Very Specific .380 ACP vs .38 Special Question

[Southern Shooter]

I have a Kel-tec P3AT, which of course shoots .380 ACP. I keep it loaded with Hornady .380 ACP 90 grain JHP/XTP.

I also have a Charter Arms Under Cover .38 Special with a 2" barrel that I choose to shoot from it the NON +P, Low Recoil, 110 grain Personal Defense Federal Hydra-Shok.

Question: Is there a significant advantage of one over the other in terms of penetration, expansion, energy and general personal protection???

Thanks

 

[PT1911]

pretty much the .38 in every category listed.... there is no comparison between the two other than that they are centerfire handgun cartriges.

 

[JohnKSa]

I don't have penetration and expansion information handy, but you can get the energy figures from the manufacturers' websites.

The Hornady 90gr XTP loading runs about 1000fps for 200ftlbs at the muzzle.

The Federal 110gr HydraShok loading runs about 980fps at the muzzle for 235ftlbs of energy.

Both of those are tested in 4" bbls so you can figure that the numbers are a bit optimistic.

Given that the velocity numbers are so similar and the bullet diameters are essentially identical, I'd expect that the heavier bullet will penetrate deeper assuming roughly similar expansion.

 

[Four Knives]

The 38 should have a slight edge on energy and since the projectile is heavier, you'll in theory have better penetration.

A Charter Arms shooting standard 38 spcl should feel markedly softer shooting than a P3AT, but like most things, it all depends:

Which do you shoot better
AND
Which will you ALWAYS have with you

If the answer is the same, I'd take the 38

 

[REAPER4206969]

Question: Is there a significant advantage of one over the other in terms of penetration, expansion, energy and general personal protection???

No...

 

[KBintheSLC]

Well... the extra 20 grains equates to about 22.22% more weight. Assuming they are traveling at roughly the same speed, this means more energy in the .38. In theory, this gives the advantage to the .38. However, with your ammo choice, the advantage is minimal in reality. I think that some heavier .38 loads would be more successful in widening the gap between the two. Some decent power can be attained without adding too much bark to your snubby.