.380 SD ammo... FMJ or JHP?

LOAF · July 15th, 2009, 02:06 PM

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.

Pioneer · July 15th, 2009, 02:42 PM

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 · July 15th, 2009, 03:02 PM

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

retsupt99 · July 15th, 2009, 03:17 PM

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 · July 15th, 2009, 03:59 PM

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 · July 15th, 2009, 04:14 PM

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 · July 15th, 2009, 04:29 PM

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

10thmtn · July 15th, 2009, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thanis

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 · July 15th, 2009, 05:16 PM

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 · July 15th, 2009, 06:43 PM

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

July 15th, 2009, 02:06 PM	#1
LOAF Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 26	.380 SD ammo... FMJ or JHP? 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.

July 15th, 2009, 02:42 PM	#2
Pioneer Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: NW Oregon Posts: 81	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. __________________ Sui juris U.S. Navy Veteran '65-'69 Retired Police Detective '71 - '01 HR-218 certified NRA Life Member U.S. Constitution (c) 1791, All Rights Reserved.

July 15th, 2009, 03:02 PM	#3
Thanis Distinguished Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: MI Posts: 1,704	Load both. JHP then FMJ then JHP then FMJ, etc. __________________ NRA Member S&W 642 (no-lock) with .38 Spl +P 135 GR Gold GDHP Glock G31 & G33 with .357 Sig 125 GR. SXT Winchester Ranger

July 15th, 2009, 03:17 PM	#4
retsupt99 VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 22,829	I would not have a problem using anything in my KelTec .380, but if given a choice, I'd prefer some type of HP. __________________ "That I cannot do." "Give this to, uh, Clemenza. I want reliable people, people who aren't going to be carried away. After all we're not murderers in spite of what this undertaker thinks." *********************************** NRA Life Member

July 15th, 2009, 03:59 PM	#5
LOAF Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 26	we've got FMJ and a box of Hornady Critical Defense... just trying to decide what's best for my wife to have loaded. __________________ Glock 26 edc in smart carry S&W 442 every now and then when i feel like it in a mika pocket round... Kel Tec p3at proud to have my wife carrying this. it's HERS Mossberg 500

July 15th, 2009, 04:14 PM	#6
automatic slim Distinguished Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: The western edge of The Confederacy Posts: 1,223	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. __________________ "First gallant South Carolina nobly made the stand." Edge of Darkness

July 15th, 2009, 04:29 PM	#7
EW3 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 935	I use Remington Golden Saber for my LCP and Bersa 380CC. __________________ "Naked and Starving as They are We Cannot Enough Admire the Incomparable Patience and Fidelity of the Soldiery" – George Washington, Valley Forge, 1777.

July 15th, 2009, 05:16 PM	#9
bmcgilvray Distinguished Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 1,737	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.

July 15th, 2009, 06:43 PM	#10
cmb Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: florida Posts: 376	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

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode