how does the 380 acp stand up to your needs for personal defensive use?

[Grumpy]

watch the videos, a 380 does surprisingly well, but it not in the same class as the more commonly used 9mm or 40 cal
and from my personal experience, Id suggest the 9mm is about the minimum cartridge you can depend on, the difference is not as great as some people might suggest it is,
but if your life may be in the balance, Id sure rather go with a higher capacity 9mm or a plus- P 38 spc revolver over a small pocket 380 handgun.

 

[Grumpy]

IVE tried a 380 and 9mm on feral hogs in florida, most were under 120 lbs,
while neither cartridge proved to be ideal, both were lethal with well placed shots
both lacked anywhere near the effect, (instant reaction from game hit)
a 357 mag revolver, loaded with 158 grain soft points, had, and a 357 mag,
is not considered a serious hunting caliber in many peoples minds.
in my experience the 38 spc with a hard cast 158 grain and 9mm 124 grain soft point are about equal ,
in power neither comes close to a hot loaded 357 mag with a 158 grain hard cast