Colt Mustang & Hydra-Shok Range Report

[Brian Parrish]

Great day at the creek with my very first concealed carry gun!
I got my GA CHL in 1986 and my Momma bought me this pistol new for Christmas that year (or she gave me the $$ for it y'know.)
It is never as reliable as my 3rd Gen S&W semi-auto pistols, but today it ran fine. Wore the gun today in an Uncle Mike's ankle holster.
My daughter had bought me some cartridges this past Christmas, some 380's because that was what they had she could afford.
The photo here shows some Hydra-Shok low recoil (sharp edge holes), shot from 7 yards offhand/rapid and aiming at the numeral "8" which hit a little high. This included 2 Mozambique Drills.
Then I loaded some Winchester White Box rounds (ragged edge holes) and aimed for the "9". Again mostly high/right, but one more Moze and the head shot was in the "X".
(Pay no attention to that hole on the target's right shoulder which was done by some Leprechaun when I was not looking...)
Note the recovered bullet sitting there on the gun which went completely through three and was found surprisingly in the fourth water jug with perfect expansion! I have no idea why they call these "low recoil" as they are exactly the same as those I have that are not marked that way.
Please tell me about your Mustang 380 experiences, and also any Bodyguard 380 experiences and what is your favorite short barrel 380 load.
Thanks!

Kind Regards,
BrianD

 

[UNCLE PAULY]

Not my experience but one of my best friends in the early 1980’s bought a new Colt Mustang 380 that looked just like yours. He was long distance running training for his first marathon and his daily run took him into Baltimore city. He fitted the Mustang into a small nylon fanny pack and carried it every day and night while training.


Later in life he moved to Pennsylvania and it bacame his every day carry. Never knew what ammo he used.

 

[Imissedagain]

Hornady's 115gr XTP and 115gr FMJ over 2.9gr Bullseye with a SPP in Starline brass.
XTP max load data from Lymans 49th.

Also load Penn Premium Cast (PC) 100gr and 120gr bullets
that have a similar shape to the XTP and 115gr PCs that are
shaped like an H&G 68
Bullseye and N320 are used.
Won't list data but they're warm and accurate
out to 25yds.
PPKs
P238
Plus II Mustang
Some DOA plastics as well.
Not a 45, but there are carry limits with a Speedo
on the beach.

 

[Bald1]

Good friend of mine became a corrections officer in early 90s. He bought a Mustang for CC. I remember it being a beautiful well made gun but heavy. It was plenty accurate, as is yours. He retired 2 yrs ago but still has the Mustang. He’s not a “gun guy”. He only owns 3.

 

[Brian Parrish]

In a Mustang?

Hornady's 115gr XTP and 115gr FMJ over 2.9gr Bullseye with a SPP in Starline brass.
XTP max load data from Lymans 49th...
P238
Plus II Mustang...

I like the sound of this load. Did you ever check expansion from a Mustang or another short barrel? I find the XTP has to be really moving to expand.
What means SPP? (Pardon my ignorance

Thanks and Kind Regards!
BrianD

 

[Brian Parrish]

Coltguard Finish

Not my experience but one of my best friends in the early 1980’s bought a new Colt Mustang 380 that looked just like yours...

The beautiful electroless nickel finish was called "Coltguard". There were a few Commanders in 45ACP done with this and also you will see some Colt Gov't 380's in this finish. Mine is worn off on the rails.

They sold so many of Mustang pistols in that first year they contracted this finishing outside as they could not otherwise supply the demand. I do not think this finish commands any collector premium. At least it ought not to.

I run over the finish with Iosso Bore Cleaner, diluted and very lightly. Be careful. Then a coat of gun oil makes it look purdy agayunn.

Kind Regards!
BrianD

 

[Imissedagain]

I like the sound of this load. Did you ever check expansion from a Mustang or another short barrel? I find the XTP has to be really moving to expand.
What means SPP? (Pardon my ignorance

Thanks and Kind Regards!
BrianD

SPP is small pistol primer.
I was told that the XTPs start to expand at about 850fps.
The only reason we have XTPs in 380/9mm/44/45 is that the kids thought they were absolutely necessary in the 21st Century.
"Hey Pop, the old M59 won't feed hollow points."
Quick and careful polish, problem solved.

Those type of shapes can be very accurate.
I like truncated FMJs or the leads in pic.
100/115/120gr Penn PCs.
Bullets were pulled from dummy test loads.
The 115gr Hornady on the right is okay.

380 is the official caliber of the Conch Republic.
Catch 'em Up.

 

[chief38]

When it comes to .380 for personal defense, I would opt to carry 95 grain hardball American Eagle. The AE version has a slightly higher MV than most others and would always feed reliably due to its traditional shape and configuration.

The most important deciding factor with the .380 is you must insure adequate penetration and as far as I have seen, the FMJ 95 grain is about the best there is out there in that department. Yes, some of the HP offerings might expand, however if they do, penetration greatly suffers. Therefor, FMJ would be the choice I'd make if I were to ever carry a .380, which I never have to date.