Printable View
I use Gold Dots. Check these gel tests. FMJ is getting 20" of penetration, and thats with a 2.75 barrel. My 3.5" Bersa would do even more. Thats a bit much, and if my GD's don't expand they're FMJ anyway.
http://www.brassfetcher.com/380ACP%2...%20gelatin.pdf
I have been using the Hornady critical defense rounds in my 380 auto. They give me confidence in the unlikely event that I am confronted with a difficult situation.
Not knowing any details makes anything suggested a WAG.
If there is a reliability issue, I would go with the CORBON PowerBall. It feeds like hardball with impressive performance.
I am a firm believer in hollowpoints and agree completely with greyeyezz that if the JHP doesn't expand, you're shooting ball.
Having said all of that, the PRIMARY concern is that whichever round you choose is 100% RELIABLE.
Buffalo Bre Gold Dots are the only 380acp round that I will carry for SD. I have done my own testing and I am confident that it will do it's part if I do mine. Plus it has ballistics that are equal, and to many, superior to 38 special Hydrashoks.
I carry fmj in 380 and 32 to get penetration, I agree with Sellier and Bellot and would add to that Fiocchi, they seem to chrono a little faster. 50 are the same price as 20-25 higher end bullets and I can practice more with my carry rounds... I would not hesitate to use corbon or buffalo bore (they have a good reputation) if the gun is +p and I shot them well enough...
Buffalo bore.
Golden Sabre's ;)
Well since I missed my little Ruger LCP and I purchased another, I currently load it with Corbon DPX. You can also stagger FMJs with a good HP round to get the best of both worlds. I like the DPX all copper HP round myself because it seems to perform even when passing through denim material.
I am not an expert in this field, but from what I have read it seems that no .380 caliber round is actually very good for self defense. Here is an example: Concealed Carry Forum - Mouse-guns
And here is a comparison tool for Winchester Ranger-T ammo that shows that only 9mm and up have reliable penetration:
http://www.winchester.com/SiteCollec...law_bullit.swf
Just my 2c. I welcome any other sources since I am currently debating whether to get a .380 or 9mm compact.
Been shooting Federals 90GR HSJHP in my LCP