The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - What is a more potent stopping power round: 38 Special or .380 ACP

Webleymkv · June 5, 2009, 05:53 PM

It depends on the ammunition and gun. If +P ammo and a full size service revolver like a S&W M10 or Colt Official Police are part of the equation or if the .380 is a very small gun like a Seecamp, NAA Guardian, Keltec, or Ruger LCP, then the the .38 Special is definately the more powerful of the two. However, if you were to compare a snub revolver like an older Colt Cobra, Colt Agent, or S&W M37 limited to standard pressure .38 ammo to a larger .380 with a longer barrel like a Walther PP, Bersa Thunder, Sig P230, or Beretta Cheetah, then you'll find that the terminal ballistics are much closer.

June 5, 2009, 05:53 PM	#16
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	It depends on the ammunition and gun. If +P ammo and a full size service revolver like a S&W M10 or Colt Official Police are part of the equation or if the .380 is a very small gun like a Seecamp, NAA Guardian, Keltec, or Ruger LCP, then the the .38 Special is definately the more powerful of the two. However, if you were to compare a snub revolver like an older Colt Cobra, Colt Agent, or S&W M37 limited to standard pressure .38 ammo to a larger .380 with a longer barrel like a Walther PP, Bersa Thunder, Sig P230, or Beretta Cheetah, then you'll find that the terminal ballistics are much closer.