For the barrel lengths most current .380s have I opt for FMJ. You are gaining very little from an expanding hollow point in .380 beyond preventing over penetration. A significant portion of even major brand .380 JHPs fail to expand and act like FMJ with some rounds expanding and failing to reach appropriate penetration depth. I'll take an FMJ that can sometimes go a little deeper than I'd like than JHP that will not go deep enough or act like FMJ anyway. The effect with JHPs gets even worse with intermediate barriers like clothing.
If I were carrying a more substantial .380 pistol with more barrel like a Beretta 84/85 I would possibly reevaluate due to the risk of significant over penetration.
If I were carrying a more substantial .380 pistol with more barrel like a Beretta 84/85 I would possibly reevaluate due to the risk of significant over penetration.
^^^^This. Hornady custom with 90 gr XTP
I'll throw my two cents in and agree with the guys who recommended watching "shooting the bull" 380 ammo quest. I thought it was VERY informative. I have four of his top rounds. I also have to agree on the lehigh Xtreme penetration ammo, my two 380s did not like it.
When I carry my Kahr P380 it's loaded with Buffalo Bore 100 gr hard cast lead round nose flat point ammo. Hard on the gun and hard on the hand, but I shoot it sparingly for practice. Consistent expansion with hollow points may be attainable, but rare.
Update: tried putting some 90gr hornady "American gunner" through a friend's Cz 83.
Inaccurate as hell. And after 100 rounds of fmj (UMC and S&B), the hornady started malfunctioning. It would ftf every 2-3 rounds, and sometimes not even chamber on the first round. I had to literally push the slide forward so it'd go into battery.
Looks like Chuck Hawks was right. He typically has given good advice, so this appears to be no exception.
I'm probably not gonna consider 380 for a defense firearm anymore, or just get some buffalo bore flat nose.
Inaccurate as hell. And after 100 rounds of fmj (UMC and S&B), the hornady started malfunctioning. It would ftf every 2-3 rounds, and sometimes not even chamber on the first round. I had to literally push the slide forward so it'd go into battery.
Looks like Chuck Hawks was right. He typically has given good advice, so this appears to be no exception.
I'm probably not gonna consider 380 for a defense firearm anymore, or just get some buffalo bore flat nose.
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