No, you cannot shoot a .380 ACP cartridge in a 9mm Luger (9x19mm Parabellum) firearm. These are two distinct cartridges with different dimensions. Attempting to fire a .380 ACP round in a 9mm pistol will likely result in a catastrophic malfunction, potentially causing serious injury or damage to the firearm.
Here's why:
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Different Case Dimensions: The .380 ACP cartridge is significantly shorter and narrower than the 9mm Luger cartridge. The 9mm chamber is designed specifically for the larger 9mm round. A .380 round will sit too loosely in the chamber, potentially leading to a misfire or a failure to fully chamber.
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Pressure Differences: Even if the round were to somehow chamber, the pressure generated by the .380 ACP round would not be sufficient to fully cycle the action of a 9mm firearm. This could result in a jam or the round becoming lodged in the barrel.
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Safety Concerns: The most significant risk is that the smaller .380 ACP case could bulge or rupture under the pressure exerted by the 9mm's firing mechanism. This could lead to a dangerous explosion of the cartridge within the firearm, causing serious injury to the shooter.
In short: Never attempt to fire a cartridge of a different caliber in a firearm not designed for that specific cartridge. Always double-check the caliber markings on your firearm and ammunition before handling or firing any weapon. Mismatched ammunition is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.
