CALIBER WIKI
What is .380 ACP?
9mm Short · 9×17mm — A compact, low-recoil pistol round — like in the Glock 25.
.380 ACP (also called 9mm Short or 9×17mm) is a compact pistol cartridge designed by John Browning in 1908. It is shorter and milder than 9mm Luger, which makes it ideal for small concealed-carry pistols such as the Glock 25.
It is fully capable for sport and self-defence use, with less recoil and smaller guns than .45 ACP.
Quick facts
- Bullet diameter: 9 mm (short case)
- Typical bullet: 90–95 grain
- Famous guns: Glock 25, Beretta 84
- Recoil: mild, beginner-friendly
Licensed firearm caliber in India. You need a valid arms license issued anywhere in India to purchase and use it.
Buying guides
Technical specifications
Representative standard loading: Standard 95 gr FMJ. Figures from Wikipedia.
| Bullet diameter | 9.0 mm (.355 in) |
|---|---|
| Case length | 17.3 mm (.680 in) |
| Bullet weight | 95 gr FMJ (6.2 g) |
| Muzzle velocity | 299 m/s (980 ft/s) |
| Muzzle energy | 275 J (203 ft·lbf) |
| Origin | United States |
| Designer | John Browning |
| Test barrel | 3.75 in test barrel |
.380 ACP vs other well-known calibers
Typical muzzle energy — bars to scale. A .177 airgun pellet hits with roughly 1/25th the energy of a 9mm round.
| Caliber | .380 ACP | 9mm Luger | .32 ACP | .45 ACP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet Ø | 9.0 mm (.355 in) | 9.01 mm | 7.9 mm (.3125 in) | 11.43 mm (.452 in) |
| Bullet weight | 95 gr FMJ (6.2 g) | 7.45 g FMJ (115 gr) | 71 gr FMJ (4.6 g) | 230 gr FMJ (14.9 g) |
| Velocity | 299 m/s (980 ft/s) | 360 m/s (1,180 ft/s) | 276 m/s (905 ft/s) | 255 m/s (835 ft/s) |
| Energy | 275 J (203 ft·lbf) | 481 J (355 ft·lbf) | 175 J (129 ft·lbf) | 483 J (356 ft·lbf) |
Bullet size, to scale
Front view of each bullet at true relative size.
.380 ACP 9.02 mm
9mm Luger 9.01 mm
.32 ACP 7.94 mm
.45 ACP 11.43 mm
