Revolver · CIP · Not SAAMI standardized · CIP standardizedObsolete
.380 Short
.380 Short is a rimmed straight-walled revolver cartridge of United Kingdom origin.
- Caliber
- 0.3602″ · 9.15 mm
- Introduced
- 1870
- Case
- Rimmed
- Primary use
- Self-Defense, Target
- Status
- Discontinued
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 1870
- Type
- Revolver
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Inventor
- Various British
- Manufacturer
- Eley Brothers; Kynoch
- Standard
- CIP · Not SAAMI standardized · CIP standardized
- SAAMI
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Status
- Discontinued
- Availability
- Rare
- Case capacity
- 12.9 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:15.7
- Primer
- Small Pistol
- Case type
- Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 9,863 psi, CIP transducer
- Eff. range
- 50 yd
- Max range
- 250 yd
- Recoil
- 2.7–2.9 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Velocity only, no drag model: no published ballistic coefficient is on file for .380 Short, so this is the shape gravity alone gives the advertised velocity. Drag would steepen it. The tool below solves real loads through their published G1 or G7 model.
Open in Ballistic Compare- Parent case
- —
Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input (no published BC for this cartridge yet).
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
CIP TDCC · approximate| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 9.15 | 0.360 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 9.70 | 0.382 | |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 9.70 | 0.382 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 10.85 | 0.427 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.25 | 0.049 | ✓ |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 17.90 | 0.705 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 28.00 | 1.102 | ✓ |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .380 Short is highlighted below.
Missing a dimension for .380 Short? Some case measurements aren't in a published SAAMI/CIP drawing yet. Have a factory or reamer print? Send it → — verified hard-to-find data earns a free Lindcott sticker.
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Connected reference
History
The .380 Short is a straight rimmed handgun cartridge originating in United Kingdom.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .380 Short use?
- .380 Short typically uses a 1:15.7 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .380 Short?
- .380 Short uses a 0.3602″ (9.15 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .380 Short still in production?
- .380 Short is discontinued; typical availability is rare.
- What is .380 Short used for?
- .380 Short is primarily used for self-defense, target.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
