New User looking for Ammo info

[DebraV]

Hello happy to be here. I went to a local range here and got my permit to carry and shot the Smith & Wesson M&P 380 Shield EZ and loved it. I purchased the Smith & Wesson M&P 380 Shield EZ and love the gun. I have not been to the range yet to shoot it. I am a new gun user and I am so confused on what ammunition to use in the gun. Can someone enlighten me please. Thank you in advance. With the shortage right now for ammunition any ideas and where I can purchase ammunition.
I am looking at this ammo online, any ideas if it is a good one or not.
(NEW Brass 380 Auto 95 Gr FMJ Norma Range & Training – QTY 50)

Thank you
Debra V

 

[Culina]

You are looking for .380 ACP or .380 Auto ammo

 

[DebraV]

My paperwork says to use the 380 Auto
What is the difference?

 

[Culina]

There is none, some of these chamberings have been around for a while, like over 100 years and they pick up multiple names over that time. In Europe the .380 ACP is known as the 9mm Kurtz

 

[DebraV]

I see, so any help on ammo that you can think of would help me a ton.

 

[torizus]

"(NEW Brass 380 Auto 95 Gr FMJ Norma Range & Training – QTY 50)"

That should work fine in your 380EZ if it is the same as below.

Welcome to the forum and happy shooting.

 

[TX-Dennis]

The Norma is good ammo. These days with the shortage of ammo you can't be too picky. The only .380 ammo I've had issues with is Winchester white box and Sellier and Bellot. Other calibers seem to be okay in those brands, though. Literally everything else has worked well for me.

380 ammo is labeled as .380 ACP", .380 Auto, and sometimes as 9mm Browning Cort, 9mm Kurz, 9mmx17, 9mm corto, or 9mm short. They are all the same.

 

[robrossk]

Get a few boxes of that Ammo of you can. 380 is a bit hard to find in these crazy times.

 

[Dan Zulu]

Set up a search alert on Ammoseek. You can choose the parameters for when it sends notifications. When a text or email arrives you have to be fast. Popular cartridges at good prices sell out online within three minutes. Literally. Many people have set up accounts on the major ammo sales sites with payment information saved. That time savings can make the difference in completing the checkout or having it error out due to others completing their checkout faster.

Also be aware that many scammers are creating fraudulent online ammo and gun sales stores targeting new gun owners. Check the reviews for sites and be alert for fishy statements. If a site does not accept cards and asks for bank transfers or Zelle that is a huge red flag. Sites that promise to ship guns direct without an FFL (federal firearm licensee) are also fraudulent.

 

[D Brown]

Welcome to the Smith & Wesson Forum from Central Florida!

 

[rwsmith]

And a...

And a Hound Dawg Howdy to you from SC!

There are two types of ammo....

'Range' ammo that is usually (somewhat) inexpensive that you practice with. Usually it is full metal jacket (fmj)

'Defensive' ammo that you use in cases of self defense. Usually this is jacketed hollow point (JHP) variety.

In a pinch, ANY ammo is good ammo for any purpose.
Since we all need practice, it doesn't make sense to shoot up more expensive ammo just to shoot paper if it can be helped.

However, you do need to put some of the defensive rounds through your gun to assure reliability and so that you know how they will feel when you shoot.

Any common, reliable brand of defensive will do. Remington, Winchester, Federal, Speer, Hornady. Don't pay big bucks for 'boutique ammo' unless that's all that's available.

Do not use any ammo that is labeled +P+. +P is ok, as well as standard loading, but +P+ is loaded to a higher pressure than many guns are designed for. The instruction book with your pistols should give recommendations about what to and what not to use.

 

[coachray]

Looks like you've already got ammo advice so welcome to the forum

 

[OLDSTER]

Hi from North Dakota

 

[Morgan88]

Debra
Welcome from Southeast TN

Morgan88

 

[lkabug]

Welcome from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
These days, one may have to buy whatever is on the shelves in your caliber.
The important thing is getting some range time. Get familiar with your EZ.
Learn how to handle the failure to fire, and failure to eject. I really enjoy mine.
Again, welcome to the forum, there is a tremendous amount of information here, and many folks willing to help.

 

[mrsig]

Welcome from Tampa.

 

[DebraV]

Welcome

Thank you for the welcome

 

[kfields]

Hi DV. In addition to what everyone else has advised, maybe go back to the gunstore where you bought the pistol and see if they will sell you a box or two of the 380. Yes it is in short supply right now but usually the sellers hold back some ammo for those who buy guns from them.

 

[S&W Oldtimer]

Welcome from Va.

 

[Rob613]

At this point, if I was in your boots I'd buy all that Norma you can and I'd order a bit off Gunbroker. .380 has been almost impossible to find on the shelf in the last few months. My FFLs distributor stated .380 lines were shut down and resources moved to more popular ammo, he doesn't expect to see it in any quantity until summer.

Yes, the price is crazy at $1 a round but I'd rather have some expensive ammo than no ammo.