No, you cannot shoot a .380 ACP cartridge in a 9mm firearm. These are two distinct calibers with different dimensions. Attempting to fire a .380 ACP round in a 9mm pistol is extremely dangerous and could result in serious injury or death.
Here's why:
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Different Cartridge Dimensions: The .380 ACP (9mm Kurz) and 9mm Parabellum (9x19mm) cartridges have different case lengths and diameters. A .380 ACP round is physically smaller than a 9mm round. Trying to force a smaller cartridge into a larger chamber will not work, and may damage the gun.
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Case Head Diameter: Even if you could somehow force the .380 into the chamber, the case head diameter (the base of the cartridge) is too small. This would result in a dangerous and potentially catastrophic malfunction. The cartridge could move around freely within the chamber, leading to unpredictable results upon firing.
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Chamber Pressure: The pressure generated by a .380 ACP round is significantly lower than the pressure generated by a 9mm Parabellum round. A 9mm firearm is designed to withstand the higher pressure of a 9mm cartridge. Firing a .380 in a 9mm could cause the 9mm chamber to bulge, crack, or even explode.
Always double-check your ammunition before firing any firearm. Mismatched ammunition is a leading cause of firearm accidents. If you are unsure about firearm safety or ammunition compatibility, seek guidance from a certified firearms instructor or a qualified gunsmith. Your safety should always be your top priority.
