Originally Posted by Erich

I've seen a case in which a .45 Hydra-Shok zipped around the outside of the skull.

Speaking of Hydra-Shoks, two of the inadequately penetrating .380 JHPs were those. The other was a Golden Saber from a Lorcin. I'd have to look up what the Federals came out of - and I have a lot to do today, so I doubt that's going to happen.

Here's the deal with all of these thread: The point is to pick a tool that makes you feel comfortable it'll work as needed in virtually every situation where you might need it. We don't know what you're doing or what you need - we're just a bunch of old guys jawing over coffee. You're the only one whose opinion matters.

Is the .380 cartridge underpowered? Depends on why you need it.