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380 vs 22: Answering All Your Questions About These Popular Cartridge Sizes

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If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between 380 ACP and 22 LR ammo, you’re not alone. These are two of the most commonly used pistol and rifle cartridges, so it’s natural to be curious how they compare. In this in-depth article, I’ll cover the key factors that differentiate 380 vs 22 ammunition and help you determine which caliber might bebest suited for your needs.

Background on 380 and 22

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Let’s start with a brief history lesson. The 380 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridge was introduced way back in 1908 for self-defense firearms. It gained widespread popularity due to its manageable recoil and ability to fit into compact pistols. Over a century later, it remains one of the most popular pistol rounds in the world. Meanwhile, the 22 Long Rifle (often abbreviated 22 LR) originated in 1887 and quickly became the most common training and plinking round thanks to its affordability and near-silence. Both calibers are still dominating their respective niches to this day.

Ballistics

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When it comes to ballistics, 22 LR holds a clear advantage over 380 in terms of velocity and energy – though 380 packs more punch than some might expect. On average, a 380 bullet leaves the barrel traveling around 1000 feet per second (fps) with roughly 125 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) of muzzle energy. Comparatively, a standard velocity 22 LR loads moves twice as fast at around 1200 fps while delivering closer to 150 ft-lbs of energy. High-velocity 22 loads can push bullets up near 1700 fps.

From my experience, 380 works well for self-defense within typical indoor encounter distances of 7 yards or less. But 22 LR maintains enough velocity and mass over 50+ yards to reliably hit small targets for plinking and small game hunting. So 22 is preferable if you plan to engage longer range.

Cost and Availability

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When it comes down to brass, 22 LR is the clear winner on cost. A box of 50 rounds routinely goes for well under $5, while 380 ammo averages $0.25 per round or more. So 22 saves you money whether just having fun or putting rounds downrange for practice. It’s also vastly more available since recreational shooters pump astronomical volumes of 22 LR down the barrel each year. Meanwhile, 380 inventory levels tend to fluctuate more based on current events.

While 22 is most affordable, I’ve found 380 remains reasonable to shoot often enough to maintain proficiency. Use whichever caliber fits your shooting budget best without breaking the bank long term.

Firearms Compatibility

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In the firearms department, 380 pistols have an edge in terms of portability since they were designed for concealed carry. Models like the Ruger LCP II or Walther PPK fit easily in a pocket or purse. But you have many more 22 pistol and rifle options ranging from tiny pocket guns up to powerful scoped bolt actions. So 22 gives you greater versatility depending on your specific use case. If you want an accurate plinker or small game tack-driver, definitely go 22.

At the same time, 380 works well in mini revolvers for deep concealment if firearm size is the top priority. I’ve also found certain 22 magazines can be unreliable, while 380 pistols tend to feed hollowpoints more smoothly.

Other Considerations

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Noise is where 380 gains an advantage. The cracking report from 22 LR can be downright punishing without hearing protection after prolonged shooting. 380 autos tend to be much more comfortable on the ears. That said, even inexpensive suppressors make subsonic 22 ammo whisper quiet – if legally available in your state.

What about felt recoil? Kind of surprisingly, the stout 22 LR actually has less perceived kick than many 380 pistols in my experience. While it hits harder, 22’s brief impulse feels more manageable. But recoil tolerance varies person to person, so your results may differ. Best to try both yourself if possible.

The Verdict

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At the end of the day, there’s no single “right” answer – 380 vs 22 depends on your needs and budget.But if I had to choose just one, I’d go with 22 LR for the massive cost savings, wide range of practice opportunities, and relative silence when suppressed. However, 380 remains a handy defensive round worth keeping stocked if concealability or noise are higher priorities.

Ultimately, both are worthwhile additions to any collection. Why not have the best of both worlds? Store a few 380 pistols for carry and HD, and stock up on 22 ammo to stay sharp without spending a fortune. Now you know the pros and cons of each caliber so you always have the right tool for your next range session or recreational shooting trip. Happy plinking!

380 vs 22: Choosing the Right Car Caliber

Metric 380 22
Stopping Power High Low
Range Short Long
Firepower Suitable for self-defense Best for target practice and small game
Cost per round Expensive Inexpensive
Firearms typically chambered in caliber Revolvers, derringers Rifles, pistols

FAQ

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  1. What is the difference between a .380 and a .22 caliber bullet?

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    The .380 bullet is slightly bigger than the .22. A .380 is around 9mm wide while a .22 is only 5.5mm wide. So the .380 has more power behind it. However, both bullets are considered small caliber.

  2. Which is better for self defense, a .380 or a .22?

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    Most experts say the .380 is a lot better choice for self-defense than a .22. While the .22 can certainly hurt someone, the smaller bullet does not have as much stopping power as the .380. The bigger bullet of a .380 is more likely to stop an attack. Nevertheless, shot placement is important with any caliber.

  3. Is the .380 close to the 9mm in power?

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    Yup, the .380 is pretty much like a smaller version of the 9mm. The 9mm is a bit bigger and packs more of a punch. However, for a little gun the .380 delivers good power. It’s been said the .380 functions sort of similar to a 9mm short round. Overall the .380 is a decent defensive round that’s not a whole lot different from a 9mm as far as impact.

  4. What guns commonly shoot .380 versus .22 caliber?

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    Pistols are more likely to shoot .380 ammo while rifles and especially mini-rifles mainly use .22 caliber rounds. Common .380 handguns contain Kel-Tec, Ruger, Browning, Walther, Beretta and SIG Sauer models. Popular .22 options involve Ruger, Marlin, Browning and Mossberg firearms. Revolvers too are offered in both calibers. So the type of weapon helps determine the ammo it really likes.

  5. Is .380 or .22 cheaper to practice with?

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    Without a doubt, .22 ammo will run you less money to shoot versus .380s. Those tiny .22 bullet prices are basically amazing when you want to get some range time in without breaking the bank. However, some claim the reduced cost of .22s is canceled out by how frustratingly inaccurate they can be compared to larger pistol rounds. In the end, your wallet might smile bigger with .22s if saving cash matters most.

  6. What situations is each caliber best suited for?

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    The humble .22 round does nicely for casual plinking, small-game hunting, and inexpensive practice. Yet some question if it’s up to the task for self-protection. Alternatively, the .380 serves as a minimum defense caliber and is quite capable when concealed-carry size matters. But the extra firepower may not always be required. In the end, both have their regions of specialty depending on the purpose.