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  1. #1
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    Default .380 ACP VS .380 AUTO

    Hi Guys,

    I just bought my first .380 and decided on the Ruger LCP.
    The barrell says .380 auto. Is there a difference between auto and ACP?
    I'm trying to decide what practice and carry ammo to get.
    Can I use either, or do I need to buy .380 auto?

    Thanks,
    Jim

  2. #2
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    Default Re: .380 ACP VS .380 AUTO

    Jim, they are the same. ACP = Automatic Colt Pistol. There are several other names for this caliber and they are listed here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.380_ACP (.380 Auto, 9mm Browning, 9mm Corto, 9mm Kurz, 9mm Short, and 9x17mm).

    Good luck with the LCP. A few tips:
    1. To better control mouse guns like LCP, wrap the weak hand's index (and middle if needed) finger around the trigger guard.

    2. Watch the mag release, you may inadvertently eject the mag by bumping it in your pocket or even when shooting.

    3. Watch the extended mag base, if you have it. If you shot it enough, putting pressure downward on the mag base can cause it to come loose after each shot.

    Welcome to the forum.
    Al

  3. #3
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    Default Re: .380 ACP VS .380 AUTO

    Yup^.. same thing.
    RIP: SFN, 1861, twoeggsup, Lambo, jamesjo, JayBell, 32 Magnum, Pro2A, mrwildroot, dregan, Frenchy, Fragger, ungawa, Mtn Jack, Grapeshot, R.W.J., PennsyPlinker, Statkowski, Deanimator, roland, aubie515

    Don't end up in my signature!

  4. #4
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    Default Re: .380 ACP VS .380 AUTO

    I will refer to a Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading Rifle-Pistol forth edition first printing 1991 Volume one. Specifically pages 541-542 as related to the .380 Automatic (9mm Kurz) and pages 549-551 38 ACP sorry I could not find an ISBN number

    I take umbrage with many who post regarding the equivalence of the .380 Auto found stamped upon the popular LCP which I own and the venerable .380 ACP as noted by the pages in Hornady's reloading manual again, as noted above.

    In fact these loads are considerably disparate and if confused may end in personal injury. Most ammunition found today for so-called .380ACP is 90 grain .380 Auto ammunition . A true .380 ACP according to this manual can hurl 125 grain bullets at speeds which match the equivalent 9 mm loads for 124 grain bullets found on page 547. Anyone attempting to locate such ammo will find the search empty as many have confused the rounds mostly due to industrial subterfuge. My LCP is clearly marked .380 auto Not .380 ACP. Any soul who mistakes these two and loads the maximum takes their life in their hands.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: .380 ACP VS .380 AUTO

    I just call them short nines. That really throws people off.

    .380 AUTO and .380 ACP are the same. One name gives credit to it's creator, one does not. Additionally .38 AUTO, .38 ACP, .38 Special and .38 SUPER are entirely different rounds altogether.
    Last edited by ByblosHex; April 13th, 2012 at 02:14 AM.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: .380 ACP VS .380 AUTO

    Quote Originally Posted by ByblosHex View Post
    I just call them short nines. That really throws people off.

    .380 AUTO and .380 ACP are the same. One name gives credit to it's creator, one does not. Additionally .38 AUTO, .38 ACP, .38 Special and .38 SUPER are entirely different rounds altogether.
    How do you get to John Browning from Automatic Colt Pistol?


    9mm Browning gives credit, neither of the two you posted above do.
    Colt didn't create it, Browning did.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: .380 ACP VS .380 AUTO

    Quote Originally Posted by Ppeter1666 View Post
    I will refer to a Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading Rifle-Pistol forth edition first printing 1991 Volume one. Specifically pages 541-542 as related to the .380 Automatic (9mm Kurz) and pages 549-551 38 ACP sorry I could not find an ISBN number

    I take umbrage with many who post regarding the equivalence of the .380 Auto found stamped upon the popular LCP which I own and the venerable .380 ACP as noted by the pages in Hornady's reloading manual again, as noted above.

    In fact these loads are considerably disparate and if confused may end in personal injury. Most ammunition found today for so-called .380ACP is 90 grain .380 Auto ammunition . A true .380 ACP according to this manual can hurl 125 grain bullets at speeds which match the equivalent 9 mm loads for 124 grain bullets found on page 547. Anyone attempting to locate such ammo will find the search empty as many have confused the rounds mostly due to industrial subterfuge. My LCP is clearly marked .380 auto Not .380 ACP. Any soul who mistakes these two and loads the maximum takes their life in their hands.
    Zeros have meaning. The .38 Super, is indeed a much more powerful round than the .380 Auto. Was the original question about that cartridge your post would be more relevant. If you could get a 38 Super sized round in a .380 you are strong enough not to need a handgun, just choke the bad guy to death.

  8. #8
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    Default Re: .380 ACP VS .380 AUTO

    You will also find people who will say that their 9 mm will feed 38s. What is forgotten is that the 9 Largo chambering will fit the 38 ACP and the 38 Super, but be very careful to engage brain before pulling trigger. Another one that causes a little angst at times is the British 380 designation, particularly if shown as 380/200. This is the UK Army load for Webley MkIVs (from WWII era) and the Enfield revolvers from the same time period. It is effectively the Colt New Police or the S&W 38 with a 200 grain cartridge. Dave_n

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