I'd like to pick up some new carry ammo for my .380 pistols. I have had Winchester Silvertips in them for many years and I am pretty sure with the explosion of .380 pocket guns over the last several years, there are newer and better carry rounds to use.
I've read a few tests that some of the bloggers and magazines have done and they can't come to any definitive conclusions as to what rounds are best.
I'd like to know what ammo those of you that are carrying a .380 use. I have a ppk/s and a Bersa Thunder, if that means anything.
What can you suggest? What loads can you never go wrong with in the .380, if there is such a load.
Go on YouTube and look at Lehigh 380 test results, you can alternate with any of the Good JHP mention that go 11+ inches ( most 380 JHP won't make the min. 12) But Speer, Hornady XTP, FTX or Fiocchi with XTP will give a dependable 1-2 punch.
From the testing I've seen the 90-gr Gold Dots just needed a little more velocity to get into the 12" minimum. I choose the Underwood +P 90-gr Gold Dots(1,200 fps = 1053 fps from the P380 2.5" barrel ) since Buffalo Bore stopped using the GD's.
I don't feel too under-gunned when I choose maximum concealment with my Kahr P380.
I got my wife a G43 and would carry one of those myself, but I like my P40 and P9... slim enough to carry IWB without feeling like I have a brick stuffed in my waistband... as my Glocks feel... even my G30S which I love.
Hollow points in .380 ACP are kinda problematical since they typically don't provide adequate penetration and expansion it usually not a sure thing through denim.
IMHO, the Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator bullet is truly revolutionary, especially in .380 ACP. A CNC machined, solid copper projectile. Provides deep penetration with a large wound channel. Underwood loads this 90 grain bullet to 1100 FPS.
They make flat nose plated lead 100 gr. .356 bullets for .380 handloading. Berry's has them and I shoot the Xtreme. They shoot clean and I'm running them at 1050 fps+. Flawless function in a G42 and a Beretta Pico...they are hot. But they smack like mad and penetrate. Probably too much penetration.
Then again we'd never carry hand loads for SD anyway, right?
They make flat nose plated lead 100 gr. .356 bullets for .380 handloading. Berry's has them and I shoot the Xtreme. They shoot clean and I'm running them at 1050 fps+. Flawless function in a G42 and a Beretta Pico...they are hot. But they smack like mad and penetrate. Probably too much penetration.
Then again we'd never carry hand loads for SD anyway, right?
While I carry JHP in my Glock 26, I only use FMJ in my Bodyguard. Facts and ballistics being what they are, JHP, especially out of a 2" barrel, isn't always going to open up.
Add layers of clothing and penetration trumps an expanded bullet for me.
Agreed. Penetration for the win. I keep the LCP loaded with FMJ as well.
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