2 Questions RE .380 Ammuntion

[Smoke]

The questions

1. For a .380 would ball ammunition be a better choice for self defense than hollow point.

2. If HPs are a better round can you recommend a goof self defense round.

The backstory.

My wife carries an LCP, it's not ideal but she won't carry anything bigger. I don't know that much about ballistics and ammunition performance and every time I try to read up on it my eyes glaze over so I have to rely on those of you who do understand to give me some pointers.

 

[gm272gs]

Jacketed hollow points are almost always better.

For the .380, the best expansion I have ever seen in this caliber was 85gr. Winchester Silvertips, but if you can find Hornady's 90gr. Critical Defense, I understand that they're just as good.

 

[blujax01]

Some of the mouse guns are finicky eaters. Generally speaking, ball runs more reliably than HP.

Generally speaking, ball ammo allows for greater penetration - something lacking in the .380.

Some of the hotter HP's will allow for both penetration and expansion but it makes handling the recoil an adventure.

Whatever she chooses, run a magazine through the pistol and see how it (and she) reacts. Three paragraphs and no answers to your questions. How's that?

 

[jimmib]

I carry with the Hornady FTX...I have never had an FTF or FTE with it

 

[gm272gs]

I would suggest at least a box of whatever defense round you choose. If you have any failures to feed or eject in 20 rounds, you need to use something else.

 

[petepeterson]

I carry a Kel-Tec P3AT on occasion, and load it with WWB flat points. They are reliable, and not too snappy to shoot a few at the range. It's not a fun pistol to shoot with any load, IMO. It also adds the benefit of stocking only one type of load, for practice and carry.

I don't get into the ballistics and whatnot as much as other members here, but when you're getting into the .380 and below range, with the only option being light bullets, I prefer the more probable penetration of the FMJ.

 

[H Richard]

The ballistics of the 380 from a short barrel aren't great. That being, a majority of the HP's won't open at that velocity, and the HP's will plug up with clothing, (except the Hornady Critical defense). My opinion is that the Win White box flat point is one of the best rounds for the LCP. Since there is no HP to plug up with clothing, the flat point imparts better shocking power but still penetrates.

 

[USAF385]

A few years back, forum member Erich had interesting input on the subject.

I wish I had my old computer because I had the thread bookmarked. Long story short, when I carried .380, I used FMJ for deeper penetration.

 

[tops]

My wife uses the Win. flat pt. FMJ. The FMJ will give the best penetration and the flat pt. will do more damage than a round pt. I think a SWC would be the best option. I base my decision on 60 plus years of killing a lot animals from chipmunks to deer. Larry

 

[jtpur]

I keep my Kel-Tec 380 stocked with Hornady Critical Defense. I did a lot of research and chose this round. It never FTF, or FTE, shoot clean, recoil is ok for such a small gun, and the ballistics were reasonable. Second choice would be Speer Gold Dot. Also,run well in my Kel-Tec

 

[max]

If I remember various posts here, ball is best in that caliber.

 

[BC38]

I still like my 95g Federal Hydra-Shoks in my 380. 10-12 inches penetration, 98% weight retention, and expansion to just under a half inch diameter. Works for me.

 

[Erich]

I've worked on two shootings with .380 Hydra-Shoks where they didn't adequately penetrate to be effective.

This question comes up a lot - here's the thread that was referenced above:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/98508-380-load-calling-erich.html

Look at the linkback links in that thread for hours and hours of reading.

 

[Protected One]

You went and opened up the can of worms...again.
Answers will range from .380 is inadequate, to nothing but fmj.

For my part, I've carried a BG380 for some time now, loaded with Hornady Critical Defense. My research showed that it ALWAY expanded, and achieved 11.25 inches of penetration in gel test (5 1/2" when it struck bone). In my view that is sufficient for close quarters self-defense. Besides, the sight of a gun ends 95% of encounters. Threats don't stick around to "check caliber" and recall its ballistics.

 

[Protected One]

I've worked on two shootings with .380 Hydra-Shoks where they didn't adequately penetrate to be effective.

"Effective" at what?

 

[Smoke]

I've worked on two shootings with .380 Hydra-Shoks where they didn't adequately penetrate to be effective.

This question comes up a lot - here's the thread that was referenced above:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/98508-380-load-calling-erich.html

Look at the linkback links in that thread for hours and hours of reading.

Thanks for your input I will check this out

 

[Erich]

"Effective" at what?

Take a guess.

We're not talking about knitting here.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

 

[Smoke]

Take a guess.

We're not talking about knitting here.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

Quoted the wrong post.

In your other thread you used the acronym GSs what does it mean ?

 

[Erich]

Just guessing because it's been years ... Golden Sabers?

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

 

[Smoke]

"Effective" at what?

I won't speak for Erich but if they're going after my wife I want them stopped. COLD.