[unit1069]

If I still owned a .380ACP I'd likely carry a heavy-for-caliber hardcast round. (unit1069)

Originally Posted by SCmasterblaster

That's right - good for max penetration.

I went round and round with ammo when I owned a .380ACP and I finally became convinced that anything below 9mm/.38Spl needs to ensure penetration above all else, especially during 7-8 months of the year when an attacker likely wears layers of clothing.

[captcurly]

I was impressed with a test vid and now I have Hornady Critical Defense in my LCP.

[wolf19r]

Right now speer gold dots. Might change after this post.

posted using Outdoor Hub Campfire

[dougader]

Originally Posted by Ljutic

You might be surprised by the expansion of some of the 380s. I know I was when I started testing them. Due to mass and velocity, the largest expanding rounds suffered from lesser penetration.

Why no penetration numbers on the Gold Dots and The Win load below the GD's?

I'm liking the numbers on those old school Fed Hydra Shoks.

[Ljutic]

Originally Posted by dougader

Why no penetration numbers on the Gold Dots and The Win load below the GD's?

I'm liking the numbers on those old school Fed Hydra Shoks.

Those blocks calibrated too soft, so I scrapped the penetration depths rather than publish bad information.

[PocketProtector]

Buffalo Bore 100 gr. hardcast @1150 fps

[fastbolt]

When I decided to pick up a LCP for those times when I couldn't conceal one of my J-frames, I looked around to see what ammo I could find at my usual sources. I tried some Winchester RA380T 95gr (T-Series), Speer 90gr GDHP and Remington 102gr Golden Sabre.

All fed and functioned just fine in my LCP. The Golden Sabre exhibited some erratic ejection patterns compared to the other 2 loads, though.

I know another instructor that settled on Hornady (because LAPD authorizes it, and he carries a Bodyguard 380), after he fired enough to confirm function in his BG 380. If the Hornady load was available in quantity and discounted pricing, I'd try it sometime.

I settled on the Win T-Series & Speer GD, as I can get those loads in quantity, and they both work fine in my LCP. (Enough for training, practice & carry, although I still have access to Win FMJ, as well.)

Yes, the potential for less penetration in situations involving intervening limbs and cross torso/shoulder capsule situations is always in the back of my mind, but there's always some degree of compromise to consider in dedicated defensive handguns.

[SCmasterblaster]

Originally Posted by unit1069

I went round and round with ammo when I owned a .380ACP and I finally became convinced that anything below 9mm/.38Spl needs to ensure penetration above all else, especially during 7-8 months of the year when an attacker likely wears layers of clothing.

GOOD thinking!

[3rdgen40]

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.ph...t_detail&p=127

[SCmasterblaster]

Originally Posted by 3rdgen40

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.ph...t_detail&p=127

Interesting link to a +p .380 loading using a 100gr hard-cast flatnose. Talk about penetration!

[3rdgen40]

Originally Posted by SCmasterblaster

Interesting link to a +p .380 loading using a 100gr hard-cast flatnose. Talk about penetration!

I don't have a .380 but if I did that would be my carry load.

[SCmasterblaster]

Originally Posted by 3rdgen40

I don't have a .380 but if I did that would be my carry load.

Same here. Sometimes I wonder if my 115gr 9mm +p+ bullet will penetrate enough.

[NEOH212]

Originally Posted by WEATHERBY460

I am looking for recommendations for 380 ammo for the little pocket guns.....thanks

Ok,

Dump the .380 and get at least a small 9x19mm.

Then come back and talk ammo suggestions.

[SCmasterblaster]

Originally Posted by NEOH212

Ok,

Dump the .380 and get at least a small 9x19mm.

Then come back and talk ammo suggestions.

Come on now - he is asking for our good advice about .380 ammo. It could be the only gun that he can have now.