Best .380 ammo?

[jabbaruger]

What is the best .380 self defense ammo for the LCP. I purchased Speer LE golddot and wasn't impressed with it. I set up some wood targets covered in an old pair of jeans to simulate a torso being dressed. The bullets hollow cavity just filled up with denim and wood and there was zero expansion! Not exactly worth $35 for a 50 pack in my opinion. Whats good?
Here is a video of the 2 I plan on carrying.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRbqY4Fso78&feature=plcp

 

[Ladobe]

From what I've read the best for .380 is the Federal 90 grain Hydra-shok (P380HS1 H) and Cor-Bon 90 grain JHP.

 

[pisgah]

You do realize, of course, that a bullet's reaction to denim-covered wood has absolutely nothing to do with how it will work in a live target -- don't you? If not, no recommendation I or anyone else can make will help you.

 

[toysoldier]

Given the concern about effective expansion, and the increasing amount of fat carried by our citizens, I prefer to go for penetration, and carry FMJ.

 

[rchery59]

Given the concern about effective expansion, and the increasing amount of fat carried by our citizens, I prefer to go for penetration, and carry FMJ.

+1

 

[mattsbox99]

I would agree, the 380 has little energy and expansion shouldn't be a factor. Go for penetration and reliable feeding with the FMJ.

 

[hutchman]

Given the concern about effective expansion, and the increasing amount of fat carried by our citizens, I prefer to go for penetration, and carry FMJ.

Same for me......I just buy whatever ball ammo I can find. Dunno if that is correct, but with a low energy round it just makes sense to me.....

 

[pawncop]

I carry Cor Bons in my Colt Mustang.

 

[Busterswoodshop]

If the hollow point bullet doesn't expand wouldn't it be the same as a full metal jacket bullet ?

 

[exavid]

I like Hornady Critical Defense .380 ammo. They have a rubber plug in the hollow point that helps penetrate clothing while assisting with expansion. I use it in my .380 and 9mm carry guns.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H9M6cZGd18

 

[glockman99]

I carry the Speer 230 grain Gold Dot in my .45 (and it works excellent for me), but you might want to try the Federal Hydra-Shok or Hornady XTP in your .380.
http://www.federalpremium.com/products/details/handgun.aspx?id=399
http://www.hornady.com/store/380-Auto-90-gr-XTP/

 

[cjs1945]

I use Critical Defense, it has always been completely reliable in my LCP, P3at and PPK/S. Hydra-Shok is also good.

 

[toysoldier]

If the hollow point bullet doesn't expand wouldn't it be the same as a full metal jacket bullet ?

Yes, but hollowpoints are lighter, therefore won't penetrate as far.

 

[Busterswoodshop]

If the hollow point bullet doesn't expand wouldn't it be the same as a full metal jacket bullet ?

Yes, but hollowpoints are lighter, therefore won't penetrate as far.

That makes sense.

 

[skeeter]

This is a great link. Look at some of the other calibers too. Bigger ones have better stopping power. A 380 is not too bad.

http://www.handloads.com/misc/stoppingpower.asp?Caliber=10&Weight=All

 

[kd4rgwml]

102 gr golden saber work for me

 

[pps]

I like Hornady Critical Defense .380 ammo. They have a rubber plug in the hollow point that helps penetrate clothing while assisting with expansion. I use it in my .380 and 9mm carry guns.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H9M6cZGd18

Tnoutdoors9 does fantastic work. I did a gelatine test of two rounds that I was considering in .380 for possible use in place of FMJ. The Critical defense does a great job UNLESS it hits bone. Then, it just plain sucks; as it fails to penetrate much more than an inch.

The Buffalo Bore 85 grain Barnes bullet penetrated 5 inches of ballistics gel, after cracking through the bone. I think the number was about 11" (have to look back at video) with just the denim. Since It was a big block I also tested .357 mag 140 grain Barnes bullet...which, even from a 2" snubby, blasted through the bone and carried bone fragments throughout the 17" wound channel.

In .380...FOR ME...it's fmj-flat nosed or it will be the Buffalo Bore offering with the Barnes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l6vrb4Z-Lk