Back when I had my 357 magnum I would practice with 38 caliber rounds and load for carry with 357 hollow points. Well now I have (4) 9mm pistols so my question is a 380 is also called a short 9mm so could I practice with 380 auto ammunition just like I did with my 357 revolver?

Has anyone ever done this or is it even possible?

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59,M&P9,40,40C,357,(2)45,G26

You cannot use .380 or 9mm short in a 9mm Luger pistol.

Like I said I knew it was a stupid question and then I looked and found that 380 auto is actually more expensive than 9X19 luger so it is now a moot point!

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59,M&P9,40,40C,357,(2)45,G26

The concept of shorter, reduced power alternative ammunition works for revolvers because they depend on the operator for the power to function them, and use rimmed cases. Automatics are a completely different animal due to headspace issues with rimless cartridges and needing adequate power to function the mechanism. Automatics and their ammunition must be very delicately balanced to one another.

You will probably find that your 9x19mm pistol will feed, chamber and perhaps even fire a .380 round. To do so would require that the extractor hold the head of the shorter round securely against the breech with sufficient force to allow the firing pin to ignite the primer.

This practice is, however in advisable as the 9x19 round is designed to headspace on the longer case mouth and you are sidestepping that design. While most 9x19 pistols are of a locked breech design and the 9x19 is generally a more powerful cartridge than the .380, I still don't think this is a good idea.

Drew