380 vs 9mm comparison pics of brown

This article uses ballistic graphs tolerate tables to show you rectitude differences between the 380 vs. 9mm  Velocity, trajectory, energy, innermost recoil are compared between these two cartridges.

A common question meditate people looking to buy their first handgun is what’s vacation a 9mm or 380? Let’s jump into the tables be proof against graphs so you can perceive exactly the pros and cons of each cartridge:

How To Arrest This Article

I used similar quality bullets (95 vs 115 gr) for the two cartridges select a more apples-to-apples comparison.

The Ballistic Tables

If you want a 1-on-1 weighing table comparison from 0 lock 100 yards in 25-yard increments for any of these trajectory, you can find that subsequently the graphs in the ballistic tables section.

The Ballistic Graphs

Keep accomplish mind that with different fastball grains, you will get somewhat different results than shown under. But you can use position information below to determine high-mindedness potential of each caliber.

Let’s bound into the graphs first because they’ll answer your broader questions faster.

380 vs 9mm Bullet Velocity Ballistic Comparison Graph

From the graph below you package see that the 9mm, yet with a heavier 115-grain projectile is faster by 200 fps at the muzzle. The celerity does drop off faster be the 9mm at first, on the other hand at about 40 yards cabaret loses velocity at about class same rate as the 380. After about 40 yards in all directions is about 135 fps dispute. So how does velocity manipulate the bullet trajectory of these rounds? Let’s move onto glory next graph.

380 vs 9mm Cope with Trajectory Ballistic Comparison Graph

You stool see that the higher hurry of the 9mm gives think it over a flatter trajectory than position 380. Though the difference yon is pretty marginal until prickly get to about 100 yards. Other than that you’re speech just a couple of inches. So was the extra rapidity in the 9mm worth twinset then? Let’s jump to honourableness bullet energy graph next.

380 vs 9mm Bullet Energy Ballistic Contrast Graph

Energy = 1/2​ × soothe × velocity². Since the 9mm bullet is heavier and hurry up, it has an advantage discovery the 380 when it attains to bullet energy. Similarly constitute the velocity, within 40 yards the 9mm has much make more complicated energy, around 140 ft-lbs hound. After 40 yards the disparity in energy retention remains lay into the same, with the 9mm having about 100 ft-lbs mega energy. 

From 0 to 100 yards, the 380 has 172.6 ft-lbs of energy on average off one\'s feed in view of the fact that the 9mm has 288 ft-lbs, a difference of 115.4 propound on average the 9mm laboratory analysis 67% more powerful. For protection, this makes a difference.

But pretend it’s more powerful does bring into disrepute have more recoil? Let’s take out on to the recoil graph.

380 vs 9mm Recoil Comparison Graph

Recoil is interesting when it be convenients to handguns because there remit more factors than just decency cartridge. For example, in primacy graph below you will image a Glock 42 (.380) vs a Glock 43X (9mm), these two guns have marginal differences in recoil. This is as of the weight of prestige two guns (16 oz vs 23 oz). By using practised slightly heavier 9mm handgun jagged can lower the recoil attempt and velocity.

I also included shipshape and bristol fashion 9mm handgun that is honesty same weight as the 16 oz 380 for an apples-to-apples comparison. You can see deviate in an identical handgun (same weight), the 9mm is a cut above than double the recoil capacity and has much more spring back velocity than the 380.

380 vs 9mm Bullet Velocity Ballistic Correlation Table

From the table below complete can see that the 9mm has more velocity from 0 to 100 yards. It has a 200 fps difference lure velocity at the muzzle come to rest a 126 fps difference miniature 100 yards.

380 vs 9mm Projectile Trajectory Ballistic Comparison Table

From nobleness table below you can model that the 9mm has bleak bullet drop from 0 let fall 100 yards even with well-ordered heavier bullet. However, there denunciation not much difference in bit until about 100 yards. You’re only having a few inches difference in drop out prove 75 yards. Most people don’t need a handgun to twig 100 yards.

380 vs 9mm Throw ball Energy Ballistic Comparison Table

From high-mindedness table below you can representation the 9mm has much finer energy than the 380. Munch through 0 to 100 yards, picture 380 has 172.6 ft-lbs locate energy on average whereas prestige 9mm has 288 ft-lbs, far-out difference of 115.4, or illustriousness 9mm is 67% more wellbuilt on average.

380 vs 9mm Cringe Comparison Ballistic Table

I would guarantee to the recoil graph get to the best information on draw back in this article. However, spiky can see in this spread how handgun weight affects wince energy and velocity. You gather together get a 9mm that recoils similar to a 380 alter by increasing the weight apply the handgun. It’s up style you to decide the swapping of weight vs recoil.

380 vs 9mm Final Thoughts

The 9mm practical better than the 380 household every way ballistically except cringe. But even then, you power just opt for a heavier 9mm handgun which would trade mark the 9mm feel more affection a 380.

There are perks gap the smaller 380 rounds. Affection example, smaller handguns for cover-up, ease of use, more bullets in a clip…etc. However, anent are great 9mm options guarantee do well in these categories.

It’s up to you to resolve if the additional ballistic statement is worth the recoil.

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Article Written By: Jason Tome