Best .380 Auto Ammo
Compare loads for defense, target, competition & more
The .380 Auto (Automatic Colt Pistol), also known as 9mm Kurz or 9x17mm, represents a balance between power and concealability. Developed by John Moses Browning in 1908, this cartridge has seen renewed popularity in the modern concealed carry era. Its moderate power and low recoil make it particularly suitable for ultra-compact pistols and backup weapons.
While not as powerful as larger defensive cartridges, modern ammunition development has significantly enhanced the .380's capabilities. The cartridge's enduring appeal lies in its ability to be chambered in extremely compact, lightweight pistols that excel in deep concealment roles. For those prioritizing ease of carry and shootability over absolute power, the .380 Auto offers a viable compromise.
All .380 Auto Loads
Compare ballistics and prices across 15 products
| PRODUCT ↕ | GRAIN ↕ | VELOCITY ↕ | ENERGY ↕ | BC ↕ | USE CASE ↕ | BEST PRICE ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ammo Inc Streak .380 Auto 100gr TMC Red Ammo
100gr
• 890 fps
• Target & Range
|
100gr | 890 | 176 | .095 | Target & Range | $0.60/rd |
|
Armscor .380 Auto 95gr FMJ Ammo
95gr
• 920 fps
• Target & Range
|
95gr | 920 | 179 | .082 | Target & Range | $0.77/rd |
|
Black Hills .380 Auto 60gr HoneyBadger
60gr
• 1150 fps
• Self-Defense
|
60gr | 1150 | 176 | .08 | Self-Defense | $2.57/rd |
|
Federal Range and Target .380 ACP 95gr FMJ Ammo
95gr
• 980 fps
• Target & Range
|
95gr | 980 | 203 | .082 | Target & Range | $0.47/rd |
|
Federal Train + Protect .380 Auto 85gr VHP
85gr
• 1000 fps
• Self-Defense
|
85gr | 1000 | 189 | .098 | Self-Defense | $0.97/rd |
|
Hornady American Gunner .380 Auto 90gr XTP JHP
90gr
• 1000 fps
• Self-Defense
|
90gr | 1000 | 200 | .099 | Self-Defense | $0.76/rd |
|
Hornady Critical Defense .380 Auto 90gr FTX
90gr
• 1000 fps
• Self-Defense
|
90gr | 1000 | 200 | .099 | Self-Defense | $0.94/rd |
|
PMC Bronze .380 Auto 90gr FMJ Ammo
90gr
• 961 fps
• Target & Range
|
90gr | 961 | 185 | .1 | Target & Range | $0.36/rd |
|
Remington HTP .380 Auto 88gr JHP
88gr
• 990 fps
• Self-Defense
|
88gr | 990 | 191 | .097 | Self-Defense | $0.88/rd |
|
Remington UMC .380 ACP 95gr FMJ Ammo
95gr
• 955 fps
• Target & Range
|
95gr | 955 | 192 | .077 | Target & Range | $0.40/rd |
|
Speer Gold Dot .380 Auto 90gr JHP
90gr
• 1040 fps
• Self-Defense
|
90gr | 1040 | 216 | .101 | Self-Defense | $0.58/rd |
|
Tula .380 Auto 95gr FMJ
95gr
• 1017 fps
• Target & Range
|
95gr | 1017 | 218 | .082 | Target & Range | $0.27/rd |
|
Underwood .380 Auto 68gr Xtreme Defender
68gr
• 1300 fps
• Self-Defense
|
68gr | 1300 | 255 | .087 | Self-Defense | $1.38/rd |
|
Winchester PDX1 Defender .380 Auto 95gr JHP
95gr
• 1000 fps
• Self-Defense
|
95gr | 1000 | 211 | .095 | Self-Defense | $1.24/rd |
|
Winchester USA .380 ACP 95gr FMJ Ammo
95gr
• 955 fps
• Target & Range
|
95gr | 955 | 190 | .082 | Target & Range | $0.46/rd |
.380 Auto Trajectory Calculator
Calculate drop, velocity, and energy at any range
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Minimal recoil for easy shot placement
- Allows for very compact pistol designs
- Good option for recoil-sensitive shooters
- Modern defensive loads are effective
- Lightweight pistols are easy to carry
Cons
- Less powerful than larger defensive cartridges
- Limited penetration with some loads
- More expensive than 9mm ammunition
- Shorter effective range
- Small pistols can be harder to shoot well