CCW Question 7 of .380 or 5 of .38 special

[YoungMilsurpGuy]

Just wondering what people would think. In a gun of comparable size and weight would you rather have 5 rounds of .38 special or 7 rounds of .380(your choice of loadings)

https://www.strawpoll.me/20390662

 

[pute62]

1 of 45 which would kill 7 (allegedly)

 

[Bigtanker]

Whichever one I shoot best and I'm more accurate with.

 

[Robert Richardson]

I'll take the 38

 

[warren5421]

I would take a .32 ACP loaded with a 75-76 gr RNFP pushed by a full load of Red Dot. About all I can do with my hands. Of the 2 I would go with the .38 and 5. The recoil is easier on my hands.

 

[Route 45]

I'd take 7 rounds of .380 for general self defense against bad guys. With the existence of the Sig P365, I rarely see a need for my one and only .380, a Glock 42. But if choosing between the Glock 42 and any similar sized .38, it's an easy choice for me. Neither is a whopping powerhouse, but the ballistics are similar enough that the extra 2 rounds, flatter profile for easier carry, better trigger, much faster reload capability and vastly superior night sights make it a no-brainer.

The only use that I would go with the .38 over the .380 would be possibly as a woods gun, where I might need to load a couple of cylinders with snake shot or use a heavier bullet than can be had in a .380 for more penetration against 4-legged threats. But again, no reason to go with either one when I can have 13 rounds of Underwood hard cast 147 grain +P 9mm in my P365 in the same size package.

I will add the caveat that my .380 has to be at least a Glock 42 or similar size, and not one of those borderline useless Ruger LCPs or similar sized trinket. I absolutely would take a .38 over one of those dinky paperweights. Shootability is the key.

 

[700 LTR 223]

I will add the caveat that my .380 has to be at least a Glock 42 or similar size, and not one of those borderline useless Ruger LCPs or similar sized trinket. I absolutely would take a .38 over one of those dinky paperweights. Shootability is the key.

That's the reason my 38 Smith 642 is a a stay at home gun as I can shoot the "trinket" guns more accurately and is still so lightweight it seems more like carrying a wallet. The 365 , have one of those too but rarely carry it either. Just loading the mags past 5 rounds takes a Herculean effort. If I want a work out I'll join the gym again.

 

[Old Bear]

I use and carry both. Usually a .380 in warm weather for faster reloads. A .38 snubby in cold months for better penetration. If traveling out of my local comfort zone, I carry something bigger.

 

[357 Terms]

"Comparable size and weight"

38 ....no brainer.
Even an old school LSWCHP at 145 to 158grns at just under 1000fps will be MUCH more effective than ANY .380.

Now, if one is recoil sensitive, the 380.

 

[Amishman44]

.38 special...not even a second thought!
When you start considering weight and momentum for penetration capability
(the #2 priority behind shot placement in any defensive situation),
the .38 wins, hands down!

Shoot what you're good with...and train often!
As an old school wheel-gunner, I trust a .38 special revolver!

 

[700 LTR 223]

38 ....no brainer.
Even an old school LSWCHP at 145 to 158grns at just under 1000fps will be MUCH more effective than ANY .380.

I can agree with that except in a 1.8" Smith 642 the old school 158+P LSWC isn't going to be anywhere near the 1000 fps mark. Yeah I know about Buffalo Bore , not what I would call old school ammo. Most are not gong to pay the price or tolerate the discomfort to practice regularly with Buffalo Bore.

 

[357 Terms]

Yeah I know about Buffalo Bore

So you know thats a 38 special?

That 38 is aay more effective than ANY 380.


By FAAAAAR!!!

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=108

Most are not gong to pay the price or tolerate the discomfort to practice regularly with Buffalo Bore

I chose to handload years ago, the cost of reproducing BB loads is a fraction of actually buying them.
As for discomfort, as I said above, if you are recoil sensitive than the 380 is for you.

 

[Route 45]

That 38 is aay more effective than ANY 380. By FAAAAAR!!!

No it's not.

They are both handgun calibers of .355-.357 diameter. I have been told over and over that energy and minute differences in diameter mean nothing at handgun velocities. So as long as the same diameter bullet penetrates to the vitals in both cases, how can one be way more effective? A fraction of an inch expansion? Not likely. And certainly not as big a factor as having 2 more rounds after the revolver has run dry.

If you DO believe that energy matters, Buffalo Bore lists 351 ft. lbs. of energy for their hottest 158 grain .38 +P. They also list 294 ft. lbs. out of their hottest 100 grain .380. Not exactly David vs. Goliath here.

I'll note that Buffalo Bore lists a range of 400 - 500 ft. lbs of energy for their 9mm offerings.

So the answer to .38 vs. .380 is obviously 9mm.

 

[IndyBeerman]

Personally, neither.

With today's small compact 9mm's I think it's a better option.

Take for example a Glock 42 or a Ruger LCP in .380, both are the same basic foot print and size of my Taurus 709 Slim with 7plus 1 capacity.

I'm not a revolver fan, so carrying one will never be a option for me unless it's a SHTF situation and I pick it up from a defeated adversary.

 

[357 Terms]

No it's not

Phuleeeze! !!

Its not just about energy!

A good soft lead LSWCHP will expand easily and also penetrate much deeper than a lil 380.


You take the 380, I'll take the 38.

 

[1nderbeard]

I'd go with a 38 almost every time if I had to choose.

I do sometimes carry a .380 LCP in my front pocket because in the summer it's just much easier. But I don't consider it much more than a 10 yard gun. Beyond that distance I would have a hard time engaging if I didn't have to.
I've found that the S&W 360 I recently bought is fantastic with accuracy, even with a double action trigger. I just shoot it very well.

 

[Leadeye]

I'll assume we're talking small size carry defense guns. I've never run a direct comparison of penetration between a 100 grain .380 in a short auto and a 158 grain 38 special in a snub revolver. Going with what I have I can hit targets at a greater distance with my Walther PPK/S or My Colt 1903 but I think at short defensive ranges I'll get better penetration with my Colt Detective Spacial.

 

[Snapdragon]

Definitely the .38, especially if it was a wheelgun that could handle .38+P. My go-to carry gun is an LCR in .357 loaded with .38+P hollowpoints.

 

[Route 45]

Phuleeeze! !!

Its not just about energy!

A good soft lead LSWCHP will expand easily and also penetrate much deeper than a lil 380.


You take the 380, I'll take the 38.

I've said it twice, but I'll say it again. Ideally, I'd take neither. 9mm is superior to both and can be had in the same size platform. Good luck getting sufficient penetration out of the empty cylinder when you expend your meager capacity.

 

[357 Terms]

I've said it twice, but I'll say it again. Ideally, I'd take neither. 9mm is superior to both and can be had in the same size platform.

Lol, 9mm? (Eyeroll) Read the title to the thread!!

I'll take 44 mag for the win!