Well the objective with self defense weapons is to STOP someone...it's really quite irrelevant if they live or die. The point is for them to STOP. A .22 is a great man-KILLER...but a terrible man-stopper. Same thing with ball ammo, .32, .380 and most .38 Special loads.
With all the fantastic and SMALL 9mm pistols out now I just can't see the point of going smaller/weaker.
I only post this because your quote on the .380
Yes the price points are baffling!
My only opposition and aversion to .380 is the price of ammunition. It's a smaller 9mm to be a bit vague, and it's TWICE the price. I don't understand it at ALL.
My guess is that the prices are set by people whose job it is to figure out how they can make the most money. It seems as though .380 pistols have been doing very well in sales and, to take advantage of their popularity, ammo manufactures price accordingly. There may be a time when the .380 will fall out of fashion and you'd likely see prices fall more in line. Though, until then, they'll take advantage of the .380 gravy train. FWIW, this sort of marketing happens all the time.
Back to the thread: think I posted before ...I'm still carrying either the 40 S&W or 45 ACP.
Glock 26. I decided on 9mm because of quicker follow up shots, more rounds per magazine, and if it is good enough for SEAL Team 6 its good enough for me!