.380 vs .32?

Question

This is a multiple question.First,why is a .32 round bigger than a .380 round,yet does less damage? Second,why is my .380 listed as a short 9 (CAL 9 short) on the barrel? I know this is silly to those who know,but please enlighten me?

Answer 1

The 32ACP and 380ACP cases are exactly the same length (0.680"), and in all other dimensions the 380 is larger, so you can put that one to bed. There are some longer 32 caliber cases, but comparing something like 32 H&R Magnum to 380 ACP is really comparing apples to oranges.
The 380ACP is known in much of the world as the local language's equivalent of 9mm Short (you'll see "Kurtz" or "Corto" fairly commonly), because it's very much like the 9mm Parabellum but with a shorter case, the later (AKA 9mm Luger et. al.) being 0.754" long. It's an interconnected world we live in now, so it's gotten to where you need to know something about both US (SAAMI) and European (CIP) nomenclature and specifications.

Answer 2

The .32 is generally a 60-70+ grain round , while the .380 runs around 90 , give or take a few. That being said , a hardball .32 should penetrate about the same as a hardball .380 (7.65 being smaller than 9mm) but the energy of the projectile (weight / velocity) has to go to the heavier round. If you want more "knockdown" power , keep moving to a .40 (10 mm) or( "10 short) or larger. if conceal ability is your thing , they don t come much smaller than todays .32s BTW , shot placement is the most important thing to get right. And , NOBODY wants to get shot in the head with ANYTHING. They are all lethal , if you hit your mark.

Answer 3

A .380 round is bigger than a .32 and it is more powerful because it has more energy when it leaves the muzzle. Next, a .380 is a 9 milimeter round on a shorter shell casing than a full size 9mm.

Answer 4

Well, coming from the standpoint of a very loving husband who bought his wife a pretty little .32 seecamp for Christmas, I can also vouch that the .32acp isn't anything to be toyed with. I wouldn't buy a gun for my wife that wasn't up to the task of downing a potential attacker. Aside from that, either gun is more than good enough. Just use whichever you are most comfortable with. Keep your .380, and see if you can scrounge ammunition... hell, find a friend that reloads. I think you need a little .22, lol. That way you'll *never* be out of practice ammo. That, and .22's do make a serviceable carry gun.

Answer 5

.380

Answer 6

Unlike some stupid comments .380 have almost exactly the same stopping power than 9/19.It have Much less recoil which Is Great and This Is why it is so popular today.Dont trust people telling That it Is a weak round.7.65/.32 Is more confortable to shoot with the kel Tech pistol than bigger ones and the round Is more than enough to kill a man too.It Is also cheaper than the two other rounds and have been used to kill many people during the war in the past.You Will find many people telling That the glock 42 Is the Most confortable.380(9/17) they have ever used because it have low recoil.
Dont let You fool the Most important is shot placement not calibre.

Answer 7

32 cal has more weight to the slug, so wont go as far, 380 or 9 mm same thing, travels faster more impact,

Answer 8

WWD nailed this one to the wall. There isn't anything I could add to his answer as he has it ALL covered. Thumbs Up WLK!