I’ve been doing some research and wrestling with the question of whether it’s safe to shoot .380 Auto rounds in a 9mm firearm. I’m sure many of you have your own experiences and insights on this topic.
Compatibility Issues
From what I understand, .380 Auto and 9mm rounds differ in several key ways:
Case dimensions: The .380 Auto has a shorter cartridge length compared to the 9mm, which can lead to feeding and ejecting issues in a 9mm chamber.
Pressure levels: The .380 Auto operates at lower pressures than the 9mm, which might make it less effective in certain guns designed for the higher pressure of 9mm.
Potential Risks
I’ve come across some opinions that thought using .380 ammunition in a 9mm could potentially wear down the gun or create jams. Some users suggested that since the round is smaller, it might not seat properly in the chamber, causing catastrophic failures that could harm the firearm or the shooter.
Practical Experiences
I’m really interested in hearing from those who have tried this. Have you shot .380s from a 9mm? What was your experience? Did you encounter any problems? Were you able to get a decent performance out of it?
Conclusion
I know it might seem like a simple hack to save some money or try something different at the range, but I really want to understand the safety and practical implications of trying this. If anyone has tried this or has good knowledge on the topic, I would love to hear your thoughts. Let’s clear up any misconceptions and get to the bottom of this together!
.380 Auto and 9mm are fundamentally different cartridges. The .380 has a lower pressure rating, typically around 21,000 psi, compared to 9mm’s 35,000 psi. This means you’re risking issues if you shoot .380 in a 9mm gun. Stick to the recommended ammo for safety.
That’s correct! Not only is the pressure different, but the overall size is too. The .380 is shorter (.98 inches) compared to a 9mm (1.169 inches). Your firearm is designed for the 9mm dimensions and performance.
Remember, the .380 has less energy as well, delivering about 190 ft-lbs compared to the 9mm’s 350-400 ft-lbs. This can impact performance dramatically in self-defense scenarios.
True, and energy is key! Also, trying to fire underpowered ammo in a designed-for-more-power platform could lead to feeding issues or even malfunction. Just stick with what works!
From a technical standpoint, not mixing these cartridges is safe practice. You wouldn’t want to risk damaging your firearm or yourself. Always follow the manufacturer’s specifications.
It’s a shame that .380 Auto is often portrayed as a last-resort option; however, due to the lower specs, it just can’t compete with the more powerful 9mm. Stick with the intended caliber for better performance!
Why do people even ask this? I thought it was common knowledge that you don’t mix calibers, especially with the differences in pressure! Kids, don’t try this at home!
It’s like trying to pour gas into a diesel engine; it just doesn’t work! Safety should always be the top priority, and these technical differences are crucial.
Reflecting on the comments here, it’s clear that understanding your firearm’s specifications isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential! Let’s keep this conversation going!
I would strongly advise against shooting .380 Auto in a 9mm handgun. The two cartridges have different pressures, and doing this could potentially damage your firearm. Always follow manufacturer guidelines!
Shooting the wrong caliber can cause catastrophic failure. I’ve seen videos of this happening. It’s just not worth the risk, no matter how tempting it might seem.