.380 is the perfect cartridge for those who require a sub-compact, or micro carry firearm. .380 lacks the stopping power of 9mm, but makes up for it in capacity.

The .380 ACP is compact and light, but has a relatively short range and less stopping power than other modern pistol cartridges. According to gun author Massad Ayoob, "Some experts will say it's barely adequate, and others will say it's barely inadequate."^[7] Even so, it remains a popular self-defense cartridge for shooters who want a lightweight and/or smaller pistol with manageable recoil. It is slightly less powerful than a standard-pressure .38 Special and uses 9 mm (.354 in) diameter bullets. The standard bullet weights are generally 85, 90, 95, 100, 115, and 120 grain.