Compare / .380 ACP vs 9mm Luger

Cartridge comparison

.380 ACP vs 9mm Luger

9mm Luger is faster (1,250 vs 1,000 fps); 9mm Luger carries more energy (400 vs 220 ft·lb); .380 ACP recoils less.

.380 ACP →
Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd
25 yd · zero0″−61″61″ drop @ 200 yd0100200Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
9mm Luger →
Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd
25 yd · zero0″−39″39″ drop @ 200 yd0100200Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.380 ACP9mm Luger
TypePistolPistol
Introduced19081902
Bullet ⌀0.355″0.355″
Case length0.68″0.754″
Velocity950–1,000 fps990–1,250 fps
Energy190–220 ft·lb300–400 ft·lb
Max pressure21,500 psi35,000 psi
Recoil4–6.5 ft·lb5–8 ft·lb
Eff. range25 yd50 yd

FAQs

Is .380 ACP faster than 9mm Luger?
9mm Luger is faster — up to 1,250 fps versus 1,000 fps.
Does .380 ACP hit harder than 9mm Luger?
9mm Luger carries more muzzle energy (400 vs 220 ft·lb).