Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? - The Firearms Forum

hackercat13 · 01-16-2011, 11:36 PM

I am new to the forums, and thought perhaps someone could shed a little light on this for me. At Cabellas (and everywhere else I look at ammo,) .380 is more expensive than 9mm.

250 rounds FMJ Remington UMC

9mm 115 grain $59.99
.380 95 grain $79.99

Smaller round, less materials to make, where is the logic here?
Chris

oscarmayer · 01-17-2011, 03:47 AM

supply and demand. with the large influx of small pocket size 380 being all the rage the ammo makers are capitalizing on the rounds popularity.

hogger129 · 01-17-2011, 05:09 AM

Smaller supply.

old semperfi · 01-17-2011, 06:49 AM

just like 22 short ammo.if the demand is not greater than a current round then they will only run that line for a limited amount of time.they must change the machining every time they change calibers. old semperfi

oscarmayer · 01-17-2011, 06:57 AM

not sure if this is true but i think i read somewhere 9mm and 380 were run on the same line and with the demand for 9mm being high they only make short runs of 380's and with the 380 craze in full swing it makes it hard to come by and retailer are wise to this and asking outragous prices for it

Alpo · 01-17-2011, 07:13 AM

Oscar, it makes sense to me. 22 Short uses less brass, less lead and less powder, but it costs 50% more than 22 LR. 410 uses much less plastic, shot and powder than 12 gauge, but costs twice as much. I think its got a lot to do with the volume of sales. Stuff they sell a butt-load of is usually cheaper than stuff that they only sell a little.

graehaven · 01-17-2011, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hackercat13

I am new to the forums, and thought perhaps someone could shed a little light on this for me. At Cabellas (and everywhere else I look at ammo,) .380 is more expensive than 9mm.

250 rounds FMJ Remington UMC

9mm 115 grain $59.99
.380 95 grain $79.99

Smaller round, less materials to make, where is the logic here?
Chris

I stay away from the UMC stuff - very dirty, crappy ammo.

JLA · 01-17-2011, 08:41 AM

.380 is much more popular as a defensive rounds, therefore more people carry it, and demand is much stronger. But the demand is restricted to mainly defensive ammo sales. the ol' 9 mil is in everybodys bag, in defensive form as well as target/plinkin form. its more of a range caliber and much higher volumes are made because sales are virtually guaranteed.

If you started an ammo company today there are 2 things that would be your absolute bread and butter, .22 rimfire and 9mm luger... dont make those two and quickly go out of business

carver · 01-17-2011, 09:20 AM

And let's not forget the military contracts for 9mm.

JLA · 01-17-2011, 09:29 AM

yes, that always helps the poularity and longevity of a cartridge...

gun-nut · 01-17-2011, 10:17 AM

I know that here in ohio that most people are cairring the 380 for there ccw. The kel-tec firearms are very popular. But one more popular gun is the 45 Colt Judge. I have many people asking me to reload both cals. for them.

bayhawk2 · 01-17-2011, 11:37 AM

I bought a set of .380 dies just for this reason.It got so bad here
that NOBODY had .380 ammo.If you could find it, it was sold at
a rediculus price.A little dab of powder,sm. pistol primer,
bullet.Problem solved.

TheGunClinger · 01-17-2011, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bayhawk2

I bought a set of .380 dies just for this reason.It got so bad here
that NOBODY had .380 ammo.If you could find it, it was sold at
a rediculus price.A little dab of powder,sm. pistol primer,
bullet.Problem solved.

I bought the dies also. No one had .380 of any kind. Once I got the dies then all of a sudden everybody was stocking .380's. Go figure.

hogger129 · 01-17-2011, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by graehaven

I stay away from the UMC stuff - very dirty, crappy ammo.

I use Remington UMC JHPs. But I don't buy their FMJ stuff because I can get FMJ for about $10 less if I buy Winchester brand instead.

graehaven · 01-17-2011, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hogger129

I use Remington UMC JHPs. But I don't buy their FMJ stuff because I can get FMJ for about $10 less if I buy Winchester brand instead.

I too like the Winchester better for range shooting.

Boris · 01-17-2011, 07:57 PM

Thats why I went with 9x18mm Makarov. $8.00 to $9.00 a box. A little more power. Since both lack real 'power' both would be ball use only anyway.

The CZ82 holds 12 rounds anyway, more bonus. I would love to see a P3AT in 9x18mm. I would be the first to buy one. Maybe a conversion barrel.......

6x6pinz · 01-18-2011, 02:33 AM

I don't reload 380 and never have so don't know if this holds true with the 380 or not. For me the cost of reloading 410 is high because I use a magnum handgun powder to achieve the the higher speeds with the smaller amounts of powder. This powder cost more than the powder I use to reload 12 or 20 ga. the rest of the components are close in price so no real change there other than it takes a little more effort and care with the 410 to make sure wads are inserted properly which slows done the process. Together this contributes to lower production and higher cost of materials.

dragman · 01-18-2011, 10:07 AM

simple. 9mm is the most produced pistol ammo. It costs the company money to change over to make something else.

rjgnwdc · 02-18-2011, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragman

simple. 9mm is the most produced pistol ammo. It costs the company money to change over to make something else.

Absolutely its all about volume.

The Count · 02-20-2011, 02:49 PM

I think its all BS. No good reason that a box of 38 SPL costs 15 and a box of 357 costs almost twice! That little bit of extra powder and a magnum primer? Please....

woolleyworm · 02-21-2011, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Count

I think its all BS. No good reason that a box of 38 SPL costs 15 and a box of 357 costs almost twice! That little bit of extra powder and a magnum primer? Please....

That little bit of extra liability and not as much demand; in plain english = lawyers and bean counters !

Big Shrek · 02-21-2011, 02:08 PM

If you aren't reloading...you are screwing up.

Especially if those dang Gun Grabbers keep giving us heck about ammo...California's the worst of 'em.

Besides, if you learn your craft properly, you can make better ammo than you can buy

However, I cheated...I married a gal with her own reloading equipment who has better gear than I did!!

Now That's Marriage Material!!!

hackercat13 · 02-21-2011, 02:33 PM

I am thankful to not live in the People's Rupublic of California, but I don't reload. How much is it going to cost me for a basic reloading setup? $1000? $2000? That's alot of ammo! Then there's materials and trial and error.

My local shop (surplus arms and ammo) sells .380 Magtech at $11.99 per 50 rounds FMJ. That's 23.9 cents a round. I don't know much about reloading, but it seems like it'd take a ton of shooting to break even. Someone enlighten me if I am guessing wrong, and I could do it for less.
Chris

CampingJosh · 02-21-2011, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hackercat13

I am thankful to not live in the People's Rupublic of California, but I don't reload. How much is it going to cost me for a basic reloading setup? $1000? $2000? That's alot of ammo! Then there's materials and trial and error.

My local shop (surplus arms and ammo) sells .380 Magtech at $11.99 per 50 rounds FMJ. That's 23.9 cents a round. I don't know much about reloading, but it seems like it'd take a ton of shooting to break even. Someone enlighten me if I am guessing wrong, and I could do it for less.
Chris

A LEE kit can be had with dies for about $150. That means all you need to add is components (primers, powder, cases, and bullets), and you're ready to load. It's not a high-end kit, but it'll get you going for under two bills. Not too bad, really.

I don't load either, but it's #2 on my next purchases list (after an AR build, so it's a bit away).

hackercat13 · 02-21-2011, 04:59 PM

Yeah, I can see why that'd be a priority! Having an AR is nice, it's my favorite weapon, and my go-to gun for almost any situation.
Thanks for the advice, I'll start doing a bit of research. I just bought a new house with a huge 2 car garage (man cave), so I have the space.
Chris

01-16-2011, 11:36 PM	#1
hackercat13 Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Washington State Posts: 27	Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? I am new to the forums, and thought perhaps someone could shed a little light on this for me. At Cabellas (and everywhere else I look at ammo,) .380 is more expensive than 9mm. 250 rounds FMJ Remington UMC 9mm 115 grain $59.99 .380 95 grain $79.99 Smaller round, less materials to make, where is the logic here? Chris -->

01-17-2011, 05:09 AM	#3
hogger129 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,078	Re: Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? Smaller supply. __________________ Samuel Adams once said, "among the natural rights of the colonists are these: first, a right to life, secondly to liberty, thirdly to property; together with the right to defend them in the best manner they can."

01-17-2011, 06:49 AM	#4
old semperfi Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: i live in southern indiana,old country boy at heart Posts: 1,506	Re: Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? just like 22 short ammo.if the demand is not greater than a current round then they will only run that line for a limited amount of time.they must change the machining every time they change calibers. old semperfi

01-17-2011, 06:57 AM	#5
oscarmayer Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Contributor Posts: 2,387	Re: Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? not sure if this is true but i think i read somewhere 9mm and 380 were run on the same line and with the demand for 9mm being high they only make short runs of 380's and with the 380 craze in full swing it makes it hard to come by and retailer are wise to this and asking outragous prices for it

01-17-2011, 07:13 AM	#6
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,772	Re: Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? Oscar, it makes sense to me. 22 Short uses less brass, less lead and less powder, but it costs 50% more than 22 LR. 410 uses much less plastic, shot and powder than 12 gauge, but costs twice as much. I think its got a lot to do with the volume of sales. Stuff they sell a butt-load of is usually cheaper than stuff that they only sell a little. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

01-17-2011, 03:47 AM	#2
oscarmayer Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Contributor Posts: 2,387	Re: Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? supply and demand. with the large influx of small pocket size 380 being all the rage the ammo makers are capitalizing on the rounds popularity.

01-17-2011, 08:41 AM	#8
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,407	Re: Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? .380 is much more popular as a defensive rounds, therefore more people carry it, and demand is much stronger. But the demand is restricted to mainly defensive ammo sales. the ol' 9 mil is in everybodys bag, in defensive form as well as target/plinkin form. its more of a range caliber and much higher volumes are made because sales are virtually guaranteed. If you started an ammo company today there are 2 things that would be your absolute bread and butter, .22 rimfire and 9mm luger... dont make those two and quickly go out of business __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

01-17-2011, 09:20 AM	#9
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,542	Re: Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? And let's not forget the military contracts for 9mm. __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

01-17-2011, 09:29 AM	#10
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,407	Re: Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? yes, that always helps the poularity and longevity of a cartridge... __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

01-17-2011, 10:17 AM	#11
gun-nut Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: ohio Contributor Posts: 945	Re: Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? I know that here in ohio that most people are cairring the 380 for there ccw. The kel-tec firearms are very popular. But one more popular gun is the 45 Colt Judge. I have many people asking me to reload both cals. for them.

01-17-2011, 11:37 AM	#12
bayhawk2 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 102	Re: Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? I bought a set of .380 dies just for this reason.It got so bad here that NOBODY had .380 ammo.If you could find it, it was sold at a rediculus price.A little dab of powder,sm. pistol primer, bullet.Problem solved.

01-17-2011, 07:57 PM	#16
Boris Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 607	Re: Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? Thats why I went with 9x18mm Makarov. $8.00 to $9.00 a box. A little more power. Since both lack real 'power' both would be ball use only anyway. The CZ82 holds 12 rounds anyway, more bonus. I would love to see a P3AT in 9x18mm. I would be the first to buy one. Maybe a conversion barrel.......

01-18-2011, 02:33 AM	#17
6x6pinz V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Mesa, Az Posts: 382	Re: Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? I don't reload 380 and never have so don't know if this holds true with the 380 or not. For me the cost of reloading 410 is high because I use a magnum handgun powder to achieve the the higher speeds with the smaller amounts of powder. This powder cost more than the powder I use to reload 12 or 20 ga. the rest of the components are close in price so no real change there other than it takes a little more effort and care with the 410 to make sure wads are inserted properly which slows done the process. Together this contributes to lower production and higher cost of materials. __________________ friends don't let friends carry glocks

01-18-2011, 10:07 AM	#18
dragman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: PA Posts: 201	Re: Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? simple. 9mm is the most produced pistol ammo. It costs the company money to change over to make something else.

02-20-2011, 02:49 PM	#20
The Count V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 264	Re: Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? I think its all BS. No good reason that a box of 38 SPL costs 15 and a box of 357 costs almost twice! That little bit of extra powder and a magnum primer? Please....

02-21-2011, 02:08 PM	#22
Big Shrek Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NorthWest Florida Posts: 923	Re: Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? If you aren't reloading...you are screwing up. Especially if those dang Gun Grabbers keep giving us heck about ammo...California's the worst of 'em. Besides, if you learn your craft properly, you can make better ammo than you can buy However, I cheated...I married a gal with her own reloading equipment who has better gear than I did!! Now That's Marriage Material!!! __________________ Marlin Specialist Calico Specialist A gun should be a tool in the hands of a deadly weapon, not a deadly weapon in the hands of a tool. Last edited by Big Shrek; 02-21-2011 at 02:09 PM..

02-21-2011, 02:33 PM	#23
hackercat13 Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Washington State Posts: 27	Re: Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? I am thankful to not live in the People's Rupublic of California, but I don't reload. How much is it going to cost me for a basic reloading setup? $1000? $2000? That's alot of ammo! Then there's materials and trial and error. My local shop (surplus arms and ammo) sells .380 Magtech at $11.99 per 50 rounds FMJ. That's 23.9 cents a round. I don't know much about reloading, but it seems like it'd take a ton of shooting to break even. Someone enlighten me if I am guessing wrong, and I could do it for less. Chris __________________ A veteran is someone who once wrote a blank check reading "To the United States for an amount up to, and including my life."

02-21-2011, 04:59 PM	#25
hackercat13 Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Washington State Posts: 27	Re: Why is .380 ammo more expensive than 9mm? Yeah, I can see why that'd be a priority! Having an AR is nice, it's my favorite weapon, and my go-to gun for almost any situation. Thanks for the advice, I'll start doing a bit of research. I just bought a new house with a huge 2 car garage (man cave), so I have the space. Chris __________________ A veteran is someone who once wrote a blank check reading "To the United States for an amount up to, and including my life."