What is the difference between a 380ACP bullet and a 9mm bullet. They are the same diameter, only one says 9mm and the other says 380ACP.

quote:

Originally posted by allensee:
What is the difference between a 380ACP bullet and a 9mm bullet. They are the same diameter, only one says 9mm and the other says 380ACP.

The bullets themselves, same diameter.

The 9mm is a longer cartridge case that holds more gunpowder. You get higher velocities and/or you can load heavier bullets.

Some manufacturers, Hornady comes to mind, make different bullets to operate in different velocity windows. So a bullet marked for the .380 may or at least could be designed to operate at a lower velocity.

LWD

Even tho the bullet is the same diameter and could be fired in either weapon, they aren't necessarily interchangeable. Something as simple as ogive location may cause too much of the bullet to be located within the case when seated to the proper length, thus an excessive pressure condition could be created.

The 380ACP is known in Europe as th 9mm Kurz or the 9x17mm/380 ACP. and has a bullet dia. of.356".

The 38 auto or super auto has a .358" bullet dia.

Most 9mm hand gun cartridges(and there are many) have a .355" bullet dia.

The 9mm Makarov has a .363 bullet dia.
roger

Roger

We're going to make a cartridge collector out of you yet. You got an A+

Ray

quote:

Originally posted by Cheechako:
Roger

We're going to make a cartridge collector out of you yet. You got an A+

Ray

Ray! That's the only A+ I ever got in my life. roger

Thank You all very much. I learn something evry time I come to this board.