Best 380 Specials: Our Top 10 Recommendations

The 380 Special is a versatile handgun cartridge that’s popular among both new and experienced shooters. This article examines the key characteristics of the 380 Special, comparing its performance to other common cartridges to help you make an informed choice about your holster selection.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases at no cost to you

Reviews

Yeezy Boost 380 Mist

These reflective Yeezy Boost 380s feature an otherworldly Primeknit upper with a Boost-cushioned midsole for all-day comfort. The beige midsection and translucent midsole give the space-age design a standout twist. While the sizing runs slightly small, the premium construction and breathable upper make them a worthy addition to any sneaker collection.

Dean Custom 380 Floyd Trans Amberburst

This custom electric guitar from Dean features a superstrat body of basswood with a flamed maple top plate, giving it a distinctive look and resonance. The maple neck and rosewood fingerboard provide a stable foundation for the three DMT Design pickups - two humbuckers and a single coil - while the Floyd Rose bridge keeps everything in tune during those high-flying bends. The whole package is dressed up in a striking trans amberburst finish.

Yeezy Boost 380 Alien

These Yeezy Boost 380s represent Kanye West’s vision for a distinctive addition to the sneaker landscape. The premium Primeknit upper, featuring its signature cream base with grey accents, creates a sock-like fit that combines comfort with a modern silhouette. The chunky white Boost midsole, detailed with blue-green alien inspirations, provides exceptional cushioning while maintaining the lightweight feel that Yeezy enthusiasts have come to expect.

Yeezy Boost 380 Pyrite

These Yeezy Boost 380s blend a sock-like Primeknit upper with translucent monofilament details for a distinctive look. The full-length Boost midsole delivers exceptional cushioning, while stretchy no-tie laces and a grippy herringbone outsole make them both comfortable and practical. With 120+ five-star reviews praising their style and support, these shoes have become a popular choice in the competitive Yeezy lineup.

Yeezy Boost 380 ‘Yecoraite Reflective’

The Yeezy Boost 380 ‘Yecoraite Reflective’ brings a unique twist to adidas’ popular silhouette with its translucent Boost midsole and camo-inspired Primeknit upper. The responsive cushioning and sleek design make these shoes incredibly comfortable, while the rubber outsole provides just the right amount of grip. Whether you’re hitting the gym or just running errands, these Yeezys offer both style and support.

Case IH AFS Connect Magnum 380 Demonstrator Pedal Tractor

This one-of-a-kind Case IH AFS Connect Magnum 380 pedal tractor combines die-cast construction with detailed parts like a steering wheel and front axle. The limited-production vehicle, marked with a special “Demonstrator” scheme and stamped ERTL Limited Series badge, represents a rare addition to any collection. At just 80 pounds, it’s lightweight enough for children to operate while still being substantial enough to drive.

Specialized Allez Sprint LTD

The Allez Sprint LTD combines ultra-light carbon features like dropped seat stays with the timeless beauty of aluminum, resulting in the fastest alloy road bike ever made. Its World Championship-proven geometry and aerodynamic tweaks from Tarmac SL7 development make it a sleek, responsive ride that delivers both comfort andraw speed. The one-piece bottom bracket and downtube create an exceptionally stiff connection between rider and road, whether you’re gunning for a win or just enjoying the ride.

Gigabyte Gv-r938g1 Gaming-4gd AMD Radeon R9 380 4GB GDDR5

The Gigabyte graphics card packs serious gaming power into a sleek design that won’t dominate your case. With robust cooling and solid performance up to 4K resolutions, it’s a standout pick for both casual and competitive gamers. The card’s LED backplate and well-engineered cooling system add that extra touch of gaming flair without sacrificing functionality.

Army Regulation 380-381 Security Special Access Programs

A comprehensive Army regulation that outlines the procedures for managing sensitive activities and special access programs. It implements Department of Defense directive 5205.7 and provides detailed guidance on oversight, personnel access restrictions, and program management.

Yeezy Boost 380 ‘Stone Salt’

The adidas Yeezy Boost 380 ‘Stone Salt’ combines sophisticated color blocking with premium construction details. The warm brown tones are complemented by black and grey elements in this versatile all-season shoe. Crafted for both casual wear and athletic performance, the Boost midsole delivers exceptional cushioning, while the elastic sock-like cuff keeps the shoe snug and secure during movement.

Buyer’s Guide

The 380 Special cartridge has established itself as a versatile choice for modern firearms, combining reliability with the power needed for effective stopping. Understanding its capabilities and limitations is crucial for selecting the right firearm and ammunition for your needs.

Ballistic Performance

Designed for balanced performance, the 380 Special offers a muzzle energy range between 350-450 joules, making it suitable for both carry guns and personal defense weapons. Its moderate velocity (typically 320-360 feet per second) provides adequate penetration while maintaining manageable recoil.

Firearm Compatibility

When selecting a firearm, prioritize those chambered specifically for the 380 Special. Avoid older models intended for the larger 9mm Short, as they may have shorter rifling, affecting accuracy. Opt for firearms with at least 4 inches of barrel for improved performance and consistency.

Ammunition Options

The cartridge works well with a variety of loads, from plain brass to specialized defense rounds. Bullet weights range from 90-124 grains, with defensive loads typically incorporating expanding bullets for better performance against soft targets. Consider the specific purpose of your firearm when choosing ammo type and weight.

Maintenance and Storage

Like any firearm cartridge, proper maintenance is essential. Store ammunition in cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight. Check for primer deterioration every few years and inspect cases for dents or deformation that could affect feeding reliability. Regularly clean and inspect firearm components to ensure optimal performance.

FAQ

What is a 380 Special?

The 380 Special is a subcompact revolver cartridge developed in the United States during the 1930s. It offers a practical balance of power and compact size, making it suitable for concealed carry and personal defense.

Compared to larger cartridges, the 380 Special delivers manageable recoil and accurate, manageable grouping at typical defensive distances. Its shorter length makes it ideal for small-frame handguns while maintaining adequate stopping power.

What are the main characteristics of 380 Special ammunition?

380 Special cartridges feature a rimmed case design that accepts standard revolver chambers. They typically house a 95-125 grain bullet with a muzzle velocity ranging from 850 to 1,200 feet per second, depending on the specific load.

Common variants include jacketed hollow points for reliable expansion and controlled penetration, as well as full metal jacket rounds for practice or specialized applications. The cartridge’s propellant typically comprises small amounts of black powder or smokeless powder variants.

What firearms chamber 380 Special chambering?

The 380 Special was designed for compact revolvers, and many small-frame models chamber this cartridge. Notable examples include the Smith & Wesson Model 625, Kel-Tec P3AT, and Walther PPK/MP. Some manufacturers offer conversion kits to retrofit older semi-automatic pistols or revolver models.

While primarily chambered in revolvers, a few semi-automatic pistols like the CZ 75 Compact series can accommodate 380 Special loads, though their magazine capacities may be reduced compared to standard sizes.

How does 380 Special compare to similar cartridges?

Compared to 9mm Parabellum, the 380 Special offers less power and capacity but better recoil management and small-frame compatibility. Its performance is similar to. 327 Federal Magnum while providing more cartridge reliability in compact firearms.

When benchmarked against. 38 Special, the 380 delivers higher velocities and lighter recoil, making it a practical choice for concealed carriers seeking a middle-ground solution between power and handling.

What are the legal considerations for 380 Special?

380 Special is legal to own and transport across all 50 states in the United States, though specific restrictions may apply at the local level. Check local regulations regarding concealed carry and open carry requirements.

When purchasing ammunition, verify compatibility with your firearm’s magazine and chamber dimensions. Some older revolvers may require careful selection to avoid potential safety issues with higher-pressure loads.

What maintenance requirements do 380 Special firearms have?

Like any firearm, regular cleaning and inspection are essential to maintain proper function. After each use, wipe down the firearm and remove all debris from the chambers and barrels.

Check the barrel throats and chambers for evidence of erosion or buildup, particularly when shooting copper-plated or jacketed hollow-point rounds. Regular cleaning with appropriate solvents and brushes will help prevent corrosion and maintain accuracy.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases at no cost to you