.380 SD ammo... FMJ or JHP?

[LOAF]

first of all - mods or anyone else... if this is already being discussed please direct me to the right thread. I searched but don't have time to go through 8 pages of threads to find the right one.

So... in discussions at my local shop we recently threw around the pros and cons of hollow point ammo in a .380 for self defense.

One main issue... Penetration. If the BG is wearing multiple layers and you are using FMJ you've obviously got a better chance at penetrating deeper. However, the fear is if you are using hollow points will you make it far enough to hit a vital organ.

Either way, I wouldn't be afraid of over penetration with a .380 rd. would you?

thanks in advance for responses.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Pioneer]

I would most definitely NOT worry about over penetration with a .380. Any .380. Although very popular for modern carry, the .380 historically has been a pretty puney, ineffective round for stopping bad guys who wish you harm. Sure you can shoot someone with them and they may bleed out, but in the minutes it takes for that to happen, the bad guy can still inflict a lot of damage.

My opinion, your mileage may vary.

[Thanis]

Load both. JHP then FMJ then JHP then FMJ, etc.

[retsupt99]

I would not have a problem using anything in my KelTec .380, but if given a choice, I'd prefer some type of HP.

[LOAF]

we've got FMJ and a box of Hornady Critical Defense... just trying to decide what's best for my wife to have loaded.

[automatic slim]

I don't know the specs, but you'll find that most SD ammo is loaded to higher velocities than the standard target fodder. Cor-Bon 115gr. HP 9mm has a velocity of 1475 fps, much faster than standard. I don't know if they make .380, but I'm sure the Hornady ammo would be pretty hot. You might want to research the Hornady stuff. In any case I would opt for the HP ammo.

[EW3]

I use Remington Golden Saber for my LCP and Bersa 380CC.

[10thmtn]

Load both. JHP then FMJ then JHP then FMJ, etc.

Agree. Hornady Critical defense in .380 gets about 10" penetration, not quite the 12" minimum (from testing I've seen).

Therefore, I loaded my wife's LCP with alternating CD and FMJ-Flat Points. My understanding is that FMJ-FP does more damage than round-nose FMJ, for better terminal effects.

.380 is borderline. Below .380 I would just load FMJ or FMJ-FP.

[bmcgilvray]

If I have to carry my .380 I will only carry it with FMJ. I'm not interested in trick bullets but want guaranteed penetration.

[cmb]

I use fmj in anthing under 9mm, I can practice with same ammo and it saves some cost. Check out GoldenLoki.com he has some ballistic reports and gel tests. There are 380 fmj that get some decent speed and energy (sellier&bellot / fiocchi). Most experts say you need 1000 fps for hp expasion and in some guns you cant get that... my 380 also cant handle +p. I would use the corbon +p or buffalo bore if I used any in 380

[Hopyard]

At the short distances most SD use happens, I doubt it will make any difference unless the BG is wearing layers of clothing. I use a very high velocity low weight frangible hollow point. I hope I never find out that I'm wrong.

[Conrad]

Try these. One of the guys I work with swears by these. Don't know anything about them, don't own a .380......yet.

380 Auto +P Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

[rmhz1979]

I personally carry Hornady xtp's in my Ruger LCP. If I was you I would go with the Hornady Critical Defense.

[cmb]

you can try fiocchi xtrema also, they use the hornady xtp bulletin a fiocchi case etc... but you get 50 vs 20-25 per box... same for like black hills and other who buy the components and load them (that is how I buy gold dots and xtps)

[Torrid]

I just bought my wife a .380 and we decided on FMJ for penetration. I honestly would use FMJ in my gun as well, but .357 would continue to punch holes for a while!