Questioning the effectiveness of the .380

I don't own a .380, but I do own a 9mm. I've been reading around, and I'm seriously beginning to question the effectiveness of .380 for self defense. I know that's a pretty loaded (ha) question around the internet, but I'm generally curious of people's opinions.<br><br>&#x200B;<br><br>My understanding is that .380 is only slightly larger than 9mm. I've also seen videos of shooting .380 vs 9mm into gel, with minimal difference in the size of expansion. Because it's smaller, you can also carry more .380 in a smaller firearm, which isn't bad. My issue is that .380 also has lower velocities, and as a result, lower ft-lbf. Even though .380 expands similarly to 9mm, it seems like it has less power to push through objects and into targets.<br><br>&#x200B;<br><br>I did some research on the effectiveness of .380 in self defense. I can only find one instance where somebody was shot with .380, where it actually killed them. It was 3 shots to the torso at point blank range, and the person only died because their heart was wounded. The other instance of .380 actually being used in self defense that I'm aware of involved a woman shooting a guy in the head at point blank range. The guy was only wounded, and the woman was then pistol whipped until she was knocked out, and then raped while unconscious.<br><br>&#x200B;<br><br>I'm not saying .380 is useless or anything, but the evidence is clear; it's a smaller round, with less power, and historically less effectiveness in self defense. The fact that you can carry more .380 because of it's smaller size is really the only upside I can see. I get that .380 is a common round for small carry pistols, but if you have the option, why not opt for a slightly larger firearm and carry a slightly more effective round?<br><br>&#x200B;<br><br>I'm pretty pro .380 up until this point. Now I'm seriously questioning whether or not I'd be happy to have .380 as my carry round. I generally carry my 9mm because it's a full sized firearm and I have more confidence behind it.<br><br>&#x200B;<br><br>What are your thoughts?