380 vs 38 special

[beeenbag]

Since this is something we often see discussed here, 5 rounds of 38 special vs 7-8 rounds of 380 in pocket size pistols, I figured I might share some of my content from my channel. This is a video I did a while back, its not just a plain ol gel block comparison but some fleshy media known to many as dinner.

Hope you enjoy, lets see what your thoughts are as well.

 

[Targa]

I always look forward to your videos, thanks for another excellent one. I was surprised at how well they performed.

 

[tactikel]

Great video. I carry XTPs in my .380 LCP. Nice to confirm their effectiveness.

 

[S.Crockett]

9mmMak beats both of them. Only the Czech M&P cartridge for a decade or so.

 

[WheelGunMan]

9mmMak beats both of them. Only the Czech M&P cartridge for a decade or so.

.357 beats both of them too...but this is about .380ACP and .38 Spcl.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

"Ballistic Chickens, " Lol.

 

[WisBorn]

Two of my favorite carry handguns. LCPII & 442.
Thanks for the video.
I like the 38 special, but the 380 is no slouch...

 

[kje54]

 

[sgt127]

For me, that’s not enough penetration. In either caliber. There are guys with beer guts bigger than two chickens.

And, I realize, and appreciate you taking two rounds that are pretty close for comparison.

Great videos. Way more realistic than just gel comparisons. The few times I carry a .380, I carry the Buffalo Bore Hard cast standard velocity.

 

[Ethan Verity]

Great video, it gives me more confidence in my LCP loaded with 90gr XTP rounds as well. I wasn't even sure if the XTP bullets would expand at all out of the 2.75" LCP barrel, but it looks like they work fine.

 

[CDW4ME]

7 rounds of 380 > 5 rounds 38 special

 

[LeftyRed]

“Despite being the guy who wrote an article on handgun "stopping power" after researching almost 2000 real life shootings, I think we spend too much time trying to optimize this variable. The more I research the topic, the more I realize that shot placement is an exponentially better predictor of "stopping power" than caliber is.”
Greg Ellifritz

 

[S.Crockett]

“Despite being the guy who wrote an article on handgun "stopping power" after researching almost 2000 real life shootings, I think we spend too much time trying to optimize this variable. The more I research the topic, the more I realize that shot placement is an exponentially better predictor of "stopping power" than caliber is.”
Greg Ellifritz

So what Greg means is, there really are no flies on the old .22l.r.? …. So we should all be EDC-ing one instead of what we pack right now.

 

[P89DCSS]

So what Greg means is, there really are no flies on the old .22l.r.? …. So we should all be EDC-ing one instead of what we pack right now.

What got from that is; carry what you carry but more diameter/energy is no substitute for good shot placement. If all you got is 22lr concentrate on placement.

Make sense to me.

 

[dweis]

Very good video comparison. Thanks for sharing it in the forum. I’d say the 38 did marginally more damage than the 380. My EDC is a Ruger Security 380 with either a 10 or 15 round magazine depending on how much deep concealment is necessary. While I think bullet for bullet the 38 was better I think the extra capacity of the 380 is a bigger advantage the slightly greater power. I don’t load JHP into my 380. I load Underwood Extreme Defender. I’ve seen tests that show it does as much damage as JHP while achieving more penetration.

 

[sgt127]

So what Greg means is, there really are no flies on the old .22l.r.? …. So we should all be EDC-ing one instead of what we pack right now.

That’s, of course, not what the quote says. Breaking it down to the absurd. Yes. If, under all conditions, you can put a .22 LR in someone’s eye, you are better off than hosing off 5 peripheral hits with a .45.

 

[fastbolt]

“Despite being the guy who wrote an article on handgun "stopping power" after researching almost 2000 real life shootings, I think we spend too much time trying to optimize this variable. The more I research the topic, the more I realize that shot placement is an exponentially better predictor of "stopping power" than caliber is.”
Greg Ellifritz

Indeed.

However, lots of folks like to 'find' their confidence in something that comes in a box, meaning a particular gun, caliber or ammo, rather than look at themselves and frankly evaluate their ability to put hits where they might most matter.

I've sometimes wondered whether some gun or ammo company might sometime think to try including a lucky charm (like a rabbits' foot), talisman or a religious medallion with each new gun or box of ammo.

 

[chicharrones]

9mmMak beats both of them. Only the Czech M&P cartridge for a decade or so.

Show us your carry gun in 9mm Mak. I want to see how it compares in size and weight to the guns in the video.

 

[Jim Watson]

A friend depends on Makarov and Tokarev for defense, so as to not get his Colt, Smith, or Ruger confiscated as "evidence."

 

[chicharrones]

A friend depends on Makarov and Tokarev for defense, so as to not get his Colt, Smith, or Ruger confiscated as "evidence."

LCPs are pretty cheep.

 

[trackskippy]

I've sometimes wondered whether some gun or ammo company might sometime think to try including a lucky charm (like a rabbits' foot), talisman or a religious medallion with each new gun or box of ammo.

They already do. Its what comes in the box.

 

[dweis]

LCPs are pretty cheep.

“Cheep” is what birds do.

 

[dweis]

They already do. It’s lwhat comes in the box.

All I get is an offer to save money on an NRA membership. I’d rather get a good deal on a rabbit’s foot.

 

[trackskippy]

I think a lot of people seem to think the gun and/or ammo is the talisman.

 

[S.Crockett]

Show us your carry gun in 9mm Mak. I want to see how it compares in size and weight to the guns in the video.

Here ya go, Chief:

CZ 82.







12+1 loadout, super-sweet trigger in DA or SA, very accurate.