Why does 380 ammo cost more than 9mm?

Chris Van · March 18, 2013, 11:52 AM

Just something I've always wondered. I've always owned 9mm's and never owned a 380 but am in the market for an LCP or possibly a bodyguard so I have picked up a couple of boxes of 380 ammo from time to time so I'll have some available when I do get one.
I mean, to me it just appears to be a smaller version of a 9mm anyway.

Theohazard · March 18, 2013, 12:07 PM

9mm is a MUCH more popular round than .380. The market for 9mm ammo is huge compared to .380, therefore 9mm tends to be a lot cheaper and a lot more plentiful than .380 (under normal circumstances).

lcpiper · March 18, 2013, 12:09 PM

Supply and demand, 9mm is much more popular so it is made in larger quantities, competition is higher, so prices are lower. Now that .380ACP is becoming much more popular with the new crops of pocket autos the demand is getting better but it still isn't anywhere near 9mm.

I did see light at the end of the tunnel recently as I think the prices are starting to fall on it some but that depends on how long it takes for stores to let us see the benefit instead of just their wallets.

March 18, 2013, 11:52 AM	#1
Chris Van Member Join Date: March 4, 2013 Location: Middle Ga. Posts: 33	Why does 380 ammo cost more than 9mm? Just something I've always wondered. I've always owned 9mm's and never owned a 380 but am in the market for an LCP or possibly a bodyguard so I have picked up a couple of boxes of 380 ammo from time to time so I'll have some available when I do get one. I mean, to me it just appears to be a smaller version of a 9mm anyway.

March 18, 2013, 12:07 PM	#2
Theohazard Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2012 Location: Western PA Posts: 3,829	9mm is a MUCH more popular round than .380. The market for 9mm ammo is huge compared to .380, therefore 9mm tends to be a lot cheaper and a lot more plentiful than .380 (under normal circumstances). __________________ 0331: "Accuracy by volume."

March 18, 2013, 12:09 PM	#3
lcpiper Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2011 Posts: 1,405	Supply and demand, 9mm is much more popular so it is made in larger quantities, competition is higher, so prices are lower. Now that .380ACP is becoming much more popular with the new crops of pocket autos the demand is getting better but it still isn't anywhere near 9mm. I did see light at the end of the tunnel recently as I think the prices are starting to fall on it some but that depends on how long it takes for stores to let us see the benefit instead of just their wallets. __________________ Colt M1911, AR-15 \| S&W Model 19, Model 27\| SIG P238 \| Berreta 85B Cheetah \| Ruger Blackhawk .357MAG, Bearcat "Shopkeeper" .22LR\| Remington Marine Magnum SP 12GA., Model 700 SPS .223