well, your not really looking at all of whats availble in .380WildBill wrote:IMO, there is no such thing as "stopping power". If there is such as thing, it can not be quantified like muzzle velocity and engery.zero4o3 wrote:I was under the impression that .38 and .380 were very similar as far as stoping power is concerned, is this not correct?WildBill wrote:Or a .38 S&W revolver.speedsix wrote:...my thought is that you can buy a 9mm almost as small, suitable for pocket carry...and be much better armed...
.38 S&W Special 158 gr 940 ft/s, 310 ft·lbf
.38 Special +P 158 gr 1,000 ft/s, 351 ft·lbf
.38 Special +P+ 110 gr 1,100 ft/s, 295 ft·lbf
.380 ACP 100 gr 895 ft/s, 178 ft·lbf
The data shows that a .38 Special +P+ with a 110 gr bullet can achieve 1100 feet per sec velocity with 295 foot-pounds of energy
A .380ACP with a 100 gr bullet can achieve 895 ft/sec with 179 foot-pounds of energy
Clearly the .38 special has superior ballistics.
The .38 special can also fire a 158 gr bullet at 1000 ft/sec with a muzzle energy of 351 foot-pounds of energy.
Clearly the .38 special has more "stopping power".
90 gr .380 that shoots at 1050 FT / Sec and 220 Foot pounds of energy
380 Auto +P Ammo - 90 gr. Jacketed Hollow Point 1200fps M.E. 288 ft. lbs.
380 Auto +P Ammo - 95 gr. Jacketed Hollow Point 1125fps M.E. 267 ft. lbs
that being said, I agree if you can find one you like pocket 9mm is probably the best choice over a .38 / .380 but from that point I say if you buy a quality gun in either caliber your gonna fine.
hmmm we left off the .357
