Bodyguard 2.0 .380 best ammo?

[STORMINORMAN]

I guess I'm just less concerned about barriers than the fbi...

But they're there, sometimes: no doubt about it!

Cheers!

 

[Beju]

In duty caliber ammo I just stick with the common stuff police carry because they meet FBI protocols for all 6 tests and have been correlated with street results. (I'm not saying XD ammo won't work effectively. I just go with the known data.) But, the .380 is different because it is neither tested nor correlated.

Not a bad idea if you're carrying a 9x19mm or .40 S&W pistol with a ~4.0" or longer barrel, or a .45 ACP with at least a 4.5" barrel. Results may vary the shorter you go in barrel length, however.

 

[Cheyenne WYO]

Not a bad idea if you're carrying a 9x19mm or .40 S&W pistol with a ~4.0" or longer barrel, or a .45 ACP with at least a 4.5" barrel. Results may vary the shorter you go in barrel length, however.

There may be some merit to XD ammo for shorter barreled duty-caliber firearms, but I have not seen any research on that. I also am not aware of any large police departments that issue different ammo for shorter barreled plainclothes/backup/off duty-guns than for their duty guns in the same caliber. If anyone has any insight on that, please share the info. When things are inconclusive, I don’t switch without some basis for doing so. But, that’s just me. I cannot say that people who don't agree with that philosophy are wrong.

 

[bigbob76]

I bought 600 rounds of this to test it for function. I took this pic to show a friend how small it is. So far I shot 200 rounds in one trip to the range with no problems. The target is 100 rounds, I'm going to have to adjust the sights. I seem to have lost the pic of the ammo. It was fairly inexpensive Armscor FMJ.

 

[Beju]

There may be some merit to XD ammo for shorter barreled duty-caliber firearms, but I have not seen any research on that. I also am not aware of any large police departments that issue different ammo for shorter barreled plainclothes/backup/off duty-guns than for their duty guns in the same caliber. If anyone has any insight on that, please share the info. When things are inconclusive, I don’t switch without some basis for doing so. But, that’s just me. I cannot say that people who don't agree with that philosophy are wrong.

NYPD somewhat famously switched from 158 gr lead semi-wadcutters to the Speer 135 gr +p JHP Short Barrel load for more reliable expansion from snubs, though they used it regardless of barrel length.

You'll find that US police departments are all over the map in what they issue, or what they don't issue.

Some departments will specify ammunition like Gold Dot, Ranger, or Federal's various loads. Some, just specify weight, JHP and/or velocity. This gives a bit more flexibility during ammunition shortages.

We can, however, examine Chicago PD, who helpfully have their general orders online. Chicago PD has issued Winchester Ranger Bonded for the last couple of decades (124 gr +P 9mm, 180 gr .40 S&W, 230 gr .45ACP, and 130 gr +P 38 Special), but the semi-auto pistol ammunition specifications are:

1. .45 Caliber ACP., 185 through 230 grain jacketed hollow point bullet, standard and +P.

2. .40 Caliber S&W, 155 through 180 grain jacketed hollow point bullet, standard and +P.

3. 9mm Luger (parabellum) Caliber, 115 through 147 grain jacketed hollow point bullet, standard, +P, and +P+.

4. .380 Caliber ACP, 80 through 102 grain.

.45 and .40 are for those who are grandfathered in with pistols acquired when the department still allowed duty calibers other than 9x19. .380 is only approved for back-up, administrative, and off-duty carry. Note that it is the only semi-auto caliber where JHP is not required. Presumably, this was done due to the oft-shallow penetration of .380 ACP JHP that actually expand.

With the exception of SWAT, CPD notably does not issue any pistols, duty or not. They issue duty ammo for the primary duty carry pistol, but other than that, it's run what ya brung so long as it meets the specifications above.

For the few dozen officers left carrying revolvers on duty, the ammo spec is:
.38 special caliber +P, 125 through 136 grain, jacketed hollow-point ammunition or .38 special caliber +P, 158 grain lead, semi-wad cutter, hollow-point ammunition

However, when it comes to off-duty/backup snubnoses:
.38 special caliber, non +P, 125 through 135 grain, jacketed hollow-point ammunition or .38 special caliber, non +P, 158 grain lead, semi-wad cutter, hollow-point ammunition will be used in alternate prescribed revolvers chambered in .38 special caliber which have an empty weight with standard factory handgrips of less than 21 ounces.

But:
Exceptions to this empty weight requirement are any approved revolver wherein manufacturer's specifications state that the revolver is compatible with high pressure +P cartridges. In such cases, +P ammunition may be used.

 

[agksimon]

I've been running these Precision One XTP 90gr +P ammo for a while now in my BG 2.0. I also run these in my LCP Custom and they run with zero issue's. I purchase these direct from their website and I've no issue's with shipping and timeliness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOwCXXpEP50&t=131s

What pocket holster is that?

 

[nam6869usmc]

What pocket holster is that?[/quote]

It is the Muddy River Tactical Pocket Holster and I also have a Vedder Pocket Locker for my LCP Custom. I would choose the Muddy River over the Vedder due to the tension adjustability screws.

 

[smoothshooter]

In .380, it’s all good.

 

[Protected One]

I don't own a Bodyguard 2.0 but have owned the original Bodyguard since its introduction. It has performed flawlessly with every round fired through it. The only issue was that the original "Insight" laser failed, and S&W replaced it with a crimson trace model...at no charge.

As to ammo for carry I recommend Hornady Critical Defense. It has done well in every review I have seen and reached 11 3/4" penetration in TNOUTDOORS9 review, with good expansion. Hornady has been among the most reliable rounds I shoot - regardless to caliber.

As any self-defense use of this small gun is most likely to be at close range, I prefer JHP over FMJ, but that's a choice each must make individually.

 

[halfmoonclip]

I've been using Hornady XTPs as carry ammo in .380s, and have for some time. They have run just fine in the BG2.0, a few, early stumbles notwithstanding.
Something to bear in mind with published data on any ammunition; what gun/barrel was used.
The XTPs do a measured 890'sec in my BG2.0.
Doubtful anything will turn the .380 into a death ray; simply carry what runs reliably, and has a decent rep.
Moon

 

[DeepPenetration]

My 2.0 loves Underwood Xtreme Penetraters and Xtreme Defenders; both +P. Runs like a sewing machine. 50 rounds each with zero failures. Also up to 600 rounds of ball ammo without any hiccups. I’ll pick up the redesigned RSA and sights when they become available.

 

[MikeNV]

Here’s my 2 cents worth – No one has mentioned Speer Lawman 380 Auto 95 gr TMJ #53608. It’s sold as a training round with a muzzle velocity of 950 fps (3.75 barrel length). They claim they’re made to more consistent standards and have a Total Metal Jacket encapsulating the entire lead core.

I ran across an article saying it was a LAPD authorized duty ammunition for whatever that’s worth.

I do know that it runs great in my Bodyguard 2.0 – no issues what so ever and it's reasonably priced.

 

[GnarlsR2]

In my BG2 so far I've shot Magtech FMJ, PCM Bronze FMJ, Sig V-Crown JHP, Hornady Critical Defense FTX, Hornady Custom XTP, Hornady FTX, Federal HST Personal Defense JHP, and Winchester PDX1 JHP, with ZERO failures.

I have not tried my Winchester 95 gr FMJ Flat Nose.

 

[44 mag]

I’m using critical defense and gold dots in mine. It’s for close and personal defense gun, I’m comfortable with my choice .