9mm defense ammo reliably expands to a 20% larger diameter than .380.
9mm also penetrates more to the FBI standard of 12-18 inches than .380:
only a few .380 defense rounds make it 12-13" on average, while 9mm goes 13-17" while expanding more.
[2][3][13][14]
With perfect shot placement and hard-cast or solid-copper bullets, yes. There are documented cases of .380 killing black bears.
However, a .380 bullet is likely to be stopped by the bones of larger bears like Grizzlies and Polar bears.
What is the best 380 self defense ammo?
The absolute best is the Underwood Xtreme Defender 65gr (+P or +P+ optional),
but if you can't get that, these hollow point rounds are the runners-up
for their strong expansion while meeting the FBI standard of 12-18 inches of penetration:
Steel-cased ammo is usually cheaper than brass-cased ammo, but causes jams occasionally.
Only use it at the range. For more info, see our Practice Ammo Guide.
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Training Ammo (Brass-cased)
Brass-cased ammo usually costs more than steel-cased ammo, but is more reliable.
Training classes often require brass-cased ammo. For more info, see our Practice Ammo Guide.
The demand for guns is sky high, and so is the demand for ammo. It's like toilet paper in early 2020.
In this case, manufacturers can't keep up with demand.
The companies who supply the manufacturers also can't keep up, so even if ammo manufacturers built more factories, it wouldn't help much.
When demand is way higher than supply, prices go up.
Disclaimer: I get a small commission on purchases through the price links above, at no extra cost to you.
Bryan Hill 
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