable of being enjoyed by shooters of all types for recreational purposes.

Modern Defensive .380 ACP Loadings Help

While the .380 ACP has often been derided as suboptimal. While the cartridge is not described as anemic like the .32 ACP, the cartridge’s inferior ballistic performance when compared to 9mm loadings has influenced the attitude of many shooters. Many wonder why one would go with a .380 ACP firearm for defense when 9mm ammunition is generally going to be more potent and optimal for defense. In today’s day and age, many companies produce viable self-defense loadings in .380 ACP. These loadings feature hollow point style projectiles optimized for expansion and are capable of achieving higher velocities. These high velocities make defensive loadings capable of achieving adequate levels of penetration for self-defense.

Types of Firearms Available in .380 ACP

Historically, the types of firearms available in .380 ACP have typically been small in stature and designed for concealed carry use. These firearms have typically been available in the form of single stack, subcompact firearms which are optimal for deep concealment. As such, many of these offerings have featured simple sights and small magazine capacities. These types of firearms tend to be better for concealed carry than actually shooting. Today, the cartridge is supported by a number of modern offerings which depart from these previous norms. Modern offerings feature night sights, accessory rails, and higher magazine capacities. Companies such as Kahr, EAA, Bersa, Sig Sauer, and Beretta produce modern .380 ACP handguns which help bring the cartridge into the modern era. With modern carry techniques and holsters, it is possible for end users to effectively carry some of these larger, more capable .380 ACP pistols. These more modern offerings allow the cartridge to maintain its relevance in the modern era. Shooters of the present day will be more likely to carry a handgun if it aligns with their needs and preferences. With the recent revival of .380 ACP handguns, such as the Beretta 80X Cheetah, shooters can consider viable modern offerings chambered in .380 ACP. Purchase .380 ACP Ammo

.380 ACP’s Shootability

It is undeniable that the .380 ACP is an incredibly shootable cartridge. The relative low velocity of the cartridge combined with its light recoil makes it easy for shooters of all types to employ. These traits make the cartridge easily mastered and utilized by recoil sensitive and new shooters alike, making shooting accessible. Traits like these help ensure the cartridge stays relevant even today among other calibers.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the best cartridge for you is the one that you can employ the best. For some shooters, this happens to be .380 ACP while others prefer other calibers. In today’s market with the modern firearms and loadings available to us, many calibers are viable and relevant. We here at True Shot Ammo carry a wide range of .380 ACP ammunition for sale in our ammo inventory. Our .380 ACP loadings span ammunition for training and practice to optimized defensive loadings, providing shooters with many options. Whether you want to buy bulk .380 ACP ammo or purchase ammo of a different type, we have got you covered.