Bodyguard 2.0 defense ammo.

[Busch297]

So what's everyone using as a defense round in the BG2? Up to this point I've only been using cheap range type ammo and now I'm looking into carry ammo. I'm going to try multiple brands but if anyone has ideas it would be helpful if I could narrow it down.
Thanks

 

[GnarlsR2]

I've shot Winchester FMJ Flat Nose 95 gr and Sig Sauer Elite Flat Nose 100 gr with zero issues.

I have also shot Winchester, PDX1 BJHP 95 gr, Sig Sauer Elite JHP 90 gr, Hornady Custom XTP 90 gr, Hornaday Critical Defense FTX 90 gr, Federal HST JHP 99 gr, PMC Bronze FMJ 90 gr, and Magtech FMJ 95 gr with zero issues.

My defense carry ammo is Hornady Critical Defense FTX 90 gr.

My barrel feed ramp has been polished.

 

[ImDrRich]

I'm using Hornady Critical Duty ammo BUT in the near future I am going to permanently switch to Speer 95gr TMJ. Seems LAPD did a study for their officers on the most effective ammo for carrying that caliber and that particular Speer configuration won.
Good enough for me.

 

[geeollie]

That is interesting to hear about LAPD. What was it that distinguished the Speer 95gr TMJ?

 

[chief38]

I'm not a fan of .380 acp for self defense but fully understand many people carry one because of their tiny size, light weight and an easy way to have a CCW on your person. I would usually recommend carrying Federal FMJ 95 grain bullets. The reason is the Federal version is slightly faster than many others, reliable and will at least penetrate to a respectable distance. Not optimal, but at least close to respectable. While the hollow point ammo might slightly expand (maybe), it will most likely not penetrate enough if it does. I'd opt for the penetration over the possible expansion any day!

FMJ bullets are also more reliable feeders. The round nose design and lack of sharp cuts on them makes them more reliable - especially in tiny, low powered, carry guns. In other more powerful calibers like the .38 special , 40 S&W and 9mm expanding hollow points are preferred but they usually do have the velocity for both reliable expansion along with good penetration.

 

[Dave Lively]

I no longer own a 380 but if I did it would be loaded with a FMJ flat nose since I prefer to err on the side of having enough penetration and flat nose bullets are a bit more likely to go in a straight line.

With 380 you have to choose between a bullet that expands well and a load that penetrates deeply enough to be considered reliably effective. It does not have enough power to do both. There are probably some types of 380 that split the difference and give you a little expansion with less than ideal amounts of penetration.

FMJ also has the advantage of being inexpensive enough that I could practice with the same ammo I carried. Small guns are less reliable than big ones and the BG2 is a very small gun. By all reports it is reliable but I have seen enough people report their BG having issues with certain types or brands of ammo I would feel better knowing it was loaded with ammo that was proven to work in practice sessions. With my gun and me shooting it. Just because someone in a forum reports his gun is reliable with a certain type of ammo does not always mean yours will be. Running a box or two of expensive JHP through your gun is always a good idea but would not give me the same confidence I would feel with FMJ ammo that has proven its reliability through hundreds or even thousand of rounds fired at the range.

 

[IAM Rand]

While I am a location, location, location guy first and foremost, I do see the value in having a good powerful round for self defense. In comes my dilemma, my wife wants a small pistol to conceal while she works. Lots of up and down and moving all around. We are looking at the BG 2.0. I need to take her out to the range and rent one to kick the tires so to speak. Because of my job, I have seen many different ways in which 1 human and kill another. I have seen the 380 one at least 1. Didn't die right away but didn't make it off the operating table.

As someone whose job it is to protect and defend, I personally would not carry a 380 unless I absolutely had to. 9 is my minimum. From a civilian stand point, they are using a firearm as a last resort to get out of a bad situation. Shooting and running to safety should be the civilian's goal not engaging to stop and take into custody.

I still believe with the advancements in ammunition development that what was once thought to be too small or weak and not suitable for self defense has the ability these days of becoming something that one can use to protect them selves. Protect being the operative word. I would rather use a quality HP than a FMJ for defense in any setting. It is not just the penetration that counts, it is the energy that is transferred that also counts. I know that the FBI touts penetration but, I believe that is only part of the equation. Location and what the bullet does when it enters the body counts just as much.

Having said all that, I have seen good things with external hollow point ammo like the stuff that G9 and Underwood have been making. I also like Hornady Critical Duty/Defense ammo. Not completely sold on the RIP rounds but they do look nasty. Find a good round and practice like your life depends on it. Remember, if you can't hit the target it doesn't matter what you are carrying. I would rather put 7 rounds of 22 mag into the bad guy then not hit him with a bigger caliber.

Just sayin