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.38 vs .380

Firearms Iinstuctor

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I used the dept chrono to test loads that were considered for carry, none ever matched the factory claim. But the 380 had less of spread. My own figures would not be a cite. Duhhhhh! Even using a chrono it is still a guessing game as to performance to the situation.

So what post besides this one have you claimed to use one or made the statement that you didn't own one.

I guess I must have missed it. please quote it and correct me.
 
Last edited:

BLKH2O

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I am looking to buy my wife her first handgun to carry and use, but not sure what would be best out of those two types. Could someone please tell e what you would use between the two and what you think the pros and cons are.

I am looking at those because she has never really handled firearms much in her youth. She shoots mine with little problem but I carry a Nagant at the moment.

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Hope the comments by others doesn't confuse you too much. Either the .38 or .380 is a good choice. I go back and forth from my semi auto to revolver but rely on my revolver most of the time (smith & Wesson model 686 Talo with 3in. barrel). Long barrel vs. short barrel, fast bullet vs. slow bullet. Way I see it, the person on the receiving end isn't going to see the bullet anyways and its not going to feel good either way. Good luck in your search and safe shooting..
 

WalkingWolf

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Hope the comments by others doesn't confuse you too much. Either the .38 or .380 is a good choice. I go back and forth from my semi auto to revolver but rely on my revolver most of the time (smith & Wesson model 686 Talo with 3in. barrel). Long barrel vs. short barrel, fast bullet vs. slow bullet. Way I see it, the person on the receiving end isn't going to see the bullet anyways and its not going to feel good either way. Good luck in your search and safe shooting..

+1 I can't think of one caliber I would agree to be shot with...
 

davidmcbeth

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Did you scroll all the way to the bottom of the page at the link I posted? The numbers are there!

Here is a cropped version of the chart, showing the relevant data points

View attachment 11028


One really cannot look at a single value as many variables come into play ... I would look for a chart that was based on at least 7 measurements each with a 95% t-test range being listed as well as knowing the errors of the test measurement instruments and methods being utilized.

Always interesting to review such data though ...
 

Firearms Iinstuctor

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One really cannot look at a single value as many variables come into play ... I would look for a chart that was based on at least 7 measurements each with a 95% t-test range being listed as well as knowing the errors of the test measurement instruments and methods being utilized.

Always interesting to review such data though ...

Normally one would use a 10 shot string and then post the avg in a chart like this can't tell but would said that what most likely had been done.
 

davidmcbeth

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Normally one would use a 10 shot string and then post the avg in a chart like this can't tell but would said that what most likely had been done.


If you want, post the raw data values for the ten measurements taken & I can provide a quick statistical analysis ... you can PM of post the values to this thread ...
 

bunnspecial

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One really cannot look at a single value as many variables come into play ... I would look for a chart that was based on at least 7 measurements each with a 95% t-test range being listed as well as knowing the errors of the test measurement instruments and methods being utilized.

Always interesting to review such data though ...

Look around that website(which is a great reference by the way) and they provide all of their raw data. The numbers in that chart are an average based on several data points(anywhere from 3-10) and somewhere on the site you can download the full spreadsheets with all of the data points. I did some stats on one of them a while back, and was fairly pleased with the reliability of their numbers.

By the way, if we're going to include Buffalo Bore ammunition, the 38 special +P still comes out on top with over 1000 fps from a model 60 with a 158gr bullet.

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

I've not bought this specific load, but I have chronoed a couple of other Buffalo Bore loads(especially the 38 special standard special loads) and have never found one that came out under its advertised velocity in the specified firearms.
 

Firearms Iinstuctor

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BB has come out with some good stuff.

I can match it with hand loads so I don't have to pay their prices for it.

For the non hand loader they are a good company.
 

bunnspecial

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His own cites show that the 380 has overall higher velocity than the 38. BUT he decided to be dishonest and post the LOW figures for 380, and the HIGH figures for 38. VERY dishonest!

I'll post some from others.

http://www.yankeegunnuts.com/2012/07/30/38-special-ballistics-snubnose/

I really don't appreciate being called dishonest, especially since it was not warranted in this situation! I posted references for my information, and gave a summary of it that I believe accurately describes it


Here was my statement to which you seemed to take offense

Out of a 3" barrel, a typical 380 load will give 800-900 fps with a ~90gr bullet. A 2" revolver firing a 38 special +P will give roughly the same velocities with a 125-135gr bullet. The extra weight can give much improved penetration, and there are hollowpoints designed for 38 special that give excellent and reliable expansion in this velocity range(the 135gr Gold Dot is a good example).

Yes, there are exceptions to this, and this was why I used the word "typical"(Buffalo Bore it not "typical" ammunition) rather than "all."

In the interest of full disclosure, here are "real gun" numbers from the same reference I used with barrel lengths straddling the stated 3" value

Untitled.jpg

Notice that discounting the Buffalo Bore +P, the 800-900 fps range is a fair estimate. Yes, some are higher, just as some of the 38 Special +Ps are higher.

And, once again, if we include Buffalo Bore 380 +P loads we should also include Buffalo Bore 38 special +Ps, which best the 380 by a considerable amount of energy.

And, with that, I'm done with this thread.
 

samkent

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My misses test fired a lot of small guns (semi autos).
None of them felt right in her hand. The 380s didn't have enough grip and only one had a safety.
The 9mms were too big feeling and had more kick.
But then . . .
The local gun store had a Taurus 709 (9mm). The instant she put it in her hand she said it feels perfect. It has a lot more grip but isn't much bigger overall. By the time she had two mags through it she didn't notice the kick.
It carries 7+1 and has a manual safety. Plus it's SA and DA which gives her that second strike ability it you get a funcky primer.

Most on here would agree that any 9mm gives more punch than any .380.
 

WalkingWolf

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My misses test fired a lot of small guns (semi autos).
None of them felt right in her hand. The 380s didn't have enough grip and only one had a safety.
The 9mms were too big feeling and had more kick.
But then . . .
The local gun store had a Taurus 709 (9mm). The instant she put it in her hand she said it feels perfect. It has a lot more grip but isn't much bigger overall. By the time she had two mags through it she didn't notice the kick.
It carries 7+1 and has a manual safety. Plus it's SA and DA which gives her that second strike ability it you get a funcky primer.

Most on here would agree that any 9mm gives more punch than any .380.

So does a 45 acp, and a mack truck... Couldn't resist.
 

OC for ME

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That is Mack truck. besides the 9mm fall comfortably in the realm of your "I can't think of one caliber I would agree to be shot with..." comment, obviously. I am at the point that price of ammo is a factor and a box of 50 ball for practice seems to make the .38 spl a good choice for my Boss when she gets a hankerin for some shootin. Though, she usually gets in the mood to run a box through her Model 60, oddly enough, very shortly after I have been placed in the proverbial "doghouse."

Hmm....
 

WalkingWolf

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That is Mack truck. besides the 9mm fall comfortably in the realm of your "I can't think of one caliber I would agree to be shot with..." comment, obviously. I am at the point that price of ammo is a factor and a box of 50 ball for practice seems to make the .38 spl a good choice for my Boss when she gets a hankerin for some shootin. Though, she usually gets in the mood to run a box through her Model 60, oddly enough, very shortly after I have been placed in the proverbial "doghouse."

Hmm....

The 38 clearly has a lot of advantages when it comes to choice of ammo. Semi autos are limited in they have to have enough pressure to operate, but not so much as to beat them to death.
 

Firearms Iinstuctor

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The 38 clearly has a lot of advantages when it comes to choice of ammo. Semi autos are limited in they have to have enough pressure to operate, but not so much as to beat them to death.

I find running a bunch of 38WCs through a fine target revolver more fun then using a 22rf and they are very accurate to boot.
 

7om5hipp

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I have had my eye on the HiPoint .380 they have, she likes how it feels and I sort of like that warranty that they have on it.

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WalkingWolf

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I have had my eye on the HiPoint .380 they have, she likes how it feels and I sort of like that warranty that they have on it.

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My wife has a HP 380, but then she has a JA380 also. She rarely carries the HP, she normally carries a Star Super, or a PA63. The purpose of the HP is for the range, mild recoil. The C9 is the same size as the 380, the ammo is usually less than the 380 if not reloading. Again the reason we went with the 380 is I already have dies for 380, though I possibly could make my 38 auto dies work for 9mm.

You may want to consider the C9 just because the ammo tends to be less, and easier to find.
 
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