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The history and development of 380 ACP is somewhat enigmatic. We simply don’t know the motivations that drove the creation of the cartridge.
Between 1906 and 1908 John Browning was busy. In the US he participated in ongoing pistol trials for the military, continued development of Colt’s model 1905, designed a new .45 caliber pistol for Colt, and was embroiled in an ongoing lawsuit with Georg Luger. He also spent time in Belgium to develop the same .45 design for FN, assisted production and development of a .25 caliber vest pocket pistol, and designed a new .32/.380 pocket pistol. It is the latter of these that seems the most likely impetus for the creation of the .380 cartridge. However, that pistol would not be put into production until 1912.
In 1906 John Browning began experimenting with a .38 caliber cartridge to be used in automatic pistols of the same size and type that were available in .32 caliber. During 1907 Browning specified and had produced a cartridge based on the 38 ACP which was shortened to the same length as 32 ACP and made rimless. It was to be loaded with a 95gr round nose bullet with a velocity of 850fps when loaded with 2.7gr of Bullseye powder. Production of the “380 ACP Hammerless” began in mid 1908 for use in a slightly redimensioned Colt Pocket Hammerless, with Colt quietly adding the 380 cartridge to existing pistol advertisements.
Despite development of the cartridge taking well over a year, no records survive relating to testing of the cartridge. Colt and FN pistols in 380 ACP would see some use in US and European militaries and police departments, though 32 ACP would prove more popular throughout production. Known outside the US as 9mm Browning Short, the cartridge would see wider use in models from most major firearms manufactures, notable examples being Walther and Beretta.
By the 1970s the cartridge was considered relatively obscure in the US due to rapid urbanization, changing laws and import restrictions. In Europe it was more popular but police agencies were favoring larger 9mm Luger pistols .
In the 1980s and 1990s a shift in laws and culture within the US caused a resurgence of concealed carry by average citizens. At first the market was dominated by small 38 S&W Special revolvers. However, when manufactures started making small polymer autoloaders the pocket pistol market exploded and 380 ACP was it’s darling.
In the late 2010s advances in manufacturing allowed small pistols chambered for 9mm Luger to encroach upon the pocket pistol market. Ammunition shortages and high prices also contributed to a waning popularity of the cartridge. As advances continue and pocket-sized pistols use increasingly higher pressure cartridges the popularity of 380 ACP is likely to continue in decline. However, like the 32 ACP, the 380 ACP isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.