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380 Ammo
About 380 Ammo
Introduced by John Moses Browning in 1908, 380 ammunition (also known as 380 ACP) was designed as a compact, lightweight round for self-defense in small, semi-automatic pistols.
Although not initially popular throughout the United States, 380 ACP did gain popularity in Europe, particularly in Germany and Italy, where strict gun laws and a growing demand for pocket-sized pistols made it an ideal choice for concealed carry.
It wasn't until the 1980s and 1990s that 380 ACP ammunition gained favor in the United States. This was mainly thanks to law enforcement agencies beginning to adopt smaller, more concealable handguns for backup and off-duty use.
Advances in ammunition technology have also led to the development of more effective 380 ACP rounds, such as those featuring expanding hollow-point bullets designed to increase stopping power.
380 ammunition is available from several (if not all) ammo manufacturers and in various loads like FMJ, JHP, HydraShok, and more.
Today, 380 ACP ammo remains popular for firearm owners looking for a lightweight, concealed carry, and self-defense caliber with manageable recoil.
Common Names for 380 Ammunition
Since its initial release in 1908, 380 ammunition has had many different name variations. Some of the most common include:
- 380 ACP Ammo
- 380 Ammunition
- .380 Ammo
- 380 Auto Ammo
- 380 Automatic Colt Ammo
Regardless of your preferred terminology, 380 Ammo has gained massive popularity over the years and is available in the lineup of every significant American ammo manufacturer.
Popular Guns that Shoot 380 / 380 ACP Ammo
GLOCK
Glock 42
SIG SAUER
Sig P365 Sig P238
SMITH & WESSON
M&P Bodyguard M&P 380 Shield EZ
M&P 380
RUGER
Ruger LCP Ruger LCP II
Ruger LCP Max
380 ACP Ammo Features
COMPACT SIZE
380 ammunition is designed to be small and compact, making it an ideal choice for use in small or concealed carry handguns.
STOPPING POWER
Despite its small size, 380 ammo is known for its good stopping power. The bullet is designed to expand upon impact, causing maximum damage making it a more dependable choice for self-defense and other applications.
LOW RECOIL
Due to its smaller size 380 ammunition typically produces less recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately and comfortably, especially for those who are new to shooting or have limited hand strength.
USABILITY
380 ACP ammunition is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry.
In addition, it can be used with a range of firearms, from small pocket pistols to full-sized handguns.
CONCEALABILITY
When it comes to concealed carry, 380 firearms are often considered to be a great CCW ammunition because of their lightweight and small size.
Additionally, 380 ACP ammo often has softer felt recoil compared to other ammunition, meaning the kick you get from the gun is less than from more powerful calibers.
AVAILABILITY
380 ACP ammo remains a popular self-defense cartridge for shooters who want a lightweight or smaller pistol with manageable recoil.
380 ammo can purchased in store at retailers and is also available online. Even on our website, it's the first caliber offered when you search for bulk ammo and regular pistol ammo.
380 Ammo FAQ
QUESTION: What is 380 ammo?
ANSWER: The 380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) is a common concealed carry round used in small, lightweight pistols.
First manufactured in 1908, 380 ACP ammo features a bullet with a .355 inch diameter, which weighs between 85-95 grain (gr) and sits in a straight-walled, rimless shell.
QUESTION: What does 380 ACP stand for?
ANSWER: 380 ACP stands for Automatic Colt Pistol, as the ammunition was created and first manufactured by Colt Manufacturing Company in 1908.
The 380 ACP ammunition produces low recoil and remains popular today as a small caliber for pocket pistols and other concealed carry weapons (CCW), as well as for backyard plinking.
QUESTION:Is 380 ammo effective for self-defense?
ANSWER: With the correct type of 380 ammo, the caliber can be very effective for self-defense. (FMJ) Full metal jacket rounds are perfect for target shooting. However, they may lack the stopping power needed in self-defense situations.
If using a 380 ACP concealed carry weapon (CCW), load it with jacketed hollow points (JHP), which expand on impact, creating a larger wound and more internal damage. JHP ammo is also less likely to over-penetrate, making it the better choice for self-defense.
QUESTION: What is the difference between 380 Auto and 380 ACP?
ANSWER: There is no difference between 380 Auto and 380 ACP ammo.
Both terms refer to the 380 Automatic Colt Pistol cartridge, a small caliber round that’s often used in concealed carry firearms and pocket pistols.
QUESTION: What is the best 380 ammunition for self-defense?
ANSWER: When deciding on the best self-defense ammo in 380, be sure to opt for jacketed hollow points (JHP) over full metal jacket (FMJ) cartridges.
The JHP round expands more on impact, creating more stopping power, and is less likely to over-penetrate in a self-defense scenario. Various manufacturers make self-defense ammunition in 380 ACP, including Remington, Magtech, Winchester, and more.
QUESTION: Can I buy 380 ammo in bulk?
ANSWER: Most definitely. Thanks to the caliber's continued popularity, 380 ACP is generally readily available in bulk quantities at most ammunition retailers and online sellers.
At Ammunition Depot, we carry a vast selection of 380 ACP ammo, specializing in self-defense and target practice.
QUESTION: Where can I buy 380 ACP ammo?
ANSWER: You can purchase 380 ACP ammo via most ammunition vendors. It isn't always as common as 9mm or 45 ACP, so this can somewhat limit options, although it's still widely available.
Buying online is by far the best method for guaranteeing successful purchases and to avoid running into limitations on options.
QUESTION: How much is 380 ACP ammo?
ANSWER: Due to the existence of multiple kinds of guns that fire 380 ACP rounds, even in only one ACP caliber, the ACP cartridge is common and has helped to deliver the round at a reasonable price.
The price of 380 ACP varies by type, but it is a relatively inexpensive round and is typically priced a few cents more per round than 9mm.