How Far Can a 380 Bullet Travel?
The.380 ACP cartridge, also known as 9x17mm Short, is a popular pistol cartridge widely used for self-defense and recreational shooting. With a bullet diameter of.380 inches (9.65 mm) and a rim diameter of.329 inches (8.4 mm), this cartridge offers a balance between penetration, expansion, and manageable recoil. But, how far can a 380 bullet travel?
Terminal Ballistics
The terminal performance of a.380 bullet depends on several factors, including the type of bullet, its construction, and the velocity it achieves before striking the target. In general, a 380 bullet can achieve impressive results, especially with expanding and hollow-point ammunition.
• Expansion and Fragmentation: A high-velocity 380 bullet can expand to 1.5 to 2 times its original diameter, creating a larger wound channel and increasing the chances of stopping a threat.
• Penetration: Despite its smaller diameter, the 380 bullet can penetrate deeply into the target, often reaching 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) or more, depending on the angle of incidence and the hardness of the target material.
• Wound Size: A well-designed expanding 380 bullet can create a wound size of around 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter, increasing the risk of incapacitating a target.
Long-Range Performance
When it comes to long-range performance, the 380 bullet faces several challenges:
• Ballistic Coefficient: The 380 bullet’s ballistic coefficient is relatively low, which affects its accuracy and range potential. The coefficient measures how much a bullet’s aerodynamics influence its trajectory.
• Drag: Air resistance (drag) has a greater impact on a 380 bullet’s flight due to its smaller diameter and weight.
• Trajectory: The trajectory of a 380 bullet becomes less stable at longer ranges, making it more prone to drop and spread.
As a result, the maximum effective range for a 380 bullet is generally considered to be:
• 100-150 yards (91-137 meters): At this range, the 380 bullet will still maintain decent accuracy and penetration, but its kinetic energy will be significantly reduced.
• 50-100 yards (45-91 meters): For most practical applications, a 380 bullet’s terminal performance will start to decline at this range, and its accuracy may be affected by wind resistance.
Comparison to Other Calibers
It’s interesting to compare the performance of the 380 bullet to other popular handgun calibers:
| Caliber | Effective Range | Expansion | Penetration | Wound Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .380 ACP | 100-150 yards | 1.5-2 times | 12-18 inches | 4-6 inches |
| 9mm Luger | 150-200 yards | 1.2-1.5 times | 18-24 inches | 5-7 inches |
| .40 S&W | 150-200 yards | 1.2-1.5 times | 20-28 inches | 6-8 inches |
| .45 ACP | 200-250 yards | 1.5-2 times | 24-36 inches | 6-10 inches |
While the 380 bullet performs admirably, it generally falls short of other calibers in terms of range, penetration, and wound size.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 380 bullet can travel up to 100-150 yards (91-137 meters) before its performance significantly declines. At shorter ranges, it exhibits excellent expansion, penetration, and wound size. However, when compared to other popular handgun calibers, the 380 bullet’s limitations become apparent.
Takeaways
- The 380 bullet is an effective self-defense round at shorter ranges, but its terminal performance declines rapidly beyond 100-150 yards.
- Expansion, penetration, and wound size are affected by the bullet’s construction, velocity, and the hardness of the target material.
- Consider the caliber’s limitations and choose a suitable ammunition and range distance for your specific needs and environment.
References
- Hodgdon: Terminal Ballistics (PDF)
- Sierra Bullets: 380 ACP Cartridge Information (PDF)
- Federal Premium: Ammunition Technical Bulletin (PDF)
Note: The values and ranges provided are general estimates and may vary depending on specific circumstances, bullet designs, and other factors.
