HAWKEYE10
Member
I have read that 380 ammo FMJ is better for self defense because of penetration. What is your comments or opinion? Don
380 Ammo Question...
- Thread starter HAWKEYE10
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I have read that 380 ammo FMJ is better for self defense because of penetration. What is your comments or opinion? Don
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akviper
Member
It's pretty well hashed out about ten or so posts below.
You tell me where you are going to hit him and I'll tell you what kind of bullet to use! 
Seriously, my experience with the .380 shooting critters is not greatly encouraging. Most of the hollow points don't expand most of the time anyway, even the hot handloads with the Rem HP. So basically they are acting as FMJ anyway.
I've found the Gold Dot hollow points do expand, and are effective on "barn varmints." I'd rather not carry a .380 as a primary defensive gun--I do have a couple--but carry the Golds Dots when I do.
If you're looking for a "cure" for the .380s lesser power, I don't know what that would be other than better marksmanship or a larger caliber.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/156033-reviving-question-380-fmj-380-jhp.html
Seriously, my experience with the .380 shooting critters is not greatly encouraging. Most of the hollow points don't expand most of the time anyway, even the hot handloads with the Rem HP. So basically they are acting as FMJ anyway.
I've found the Gold Dot hollow points do expand, and are effective on "barn varmints." I'd rather not carry a .380 as a primary defensive gun--I do have a couple--but carry the Golds Dots when I do.
If you're looking for a "cure" for the .380s lesser power, I don't know what that would be other than better marksmanship or a larger caliber.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/156033-reviving-question-380-fmj-380-jhp.html
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look into the Hornady Critical Defense in .380. I've seen the ballistic jell shot with it, and it has plenty of penetration, even from the short little Ruger LCP. Keep in mind, none of these guns were intended to shoot more than about 20 ft.
gunlovingirl
Member
Also look into Corbon DPX. I did a lot of research into .380 defense ammo, and found good info on Corbon DPX, both in penetration and bullet expansion. Personally, I don't agree with a lot of the opinions that the .380 isn't good for SD. Of course, a larger caliber will have greater "stopping" power, but if you can put a .380 where it needs to go, I sure wouldn't want to get shot with it! It's all about shot placement, no matter what caliber you use. With that, I have confidence in carrying a .380 loaded with DPX, or other proven ammo.
Bullet placement and penetration are what counts with low power
hand gun rounds. I carry my 380s with FMJ. With FMJ ammo there is
little real world difference at close range between 32, 380, 9mm and
45acp rounds in actual defensive effectiveness given good bullet
placement.
hand gun rounds. I carry my 380s with FMJ. With FMJ ammo there is
little real world difference at close range between 32, 380, 9mm and
45acp rounds in actual defensive effectiveness given good bullet
placement.
Dragon88
Member
In the latest issue of Handloader magazine, they have an article on loading the .380. The author was able to get much better velocity than factory ammo. Factory loads were very weak, with actual velocities from an LCP running between 813 fps (WWB) and 933 fps (Blazer FMJ). So you are looking at as little as 140 ft-lbs at the muzzle. 
Place your shots well whatever you use.
Place your shots well whatever you use.
safearm
US Veteran
Has anyone used Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics line 90 grain JHP? I bought some on sale at Gander Mountain ($15.99/50) and they cycle flawlessly through my LCP. I fired them into hard clay and the recovered bullets showed deformation, but very little expansion.
mkk41
US Veteran
I'm still carrying Glaser Safety Slugs in my .380 (and every other caliber)after many years and two dogs shot dead with them.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
The FBI requires 12 inches of penetration after going through barriers, most of us won't need to do that. How many inches are actually between the outer skin and your heart? Six inches, possible seven? I'm sure any quality SD ammo, even when shot from a short barrel pistol can do that and do it well. Ball ammo isn't necessary IMHO... When using a small caliber for SD fire several shots placed well and the bad guy won't know the difference, they will stop the attack.
OP
HAWKEYE10
Member
Misty the Corbon DPX keeps popping up on the internet as a good ammo for SD. I think I will try some some. Don
Some of us live in a state that doesn't allow HP ammo. Apparantly, the lawyers have figured out that something in the hole makes the bullet a non-HP. So Hornady's critical defense and Powerball are ok to use. I've seen a lot of recomendations for Hornady on the net. Has anyone had any experience with the Powerball .380s?
safearm
US Veteran
I routinely carry Powrball in my 9mm's, and last week I found a box of 70 grain .380 Auto at my local gunshop. I've yet to shoot any through my LCP, but based on my experience with 9mm, it should feed without problem, as even HPs feed through it without problem. I do wonder if the 70 grain bullet is enough, as most .380 HPs are in the 90-95 grain range. The Cor-Bon website lists the velocity as 1100fps from a 3 inch barrel for a muzzle energy of 188ftlbs; although low, it's better than nothing.
38-44HD45
Absent Comrade
Re, .380 Pow'rBall, I quit putting it in my .380s after I checked its penetration in water. It expands like crazy and feeds slickly in every autopistol in which I've tried it, which is why I carried it for a short time. However, I have serious doubts about its ability to penetrate deeply enough to get to the good stuff, especially in a large or heavily clothed target.
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