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Designed by John Browning, the 380 ACP (9mm Browning Short, 9x17) was introduced by Colt in 1908 and by FN in Europe in 1912. The 380 ACP is much more potent than the 32 ACP and is essentially the world-standard personal defense cartridge for pocket and purse-sized semiautomatic pistols. Bullet diameter is 9mm (.356-inch) with case length of .68-inch. Standard bullet weights vary, but most common are bullets of 85 to 95 grains at velocities from around 900 to 1000 feet per second. More important is recent bullet technology, with modern expanding bullets offering greatly enhanced performance over the full metal jacket bullets of John Browning's day. 380 ACP ammunition is offered by all makers of pistol ammo, and the cartridge is chambered by virtually all makers of small to mid-sized pistols. The 380 ACP is comfortable to shoot in medium-sized pistols, but the smallest 380s currently available can be snappy for inexperienced shooters. — Craig Boddington

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