What is .380 ACP Ammo?
.380 ACP ammo is ideal for personal defense and compact pistols, offering a reliable balance of performance, control, and concealability. First introduced in 1908 by iconic firearms designer John Moses Browning, the .380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) was engineered for use in small-frame semi-automatic handguns.
It quickly established itself as a lightweight, straight-walled rimless cartridge designed to deliver manageable recoil and dependable stopping power—especially in close-quarters scenarios.
The original design of .380 ACP ammunition features a .355-inch bullet diameter, typically weighing between 85 and 95 grains.
With muzzle velocities averaging around 1,000 feet per second, the cartridge was a major advancement in the early 20th century, offering a new option for compact firearm performance.
In the decades following its release, .380 ACP found widespread use in European military and police agencies, thanks in part to its pairing with compact pistols like the Walther PPK—famously carried by fictional spy James Bond.
The cartridge gained a reputation for being both concealable and effective at short distances.
Although it was initially overshadowed by more powerful cartridges like the 9mm Parabellum, the .380 ACP began to rise in popularity in the U.S. during the 1980s and 1990s. As law enforcement agencies and civilians alike sought out smaller handguns for backup or off-duty carry, .380 ACP became a go-to caliber for personal protection.
Modern advancements in bullet design—such as hollow-point (JHP) and Hydra-Shok technologies—have significantly improved the terminal ballistics of .380 ammo, making it an even more effective self-defense option.
These innovations have enhanced penetration and expansion while keeping recoil to a minimum, making .380 a practical choice for shooters of all experience levels.
Today, .380 ACP ammunition is manufactured by nearly all major ammo brands, including Federal, Hornady, Winchester, Speer, and Remington, and is available in a wide variety of loads such as FMJ for target shooting and JHP for personal defense.
Whether you're carrying a micro-compact pistol for concealed carry or practicing at the range, .380 Auto remains one of the most trusted and versatile handgun calibers in the firearms world.
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 .380 Ammo Manufacturers
- Federal Premium
A top-tier ammunition producer, Federal offers a variety of .380 ACP rounds, including their well-regarded HST hollow point ammo for self-defense. - Winchester
This historic brand provides a range of .380 ACP options, with offerings from range ammo to their Defender series for personal defense. - Remington
With deep roots in ammunition manufacturing, Remington’s range of .380 ACP includes UMC for practice and Ultimate Defense for personal security. - Hornady
Their Critical Defense line is a popular choice for .380 ACP self-defense rounds, combining reliable performance with superior design. - Sellier & Bellot
This European brand is respected worldwide, offering a variety of .380 ACP rounds for different shooting needs. - Speer
A part of the Vista Outdoor group, Speer offers .380 ACP rounds known for their reliability and performance, including the popular Gold Dot line for personal defense. - Fiocchi
An Italian manufacturer, Fiocchi provides a broad selection of .380 ACP ammunition, known for its consistency and reliability. - Magtech
Offering affordable and reliable ammunition, Magtech has a solid lineup of .380 ACP options suitable for practice and target shooting. - PMC
A South Korean ammo producer, PMC is noted for its strict quality control and reliable .380 ACP cartridges. - Aguila
With a range of affordable and dependable .380 ACP ammo, Aguila has garnered respect in the shooting community. - Blazer (by CCI)
Blazer provides cost-effective .380 ACP ammo options, making it a popular choice for practice and plinking. - Sig Sauer
Known predominantly for firearms, Sig Sauer also manufactures high-quality ammunition, including .380 ACP rounds. - PPU (Prvi Partizan)
Offering a wide variety of ammunition, the Serbian manufacturer PPU has affordable and reliable .380 ACP options. - Ammo Inc.
Known for their precision and innovation in ammunition manufacturing, Ammo Inc. offers a variety of .380 ACP rounds, including their signature Streak Visual Ammunition.
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.
Popular Guns that Shoot 380 / 380 ACP Ammo
- Bersa Thunder 380
Known for its affordability and reliability, the Bersa Thunder 380 offers a design inspired by the Walther PPK, with a comfortable grip and easy-to-use controls. - Hi-Point CF-380 Standard
A budget-friendly option, the Hi-Point CF-380 provides a no-frills approach to personal defense with a larger frame for reduced recoil. - Ruger LCP II
An updated version of the original LCP, the LCP II features improved ergonomics, a better trigger, and sights, making it an excellent choice for concealed carry. - Glock 42
As one of the smallest pistols in Glock's lineup, the G42 maintains Glock’s reputation for reliability and durability, all in a compact .380 ACP package. - SIG Sauer P365
The P365-380 offers all the same features as America’s #1 selling micro-compact pistol, now in the softer shooting 380 caliber resulting in easier handling and less felt recoil. - Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380
Known for its compact design and integrated laser sight, the Bodyguard 380 is a popular choice for concealed carry. - Smith & Wesson M&P 380 Shield EZ Compact
Built for personal protection and every-day carry, the M&P380 Shield EZ is chambered in 380 Auto and is designed to be easy to use, featuring an easy-to-rack slide, easy-to-load magazine, and easy-to-clean design. - Kahr Arms CW380
The CW380 stands out for its slim profile, smooth trigger pull, and stainless steel construction, making it a reliable and durable option for personal defense. - Taurus Spectrum
With a focus on ergonomic design and customization, the Spectrum offers a variety of color options and a comfortable shooting experience. - Kimber Micro
A compact 1911-style pistol that doesn’t compromise on quality, offering the craftsmanship and performance Kimber is known for. - Springfield Armory 1911
Inspired by the 1911 design, the 911 is a compact and lightweight option that provides excellent shootability for a .380 ACP firearm. - Walther PPK/PK380
With a rich history and a design that has stood the test of time, the Walther PPK and PK380 offer a blend of style and reliability.
Best Uses for .380 ACP Ammunition
The .380 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), also known as .380 Auto, is one of the most popular handgun calibers for shooters seeking lightweight power and everyday carry convenience. Its compact size, mild recoil, and solid performance make .380 ACP ammo a go-to option for a wide range of uses in the shooting community.
Here’s a breakdown of the best uses for .380 ACP ammunition:
- Concealed Carry & Personal Defense
The most common application for .380 ACP ammunition is self-defense, especially among those who prioritize discreet carry. Thanks to its manageable recoil and availability in subcompact pistols, it’s ideal for pocket, purse, and appendix carry setups. When paired with modern jacketed hollow points (JHP) or polymer-tipped defensive rounds, .380 ACP offers respectable stopping power in close-quarters defensive situations. - Backup Firearms for Law Enforcement
Many law enforcement professionals use .380 Auto pistols as backup weapons. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry as a secondary option, especially in deep concealment roles or ankle holsters. Reliable performance and ease of use under stress make it a solid choice for emergency situations. - Beginner-Friendly Target Shooting
New shooters and those sensitive to recoil often start with .380 ACP ammo due to its low recoil and easy handling. Whether practicing at indoor ranges or learning basic marksmanship, this caliber allows for confidence-building and smoother shooting experiences without sacrificing accuracy. - Home Defense in Compact Platforms
While not as powerful as larger calibers, .380 ACP is still suitable for home defense, particularly for users who prefer or require smaller handguns. With the right defensive load—like hollow points or +P-rated ammo, it can deliver the stopping power necessary to protect your home effectively. - Compact Carry in Warm Climates
In warmer regions where minimal clothing is worn, concealing a full-sized pistol can be a challenge. That’s where the .380 Auto shines. Its slim profile and lightweight design make it easy to carry under summer attire, making it one of the best concealed carry calibers for hot climates.
380 Ammo FAQs
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.