.380 to 9mm?

**Didnotcomply89** · August 12th, 2014, 01:28 AM

Initially my head tells me that this is one big 'duh' of an upgrade. A family member is upgrading from a 9mm to a 45acp and no longer needs the 9mm, so they want to transfer it to me.

I can handle the recoil of 9mm by now, and I plan on using good quality hollow points for ammunition. Naturally, 9mm has more impact energy than .380auto, so I would figure it would be better for self defense and just have the .380 auto ready as a backup carry gun in case the 9mm needs servicing.

I heard there may be some problems regarding 9mm HP expansion and I am not knowledgeable in this area.

Disregarding my obvious gut feelings, is it worth going from double stack .380 (16 rounds) HP to 9mm (15 rounds in two mags) HP? I can learn to reload fast, but want to know if it is wise to keep what I have or upgrade. I have carried this shield for a week in another state and it is divine.

Thanks.

The 9mm is an M&P Shield.

**Remington788** · August 12th, 2014, 02:05 AM

I don't see any downside.

**Gunsnwater** · August 12th, 2014, 02:22 AM

9mm is more available right now. Better round then 380 but the newest 380 loads are very good so the gap is narrowed. Never turn down a gift, bad manners. What 380? Shield is nice. What are we comparing it to?

**mosseater** · August 12th, 2014, 03:58 AM

It's mostly about where you make the hole. The nine is no slouch with current ammo choices. Rather be missed by a .45 than hit by a .380. Now that I think about it, I have enough holes in my body as it is.

**Didnotcomply89** · August 12th, 2014, 04:36 AM

Oh I ain't turning down a free gun

I am very appreciative to be receiving it. I am going from a Bersa Thunder 380 Plus to a Shield. I use PDX-1 .380 hollow points.

Originally Posted by Gunsnwater

9mm is more available right now.

Another incentive to practice with it, too.

**Johannes_Paulsen** · August 12th, 2014, 05:46 AM

I was not aware of any problems with 9mm JHP expansion, at least not with currently commercially available ammo. Do you have a source you can point to for that?

**Remington788** · August 12th, 2014, 08:48 AM

There is nothing wrong with owning two pistols.

**jthrelf** · August 12th, 2014, 12:34 PM

Free gun? Yes.....

**LutherJackson** · August 12th, 2014, 01:18 PM

I've never heard of 9mm hollow point expansion issues.. mostly just hear about .45 acp hollow point issues, because they are such a "slow" bullet.

I would recommend carrying a 9 over a .380 seven days a week.

**LordTobias** · August 12th, 2014, 01:50 PM

I would recommend a 9mm over a 45 ACP, too. The 45 is certainly not an upgrade -- it's just a different round.

I would absolutely carry the 9mm over the 380. Bullets are the same size, but the 9mm tends to be more accurate and current, modern HPs expand very reliably, which is more than we can say about the majority of 380 HPs.

If you have a choice, go for the 9mm every time.