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The 380 is a backup gun and a poor one at that. With similar sized 9mm and 38SP+P guns out on the market, I don't understand why people keep buying them other than price. The manufacturers crank them out because they are relatively cheap to manufacture (fixed barrel blowback action)

SAMMI pressure for 380 is 21,500 PSI compared to 35,000 PSI for 9mm and 38,500 PSI for 9mm+P. So using chamber pressure, the 380 is about 61% of the power of standard 9mm. Combine that with a max bullet weight of 100gr. (and most are 90gr.) and you get a wimpy cartridge out of a short barreled guns that have tiny sights, poor triggers and has poor penetration.

Even the vaunted Corbon 80gr Self-Defense DPX ammo is advertised as 1050fps velocity. That makes 84000 power factor (bullet weight x velocity). Compare that to 9mm 124gr Golden Sabers at 1125fps and a power factor of 14625. The 380 DPX is 57% of the power of 9mm 124gr Golden Sabers using power factor as a measurement.

Instructor Tom Givens at Rangemaster in Memphis has a spring clip of the type used to hang targets on their range. It was shot by a 380 and the round did not even penetrate the 1/16" metal clip. The bullet is still embedded in the clip. He uses it as a teaching aid when discussing caliber selection. You can guess what his opinion of the 380 is.

For the size of a pocket 380 you could get a 9mm Kahr, a Keltec 9 or an Airweight J-frame that shoots a cartridge that repeatedly passes FBI penetration and expansion tests.

Gringop