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380 ACP (Auto) Ammo For Sale

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Initially designed as a pocket pistol cartridge, the .380 ACP has been used in personal defense applications for over a century. While it's a potent cartridge, it can still be used in handguns small enough to conceal as well as in pistols weighing less than a pound. Learn More
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  1. Fiocchi 380 ACP Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 95 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $324.99

    62 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 960 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 194 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 32.5¢ per round
    • Made by Fiocchi
  2. Blazer 380 ACP Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 95 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $339.99

    57 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 945 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 188 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 34¢ per round
    • Made by Blazer Brass
  3. Speer 380 ACP Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 95 Grain TMJ Ammunition

    $344.99

    45 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type TMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 950 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 190 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 34.5¢ per round
    • Made by Speer
  4. Pobjeda Technology MAXXTech 380 ACP Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 95 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $349.99

    29 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 918 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 178 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 35¢ per round
    • Made by MaxxTech
  5. Ammo Inc. 380 ACP Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 100 Grain TMJ Ammunition

    $354.99

    27 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type TMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 890 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 176 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 35.5¢ per round
    • Made by Ammo Incorporated
  6. Prvi Partizan 380 ACP Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 94 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $354.99

    1 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 950 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 191 ft lbs
  7. Federal 380 ACP Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 95 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $359.99

    91 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 980 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 203 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 36¢ per round
    • Made by Federal
  8. PMC 380 ACP Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 90 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $364.99

    65 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 961 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 185 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 36.5¢ per round
    • Made by PMC
  9. PMC Battle Pack 380 ACP Ammo - 900 Rounds of 90 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $334.99

    78 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 961 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 185 ft lbs
    • 900 Rounds
    • 37.2¢ per round
    • Made by PMC
  10. Fiocchi 380 ACP Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 90 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $389.99

    82 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 975 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 190 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 39¢ per round
    • Made by Fiocchi
  11. Fiocchi 380 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 95 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $19.99

    139 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 960 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 194 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 40.0¢ per round
    • Made by Fiocchi
  12. Federal 380 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 95 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $21.99

    32 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 980 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 203 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 44¢ per round
    • Made by Federal
  13. Speer 380 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 95 Grain TMJ Ammunition

    $21.99

    146 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type TMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 945 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 188 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 44¢ per round
    • Made by Speer
  14. Pobjeda Technology MAXXTech 380 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 95 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $22.49

    20 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 918 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 178 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 45¢ per round
    • Made by MaxxTech
  15. PMC 380 ACP Ammo - 300 Rounds of 90 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $134.99

    22 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 961 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 185 ft lbs
    • 300 Rounds
    • 45.0¢ per round
    • Made by PMC
  16. Ammo Inc. 380 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 100 Grain TMJ Ammunition

    $22.99

    34 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type TMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 890 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 176 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 46.0¢ per round
    • Made by Ammo Incorporated
  17. PMC 380 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 90 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $23.99

    72 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 961 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 185 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 48¢ per round
    • Made by PMC
  18. Winchester 380 ACP Ammo - 500 Rounds of 95 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $239.99

    32 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 955 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 192 ft lbs
  19. Remington 380 ACP Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 95 Grain MC Ammunition

    $479.99

    11 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 955 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 192 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 48¢ per round
    • Made by Remington
  20. Ammo Inc. Streak 380 ACP Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 100 Grain TMJ Non-Incendiary Visual Tracer Ammunition

    $479.99

    2 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type TMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 890 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 176 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 48.0¢ per round
    • Made by Streak
  21. Prvi Partizan 380 ACP Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 94 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $484.99

    3 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 951 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 191 ft lbs
  22. Remington 380 ACP Ammo - 500 Rounds of 95 Grain MC Ammunition

    $244.99

    7 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 955 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 190 ft lbs
    • 500 Rounds
    • 49¢ per round
    • Made by Remington
  23. Blazer 380 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 95 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $25.75

    106 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 945 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 188 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 51.5¢ per round
    • Made by Blazer Brass
  24. Winchester 380 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 95 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $26.49

    140 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 955 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 190 ft lbs
  25. Prvi Partizan 380 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 94 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $26.50

    95 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 951 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 191 ft lbs
  26. Aguila 380 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 95 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $26.99

    60 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 945 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 188 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 54.0¢ per round
    • Made by Aguila
  27. Fiocchi 380 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 90 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $26.99

    98 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 975 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 190 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 54¢ per round
    • Made by Fiocchi
  28. Remington 380 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 95 Grain MC Ammunition

    $26.99

    8 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 955 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 192 ft lbs
  29. Ammo Inc. Streak 380 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 100 Grain TMJ Non-Incendiary Visual Tracer Ammunition

    $29.99

    41 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type TMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 890 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 176 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 60.0¢ per round
    • Made by Streak
  30. Remington 380 ACP Ammo - 600 Rounds of 88 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $389.99

    7 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 990 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 191 ft lbs
    • 600 Rounds
    • 65¢ per round
    • Made by Remington
  31. Sellier & Bellot XRG Defense 380 ACP Ammo - 25 Rounds of 77 Grain SCHP Ammunition

    $16.99

    69 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type SCHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 1115 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 213 ft lbs
  32. Hornady American Gunner 380 ACP Ammo - 250 Rounds of 90 Grain XTP JHP Ammunition

    $189.99

    47 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type XTP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 1000 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 200 ft lbs
    • 250 Rounds
    • 76¢ per round
    • Made by Hornady
  33. Speer 380 ACP Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 90 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $799.99

    3 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 990 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 196 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 80.0¢ per round
    • Made by Speer
  34. Federal Tactical 380 ACP Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 99 Grain HST JHP Ammunition

    $800.00

    1 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 1030 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 233 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 80¢ per round
    • Made by Federal
  35. Federal 380 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 90 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $42.50

    52 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 1000 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 200 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 85.0¢ per round
    • Made by Federal
  36. Speer 380 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 90 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $42.99

    118 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 990 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 196 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 86¢ per round
    • Made by Speer
  37. Federal 380 ACP Ammo - 50 Rounds of 99 Grain HST JHP Ammunition

    $42.99

    119 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 1030 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 233 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 86¢ per round
    • Made by Federal
  38. Hornady 380 ACP Ammo - 25 Rounds of 90 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $22.99

    111 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type XTP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 1000 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 200 ft lbs
    • 25 Rounds
    • 92¢ per round
    • Made by Hornady
  39. Federal Punch 380 ACP Ammo - 20 Rounds of 85 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $19.99

    72 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 1000 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 189 ft lbs
    • 20 Rounds
    • 100.0¢ to $1.00 per round
    • Made by Federal
  40. Corbon 380 ACP Ammo - 20 Rounds of 90 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $19.99
    As low as $17.99 in bulk
    • $17.99 each if you buy 10save 10%

    81 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 1050 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 220 ft lbs
    • 20 Rounds
    • 90.0¢ to $1.00 per round
    • Made by Corbon
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History of 380 ACP (Auto) Ammo

One of the most popular handgun cartridges available on the market today, the .380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) is an easy-to-carry self-defense cartridge. With a variety of small, lightweight compact pistols chambered in this caliber, its mild recoil and minimal muzzle blast make it a popular choice among those who carry concealed, police officers looking for a capable back-up gun, and general backyard plinkers and target shooters.

Typical .380 ammunition, also called .380 Auto ammo, features an 85-95 grain (gr) bullet that measures .355 inch in diameter and 0.984 inch in cartridge length. It's rimless and straight-walled, and is equipped with low-pressure percussion caps.

While .380 ACP ammo has gone up, down and back up in popularity over the last century, there’s still not a general consensus about the cartridge. When asked about their opinion on .380 ACP ammo, shooters either love it or hate it – and there’s not much middle ground for discussion.

Development of .380 ACP Ammo

Designed by John Moses Browning, .380 Auto ammunition was first introduced by Colt’s Manufacturing Company for the Colt Model 1908 Pocket Pistol in 1908. Browning’s design stemmed from his previous .38 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) cartridge, which are made for blowback pistols.

In 1912, .380 ACP ammunition was introduced in Belgium, where it became known as the 9mm Browning short. It remained popular during World War II – German forces used the Walther PPK and Italian forces used the Beretta M1934, both pistols chambered for .380 bullets.

The .380 Auto ammo was also used in other military pistols around the world until many replaced it with the 9mm. European law enforcement agencies also issued pistols chambered for .380 ACP ammunition as duty sidearms for their officers during the first decades of the 1900s.

In Czechoslovakia, Italy, and Sweden, the .380 still remains the official military cartridge.

Uses for .380 Auto Ammunition

The .380 ACP is not a high-energy round, but its accuracy makes it suitable for self protection, especially since recoil and muzzle blast are moderate. The bullets feed well and the firearms chambered for this round are as dependable as most other semi-automatic pistol rounds.

.380 ammunition shows a significant improvement in power and force when compared to the .32 Auto, especially in stopping power. The .380 ACP has become the standard minimum chambering for military, law enforcement, and self-defense rounds.

Outside of self defense, the .380 Auto provides high velocity and sufficient power for hunting small game. Many hunters use the round for rabbits, birds, and vermin like groundhogs and opossum. Using .380 ACP snake shot can come in handy for reptiles and indoor varmint, including rats.

Throughout history, even a few machine guns have been chambered for the .380 Auto, including the Mendoza HM-3 and the PP-19 Bizon.

Types of .380 Ammo

The range of .380 ammunition for sale today – from practice ammo to personal protection and target shooting – is abundant, with all major manufacturers of pistol ammunition in the U.S. producing .380 ACP ammo.

Today’s self-defense ammo is high quality and light years ahead of the basic round nose or simple hollow point bullets that the .380 ACP was originally created for. These advances have made .380 ammo cheap, readily available, and a viable choice of self-defense rounds for those who criticized past stopping power.

While there’s specialty .380 ACP ammo for sale, like Hornady Zombie Max, the cartridge is generally found in traditional ammo types:

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): The FMJ is a typical range round and consists of a lead bullet nestled into a brass, nickel-plated, steel, or zinc-plated steel casing. The visible part of the bullet is covered with a harder metal, most often copper. When looking for bulk .380 ammo, this is often the cartridge people opt for. It’s a great round for practice, but is not designed for self defense or personal protection.

Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP): Designed for self defense and hunting, JHP .380 ACP cartridges feature a lead bullet that, like FMJ, are jacketed in a harder metal. Yet instead of being round, these .380 bullets have a hollow point. This allows the bullet to expand significantly more than FMJ bullets, increasing the .380 ACP bullets’ stopping power and wound size.

Lead Round Nose (LRN): When a shooter’s goal is to buy .380 ammo cheap, they can find it with LRN rounds. These cartridges have the same lead bullet, but these aren’t jacketed, making them less expensive than other options. LRN bulk .380 ammo is used for plinking, target shooting, and training. While they offer an economic option, they’re restricted in some public hunting grounds, certain shooting ranges, and even in some states because of lead exposure. They do not offer the best options for self-defense rounds.

Total Metal Jacket (TMJ): TMJ rounds are similar to FMJ, but even safer when it comes to lead exposure. The lead bullet in TMJ .380 ACP ammunition is completely covered in a harder metal like copper. Buy .380 ammo like this to protect the shooter and environment from accidental lead exposure. TMJ cartridges are mandatory in some shooting ranges.

Popular Names for .380 ACP Ammunition

Like other ammunition cartridges, when shoppers are looking at .380 ACP ammo for sale, it often comes by many different names. Depending on location and need, shoppers may hear people refer to this ammo as:

  • .380 Automatic Colt Pistol
  • .380 ACP
  • .380 Auto
  • .380 ammo
  • .380 ammunition
  • 9mm Browning
  • 9mm Short
  • 9x17mm
  • 9mm Kurz

All of these names are correct to use for .380 ammo, but sometimes incorrect versions arise. Many people reference these rounds without the period, simply using 380 ACP or 380 ammo. While this relays the information in a way that’s still understandable, it’s grammatically incorrect. The period in .380 ACP signifies the measurement of the bullet’s diameter, so in this case, the bullet measures .380 inch across. Without the period, this meaning is lost.

Other common variations include .380 acp and .380 auto. Again, while the connotation of these remain, these names are grammatically incorrect. The “ACP” in the .380 ACP ammo is an acronym for Automatic Colt Pistol, and all acronyms should be capitalized. In this same way, when referring to the round as the .380 Auto, auto should remain capitalized, as it’s an abbreviation for the Automatic Colt Pistol.

The .380 Auto for Self Defense

While popularity of the .380 fell with the modernization of the 9mm in the 1990s, the U.S. market showed a renewed interest with the release of the Kel-Tec P-3AT pistol by the early 2000s. This pistol was ultra-lightweight, easily concealable, reliable, and inexpensive – and the people loved it.

This spawned a movement and soon other lightweight, concealed carry pistols hit the market with increased demand, including offerings from Diamondback, Ruger, Smith & Wesson, and Sig Sauer.

After the 2008 election, the desire for .380 ammo and firearms again boomed. This increased interest has led to better performing and more effective ammunition, as well as mass production of .380 bulk ammo.

As .380 ACP ammunition has grown in popularity, manufacturers of firearms and ammunition have been responsive, increasing the availability and use of this round for handguns. Because of this, cheap .380 rounds are available coast to coast and throughout online markets.

Popular .380 Pistols for Concealed Carry

Due to its popularity, the .380 Auto has many small guns chambered for it. Some of the most popular of these small caliber pistols include:

  • Glock 42: Glock’s smallest pistol, the Glock 42 is chambered for .380 ammo and is designed with training in mind. Made in the U.S., this slim semi-automatic pistol is easy to carry, easy to conceal and handles just like a Glock should.
  • Ruger LCP: The Ruger LCP has become the go-to for super small, concealed carry firearms. It brought Ruger into the playing field of ultralight firearms and became the cheap .380 pistol that many gun owners were looking for.
  • Sig Sauer P238: Sig Sauer’s P238 comes in an all-metal, 1911-style frame and weighs in at under one pound. It’s known for its accuracy and the newest models come stock with night sights.
  • Walther PK380: With a classic Walther look, the PK380 doesn’t disappoint shooters. Its low-profile design and small grip make it a great choice for concealed carry, and its double-action and single-action options allow shooters to have an 11- or four-pound trigger pull.
  • Kel-Tec P-3AT: The first ultra-compact .380 pistol specifically designed for concealed carry, the Kel-Tec P-3AT is the firearm that rose the .380 ACP into what it is today. It features a 2.7-inch barrel, internal hammer, and double-action trigger set to a five-pound pull.

How Lethal Is the .380 ACP Cartridge?

Although its adversaries may not like to admit it, .380 ACP ammo is lethal. And while it’s smaller and not as effective as larger handgun calibers, such as the 9mm, .40 S&W, and the .45 ACP, it’s performance numbers are not that far off. The .380 actually performs more like a .45 round than its closer-in-size cartridge, the .32 ACP.

So why all the hype about it not packing enough punch? Because while the .380 is comparable to larger rounds, it is weaker. But because of this weakness, it ends up with benefits that may make it the right choice for concealed carry and personal protection.

Even when compared to the 9mm, .380 Auto ammunition has significantly less recoil and muzzle blast. This makes a handgun easier to fire and allows the shooter to get back on target for round two quicker and more effectively. And in a self-defense situation, target acquisition is vital to stopping the threat. Since .380 shooters get back on target quicker, they fire subsequent rounds faster.

This is especially true for concealed carry firearms. Although many manufacturers make subcompact and ultra-light handguns for a variety of calibers that are similar in size to guns chambered for .380 ammo, they don’t handle as effectively. Even 9mm pocket pistols have strong recoil and muzzle blasts, making them hard to control, even for experienced shooters.

Back to the question of the .380 being lethal. It is deadly, especially at close proximity, which is why it’s designed for self defense, not distance shooting. Within 10 yards and with decent target placement, a .380 ACP bullet will stop a threat, beyond a doubt.

Where Can You Buy .380 ACP Ammo?

All handgun ammunition manufacturers make variations on standard and bulk .380 ACP ammo, with some of the most popular including Federal .380 ammo, Winchester, and Magtech .380 ammo.

It’s no wonder that after making its debut, the .380 quickly established a presence in the world of firearms, which it’s maintained for the last century. Today, it’s still an excellent choice for concealed carry and even as a primary sidearm. Many people carry handguns chambered for .380 ammo and even more like to shoot this easy-to-fire round.

FAQ

What is 380 ACP ammo?

The .380 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) is a common concealed carry round used in small, lightweight pistols. First manufactured in 1908, .380 ACP ammo features a bullet with a .355 inch diameter, which weighs between 85-95 grain (gr) and sits in a straight-walled, rimless shell.

What does .380 ACP stand for?

The term .380 ACP stands for the ammunition cartridge that fits a pistol with the barrel bore of .380 inch. The ACP stands for Automatic Colt Pistol, as the ammunition was created and first manufactured by Colt Manufacturing Company in 1908. The .380 ACP cartridge remains popular today as a small caliber for pocket pistols and other concealed carry weapons (CCW), as well as for backyard plinking. It has a low recoil and minimal muzzle blast, making it a favorite among novice shooters.

How effective is 380 ACP for self defense?

When the right type of .380 ACP ammo is used, the caliber can be very effective for self defense. While full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds are great for target shooting, they lack stopping power in self defense situations. If using a .380 ACP concealed carry weapon (CCW), load it with jacketed hollow points (JHP), which expand on impact, creating a larger wound and more internal damage. JHP ammo is also less likely to overpenetrate, making it a safer choice for self defense.

What is the best 380 ACP ammo for self defense?

When deciding on the best self defense ammo in .380 ACP, be sure to opt for jacketed hollow points (JHP) over full metal jacket (FMJ) cartridges. The JHP round expands more on impact, creating more stopping power and is less likely to over penetrate in a self defense scenario. A variety of manufacturers make self defense ammunition in .380 ACP, including Remington, Magtech, and Winchester, amongst others. For the cheapest .380 ACP ammo, consider buying bulk ammunition.

Speaking of ammo make sure to check out our stock of Hornady 380 ammo, Remington 380 ammo, PMC 380 ammo and Fiocchi 380 ammo for more ammo options.

What is the difference between 380 Auto and 380 ACP?

There is no difference between .380 Auto and .380 ACP ammunition. These two terms both refer to the .380 Automatic Colt Pistol cartridge, a small caliber round that’s often used in concealed carry firearms and pocket pistols.

380 ACP (Auto) Ballistics: Chart of Average 380 ACP (Auto) Ballistics

Since .380 ammo is often used for personal protection and self defense, the ballistics of the cartridges chosen greatly impact its performance. When people buy .380 ammo for self defense, they should look for a cartridge that penetrates at least 12 to 18 inches into ballistics gel, and expands to at least .35 caliber on impact.

Remember, .380 shells are a low-powered round, so ammo selection, especially when buying bulk .380 ACP ammo, is vital to performance standards.

Note: This information comes from the manufacturer and is for informational purposes only. The actual ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from the advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and type load.

380 ACP (Auto) Bullet WEIGHT Muzzle VELOCITY (fps) Muzzle ENERGY (ft. lbs.) Mid-Range TRAJECTORY (in.) Barrel Length (in.)
  Muzzle 50 yds. 100 yds. Muzzle 50 yds. 100 yds. 50 yds. 100 yds.  
60 Grain 1130 960 n/a 170 120 n/a 1 n/a n/a
75 Grain 950 n/a n/a 183 n/a n/a n/a n/a 3"
85 Grain 990 920 870 190 165 145 1.2 5.1 4"
85 Grain JHP 1000 n/a n/a 189 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
88 Grain 990 920 870 190 165 145 1.2 5.1 4"
90 Grain JHP 900 n/a n/a 162 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
90 Grain 1000 890 800 200 160 130 1.2 5.5 3.75"
95 Grain FMJ 900 n/a n/a 171 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
95 Grain 955 865 785 190 160 130 1.4 5.9 4"
100 Grain 955 865 785 190 160 130 1.4 5.9 4"
90 Grain JHP +P 1200 n/a n/a 200 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Molly Carter
Written by
Molly Carter

Customer Reviews

  • Rocky308 said:

    The box of this ammo I used was received as a gift from my brother for my 60th birthday. Normally, I wouldn't have purchased it myself, but being it was a gift, I used it for target practice and the occasional magazine of personal defense. The ammo functioned pretty much flawlessly in my personal Ruger LCP, but gave some feeding problems in a friends Ruger LCP due to it being a "flat point", so there is reason to be aware of possible feeding problems in some firearms. In my personal opinion, there are better options for practice, and definitely better options for concealed carry defensive ammo.

  • Mike said:

    Very good ammo. Brass ammo worked very well, no jams, or misfires.

  • Chuck said:

    Order was easy, arrived quick, ammo shoots good

  • Myron said:

    Very nice and perfectly fit for me

  • tex hunter said:

    quality ammo this brand is a sleeper

  • kadfly said:

    Bought the Wolf in 95gr FMJ. Missfires, jams, and stovepipes in my Ruger LCP. 1st 25 rds were ok , but at the end of 50 wold jam every time. May be dirty powder. I took it home and gave a good cleaning .......will try again.

  • Rog said:

    Used ammo in CCL license participation. Easy to load and shot 94% with field reviewer!

  • Goldfarmer said:

    after receiving the TulAmmo 380 ACP Ammo I went out to do a little targer shooting and before finishing one box my Ruger LCP 380 jamed whin ejecting or missed fire three times. The Ruger LCP has never jamed before, Other ammo was brass case and TulAmmo 380 ACP Ammo is steel. I cleaned the Ruger again but have not had time to retry another box but will after holliday's.

  • Mad said:

    This was the first time i have ever purchased Tulammo and was very disappointed. About every 3rd round might fire. The range master said the firing pin was making contact but the primers were set too deep causing the problem.

  • Tinker said:

    Shoots good Just wish there was more for sale

  • jsdfreedom said:

    I have used countless ammo types, ranging from old Union Metallic Company ammo, to Remington, to Blazer, and many others, and I can honestly and truthfully say that I have never, ever had a problem with Magtech ammunition. I use Magtech both in my Colt Mustang Mark IV .380 and in my .38 Special revolver, and I love it tremendously. This ammo has been most recommended to me by shop owners, gunsmiths, CWP trainers, and even law enforcement officers, due to its value and reliability. Out of the grand total of 3000 rounds of Magtech ammunition I have used between two of my handguns, I have had a grand total of 1 bad bullet (it was a dud). I LOVE LOVE LOVE Magtech ammunition and would gladly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good ammo without paying an arm, a leg, and a kidney for it.

  • Alan D Simmons said:

    I am very happy with this 380 and my wife wii get another.

  • Bodkin said:

    Just got a Sig Sauer P238 for myself. First day at the range, 50 rounds Fiocchi 95 gr FMJ, ran through with no problems at all. Have used Fiocchi 115gr 9 mm in another pistol, also worked fine.

  • Ski said:

    I recently bought my wife a Sig Sauer P238 .380 pistol. I also bought 100 rounds of Fiocchi ammo to go with it. At the range , this ammo would cause a jam every second or third round. I manually unloaded the clip and loaded it with Federal ammo and it performed perfectly with no jams.

  • Sarge said:

    Have purchased this brand in .45, 9mm and .380. Consistent quality.

  • Dukeccf said:

    I like this ammo, and i like for you keep my mailed for me very soon.

  • mike said:

    Ordering was easy shipping was fast. My wife and I have used around 500 rounds so far without a problem.

  • Bob S said:

    I bought this ammo because of the price and quality of it. Remington has great products and I've used them for years. I tried it in my Ruger LCP 380 with no problems to speak of. I'll be sure to remember this order and do it again.

  • Robert said:

    I use this at the range and have had no problems and great scores.

  • Steve said:

    Ran 100 of these though my Bersa Thunder, not one problem.....very clean....good price.

  • Bob S said:

    I do a lot of shooting and this you can't beat. Cleanup was a snap. PMC is great range gear.

  • David Ross said:

    Quality ammo at a fair price. Very glad I found this place.

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  • bill said:

    Got this for my wifes LCP, went through 50 today with no problems. Good for target will get it again when available.

  • Pocket Carry Guy said:

    I used this ammo to break-in a new 380 semi auto, and it did the job. I put the first 50 rounds through the weapon and had 2 FTF's. The receiver failed to seat fully causing a miss fire. I tapped it forward and it fired. By the time I fired all 100 rounds, the weapon worked perfect. Worked great for me.

  • Jeff said:

    had 2 misfires out of 150 rounds fired in one day, good cheap target ammo

  • BOBBER said:

    I HAVE USED 150 SO FAR--SEEMS GOOD FOR ME

  • Gus said:

    Me gustaria un proyectil de 78 grains a 1200 pies, punta plana metal point.

  • Dfh said:

    star rating