M&P Bodyguard 380 defense ammo

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Just bought a new M&P Bodyguard 380. I've actually never owned a S&W. Question to everyone that uses this gun as their EDC....

What ammo would you 100% depend on to work properly in this gun?

I know what works well in my Sig, CZ 9mm, but I have a feeling, the smaller the caliber, the more finicky the gun. I hope that's not the case, but given the price/availability of ammo...I don't want to blow through $500 to figure out what self defense ammo runs flawlessly through this gun.

Any insight to what you love and even what to steer clear of.
Thanks
 
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Hornady or Fiocchi XTP. In Gel tests they penetrated 12 to 14 inches and expanded consistently ( See Lucky Gunner gei tests )
 
I don't know how good my info is. I just put 150 range rounds into my new BG 380, and also had the same question.


I saw some youtube vids with gel tests and the results seemed mixed. Probably has lots of variables, like the quality of the gel the youtubers used, type of guns, etc. Many of them used the BG380 in their vids, since it's a fairly popular 380 pocket gun.



Some vids thought the Hornady CD penetrated a few inches shorter than they liked, but all of them looked like the CD expanded reliably. Federal Hydra Shok also expanded reliably, but might penetrate a little deeper with longer barrels. BG 380 has one of the shorter barrels, though. Some other brands didn't expand as reliably, especially with shorter barrels. Don't remember what the brands were were off the top of my head.



I ended up getting Hornady CD since it was easier for me to purchase. Not sure if it was the right decision. I shot a couple of boxes and didn't have any light strikes or failure to extract. I did have some failure to feed, where the round would be halfway into the chamber at an angle when the slide closed on top of it.



It also happened with 2 boxes of Magtech FMJ, so I think I just have to improve my grip. The gun really jumps around in my hand if I don't hold on tight enough. Feels a little more difficult to control for me with the flush magazine buttplate. The extended buttplate lets me get more of my ring finger around it. The magazine springs are all brand new and strong, and the follower moves up and down without obstruction.


I got a Hogue overgrip, and it feels more comfortable now. I'll keep practicing at the range and see if the overgrip and changing my grip technique helps.


One problem is my trigger finger keeps pressing the magazine release after the trigger pull. The gun jumps up and brings the button under my fingertip. I think a better gripping technique may also help me there.


I did get light strikes on about 2 rounds per box of Magtech FMJ. Hopefully it was brand or lot, and not a problem with the hammer and spring.
 
Here you go, a complete test of a bunch of .380 self-defense rounds. Scroll down to the video for a ten minute summary of the results:

Final Results of the .380 ACP Ammo Quest | Shooting The Bull

Just make sure that whatever round you choose cycles reliably in your Bodyguard. I suggest a minimum of 100 rounds with zero failures as a criterion. Good Luck!
 
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use a polishing compound and q-tips to polish your feed ramp. i'm not a fan of using a dremel for this job. it's too easy to be over zealous with a dremel. the smoother your feed ramp the better any ammo will feed. i also polished the rails with a fine stone.

i disassemble my magazines after trips to the range. i try to keep the internal of the magazine as clean as the internal of the barrel. over kill? maybe, but it has served me well. clean up the follower also.

if your BG has a laser, invest in a T5 Torx driver to keep the laser screw tight. don't try to tighten the screw the way you would a lug nut. it doesn't take much pressure.

someone suggested putting a Hogue grip on. i agree...makes it much more pleasant to shoot.

as for ammo, i try to stay with Federal hydra shok. Federal uses the "softest" primers. have had no feeding issues. i found some hydra shok "deep", but haven't shot any of it yet. it is 99 grain and the profile of the bullet looks good. the only ammo that has not worked for me is Fiocchi....light strike problem for me. others have had good luck with Fiocchi.

the Body Guard is a keen little pistol, but it requires a little more diligence in keeping it clean and lubed. and they have improved since the original.
 
slip in a couple of rounds of Buffalo Bore hard cast flat nosed and make sure they bleed out front AND back. Not 9mm Ft lbs but about half way there
 
I carry PrecisionOne 90gr HP/XTP. No complaints from my end!
I use S&B 92gr fmj for range practice.
 

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I should've put this in my original post. I appreciate the link to the ammo quest video...seen it several times as well as the one done by lucky gunner. Great information! I'm all for using Hornady 90gr FTX if everyone thinks the m&p would eat it up with no issues. Also appreciate the feedback from execpro on the PrecisionOne 90gr because that was the ammoquest winner if I remember correctly.

Lastly, there's been a number of videos put out on YouTube that JHP in a .380 sucks because the penetration is minimal and FMJ is the way to go in .380 Anyone feel that way?
 
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