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In the world of pocket pistol calibers what’s the best?
Let’s look at two top calibers that are just perfect for pocket carry and beyond.
First we should examine the history and ballistics of both cartridges. Starting with the smaller .380 ACP. (Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridge. Back in 1908, a new cartridge was released for the Colt Model 1908 Hammerless Pistol. It could really be called a “9mm Short” because it’s true size is 9x17mm. It has a true .35 caliber projectile, just like the 9mm Parabellum cartridge, though the case itself is shorter by 2 millimeters. This limits truly how heavy a projectile can be launched from it, and the powder capacity is less also. For the military style full metal jacket projectile, generally they run around 95 grains in weight. The .380 also has had many names:
- .380 Auto
- 9mm Browning
- 9mm Corto
- 9mm Court
- 9mm Kratak
- 9mm Kurz
- 9mm Scurt
- 9mm Short
- 9 × 17mm
For summer shorts season, the ultra small Ruger LCP in .380 loaded up with the heavier weight Remington Golden Saber 102 grain Brass Jacketed Hollow Point is a great pick for lightweight carry in a small pocket holster.
Way back in 1901, firearm inventor Georg Luger invented the 9mm Parabellum cartridge for his Luger pistol. From lightweight projectiles all the way up to 147 grain offerings the 9mm cartridge is vastly superior to the shorter .380 ACP. cartridge. It is only 2 millimeters longer for case length (9x19mm) but that offers greater case capacity allowing more projectile weight varieties to be used safely.
While small autoloaders in pocket sized pistols are offered, full sized handgun utilize this cartridge also for better accuracy and ammo magazine capacity. There are many full sized and sub-compact models that are easy on the wallet. Case in point are the Bear Creek Arsenal Grizzly and Grizzly Compact pistols. These made in the USA handguns also use the time proven Glock 9mm magazines. After reviewing the two BCA pistols below I can definitely recommend them.
Good hollow point ammunition will also generally shoot more accurately than cheaper bulk bullet packs and a must for defense. Make sure your self defense ammunition of choice is a high quality manufacture with great ratings. If you shoot your own reloads, which for the 9mm can certainly overall save a few bucks, never use them as carry ammo. Use those handloaded cartridges for practice and lots of it! The lawyer on the other side if you have to use them just might have a field day mentioning your “super dangerous reloads”…
Bear defense? Not hardly but Alaskan bear guide Phil Shoemaker protected his life with a very small 9mm handgun. Remember, any gun is better than no gun…
What about larger weapons platforms like carbines? Well here is where 9mm really beats the smaller .380 ACP. caliber. Case in point, the Henry Homesteader.
I received this fast shooter that uses Glock magazines awhile back for review and found it to be extremely fun and quite handy protecting our poultry flock from predators.
Remember long guns in 9mm can be quite useful for ranges generally up to 100 yards. Below is a 50 yard target using regular range ammo in the Henry Arms Homesteader carbine.
.380 Power +P
We all can agree that the 9mm cartridge is a force to be reckon with. But what about for those (including 9mm carriers) that are lacking in their marksmanship skill due to not enough training or just a newbie. To get better at shooting quickly and accurately, thefelt recoilplays a role. Traditionally, we want to practice shooting with a lesser caliber to learn about the felt recoil. With the .22 to .380, it is from hardly noticeable recoil to some recoil.(.380)
Why am I harping on the felt recoil so much? With some practice time put in, you should be able to put 4 rounds into a target accurately at 7-10 yards within a second or two. Compare this to the 9mm, this will be less, unless you’re an elite bad-ass IPSC shooter.
Now comes the power that everyone talks about, they say not enough. Yes, if you’re comparing straight up fire power. Of course not, its just straight up physics. The good news is that technology has allowed us to get +p .380 rounds and can give you that extra umphh, but beware this is considered overpressured. In the long run this may damage your pistol if its not made for the increased stress of +P loads. Still not the same level of a 9mm, but its doable. You gonna tell me that getting shot with multiple .380 rounds at your shoulder doesn’t hurt?
The pic below is a chart from Lucky Gunner, they did some penetration testing with ballistic gel for the .380 caliber. These are the .380 rounds with loads that can effectively penetrate up to 12 inches and beyond. Twelve inches is what the FBI uses as a standard that we all follow as part of the litmus test.
Both the .380 ACP. and the 9mm Parabellum cartridge will be around for a long time. Either will certainly be a great pick but overall the 9mm is the best choice between them. Always remember, expanding projectiles are your best friends unless you are trying to shoot through barricades.
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