Teach me about the .380 caliber

[drinva]

Being "new" to this caliber with a brand new firearm, I'd like to know what everyone likes to carry in a smaller framed (pocket) 380 for self defense, specifically a Ruger LCP.

I have heard that both hollow points and FMJ rounds can be utilized. What are the pro's and cons of both in the .380cal along with your preference?

DR

 

[Arik]

My preference is no 380. For 380a fmj has better penetration over the hp

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

 

[SMSgt]

Literally millions of opinions out there (and here), but only you have to live with your choice.

 

[Erich]

We've definitely discussed this here before in great detail. I'd hate to bore anyone by repeating what I said then . . .

 

[Geno44]

I think they are suggesting do a search in the forum. Also, Google is your friend.

 

[Ljutic]

Hi Erich.

I like the information this guy puts out on 380. Just facts and you can make your own choices from there. Pocket Guns and Gear: Ammo Tests

 

[Az. revolver fan]

At less than 10 oz. (empty), the Kel-Tec 3AT/Ruger LCP, with it's long DA trigger pull, might be the safest and best back-up piece ever. It can be dropped into a boot top, hidden inside a ballistic vest, etc... Definitely a good piece for if an officer gets physically over-powered by a suspect and his primary weapon taken from him, just pull and shoot. That said, that is probably the only practical use for that weapon and caliber.

 

[Florida J Frame]

LAPD approved the LCP for back up and off duty carry only when loaded with Hornady Critical Defense.

 

[Erich]

Hi Ljutic,

Good site: that Bruce is a great guy.

Here are some recent threads on the subject, chock full of .380 goodness!

http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/122728-380-acp-carry-load.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/179008-380-annd-ccw.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/98508-380-load-calling-erich.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/concea...-good-380-sd-ammo-recommendations-please.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/concealed-carry-self-defense/134505-380-cc.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/lounge/148904-380.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/concealed-carry-self-defense/131511-380-self-defense-ammo.html

 

[C17]

Pretty much a worthless caliber. In between 25 ACP and 9 mm. If you want a pocket gun, Keltec makes smaller guns in 9mm

 

[BAM-BAM]

"Bond ......James Bond"........ nuff said !

It you can shoot like him, need a good tux gun then.....PPK all the way!

"Hits like a brick through a plate glass window..... the CIA swears by them [in .32apc]"

Sometimes I need the later ........wish I could claim the former.

Though a lock breach .380 like the Colt Mustang or I think the Sig 238.... has less recoil than a blow-back Walther or Beretta.

 

[robertrwalsh]

A .380 is somewhat better than throwing rocks.

 

[ken158]

As others have stated, you can do much better with similar cost in weapon and ammo. Would hate to get shot by a .380 but would also hate to use it as an offensive or defensive weapon.

 

[BigCityChief]

A .380 is somewhat better than throwing rocks.

That depends on the size of the rock and how good an arm you have.

 

[rwsmith]

jhps vs fmjs

Modern JHPs are more highly effective at lower velocity than they used to be. Bullets like the Gold Dot or XPT are better yet. FMJs tends to over penetrate and shoot a clean hole right through. Our troops are obligated to use FMJs by treaty and they have complained about this.

 

[Erich]

Modern JHPs are more highly effective at lower velocity than they used to be. Bullets like the Gold Dot or XPT are better yet. FMJs tends to over penetrate and shoot a clean hole right through. Our troops are obligated to use FMJs by treaty and they have complained about this.

How many .380 FMJ overpenetration cases have you worked on?

I can tell you that I have worked on three shootings in which .380 JHP failed to penetrate adequately.

 

[rwsmith]

Oh sorry

How many .380 FMJ overpenetration cases have you worked on?

I can tell you that I have worked on three shootings in which .380 JHP failed to penetrate adequately.

Somehow I got to talking about 9mm!!! No....380s don't overpenetrate. But they are more effective with the modern bullets than they used to be.

 

[brucev]

Being "new" to this caliber with a brand new firearm, I'd like to know what everyone likes to carry in a smaller framed (pocket) 380 for self defense, specifically a Ruger LCP.

I have heard that both hollow points and FMJ rounds can be utilized. What are the pro's and cons of both in the .380cal along with your preference?

DR

The .380 is not intended for long range engagement. It is commonly chambered in pistols like the Ruger LCP which are designed for use at relatively close range... from hard off the muzzle on out to maybe 15 yds.

Plain Jane FMJ's will penetrate... very likely all the way through and out the other side of a assailant. If you hit a organ, vein or artery or the spine, cool. Otherwise, the FMJ is not going to have much immediate effect. That is true regardless of the caliber used.

A JHP is a better option. However, all JHP's are not created equal. Some of them simply are not reliable. Firing from a short barrel pistol only exacerbates this problem. At worst, the JHP will not open and the bullet will act like a FMJ. At best it will open. This will enhance it's on target effectiveness. Look for a modern design that takes advantage of the very best developments in self-defense ammunition.

Use FMJ ammo for practice, etc. It is typically less expensive and will provide practical experience in using the pistol. Check feeding and function w/ the SD/HD load you select. This will also allow you to determine POI relative to POA. There may possibly be some divergence compared to ball type practice ammunition.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Being "new" to this caliber with a brand new firearm, I'd like to know what everyone likes to carry in a smaller framed (pocket) 380 for self defense, specifically a Ruger LCP.

I have heard that both hollow points and FMJ rounds can be utilized. What are the pro's and cons of both in the .380cal along with your preference?

DR

I hate the 380.

The problem with mouse guns and mouse gun calibers is that they are hard to shoot accurately with any speed. A DA trigger in such a small and light gun is not ideal.

They are indeed a "get off me" gun. Which means you've waited too long to act.

What I mean is that for most people the gun is useless at 7 yards. The point where most of us carrying a larger service caliber gun have already started shooting.

The 380 will definitely hurt someone. But that's not necessarily the intent. Stopping them is what we need and want. So with a 380 you MUST be accurate immediately.

If your determined to carry it, shoot it. A lot!

The above is based on my experience in trying to find a reason to carry a mouse gun. I got rid of all of them. A J frame solved those issues. Back up or second yes. Not primary.

 

[jonesy814]

Ruger has updated the LCP for this year. It now has sights you can see (but still small) and they have changed the trigger pull so that it breaks quite a bit sooner than previous models. Both things should help improve accuracy, but it still is basically a spittin distance weapon. I am considering getting one for those low threat social occasions when most people would leave the gun at home...like church. Last year a guy walked into a sunday church service in a town near me, and shot his ex wife who was the organist. She wasn't dead, and he walked from where he shot to where she was laying. The people got between them and he threatened to shoot them too. They moved and he finished her off. If one of the congregation had been carrying a gun, she would be alive. It might only be a 380, but in that situation it would have been enough.