380 Auto

Also known as

.380 ACP
380 ACP
9x17mm
9mm Browning Court
9mm Browning Kurz
9mm Browning Short
9mm Short

380 Auto is a semi-automatic pistol cartridge introduced by Colt in 1908 for John Browning's Model 1908 pocket hammerless pistol. Speer describes it as a compact centerfire round also known as .380 ACP, 9x17mm, 9mm Browning Court, and 9mm Browning Kurz, while Federal still lists it among popular handgun calibers for modern compact defensive loads.

380 Auto, Semi-automatic pistol cartridge, Munitions

Image source: 380 ACP - FMJ - SB - 2.jpg

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Multiple ammunition manufacturers
Built in: United StatesMultiple countries
Type: Semi-automatic pistol cartridge
Service note: Introduced in 1908; still in production
Designer: John Browning
Designed: 1908
Unit cost: $25.99 per 50-round box of American Eagle Handgun 380 Auto
Produced: 1908-present

cartridge ammunition handgun pistol small armssemi-automatic pistol

Specifications

Cartridge family: .380 Auto / .380 ACP
Alternative designation: 9x17mm / 9mm Browning Court
Case type: Centerfire, rimless pistol cartridge
Case length: 17.3 mm
Overall length: 25.0 mm
Bullet diameter: 9.0 mm / .355 in
Standard bullet weights: 80 to 120 grains
Typical velocity band: About 950 to 1,100 fps for common 85- to 95-grain loads

Compatible Handguns

Federal lists 380 Auto among its popular handgun calibers.

Compatible item

Item type

Compatibility evidence

Handgun/pistol, Handheld small arm / sidearm, Infantry Weapons

Handgun/pistol platform

Federal lists 380 Auto among its popular handgun calibers.

Sources: Shop products in 380 Auto today | Federal Premium

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Compact concealed-carry, defense, and training ammunition for blowback and lightweight semi-automatic pistols.

Media

380 Auto Images

380 Auto, Semi-automatic pistol cartridge, Munitions - view 1 — Source: 9mm short.jpg

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Sources

Shop products in 380 Auto today | Federal PremiumPublisher: Federal Premium | Note: Supports Federal's 380 Auto handgun-caliber listing and current retail price examples for the cartridge family. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 The Best 380 Auto Ammo For Training & Defense - SpeerPublisher: Speer | Note: Supports the cartridge's 1908 Colt / John Browning origin context, blowback-pistol use, modern role, and common bullet-weight and velocity ranges. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 9 mm Browning court TAB. IVPublisher: C.I.P. | Note: Supports the cartridge's 9 mm Browning court designation and standard dimensional data, including case length, overall length, and bullet diameter. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 380 ACP - FMJ - SB - 2.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for a .380 ACP cartridge photograph. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 9mm short.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance for a 9mm short / .380 ACP cartridge photograph. | Accessed: 2026-06-27