147 Grain said:
Just restating what Winchester's techs have mentioned on the phone about their 380 PDX1 having a +P rating. That is their declaration and not mine. A standard pressure load from one ammo manufacture can produce higher velocities (using the same handgun & bullet) than another brand with a +P rating. Various blends of powder, primers, seating depth of bullet, and etc... (i.e. speed of slide / powder's burn rate) are all involved here.
All I'm stating is that testing of the PDX1 bullet in 380 ACP and for that matter all calibers, has generally been very good the past couple of years.
The BONDED Ranger T style PDX1 (for civilians) is an outstanding HP for an underpowered caliber like the 380, but it's +P rated so LCP owners should remember Ruger only advises standard pressure loads in their LCP. Some LCP owners are reporting good results with PDX1 on other forums after upgrading their recoil spring.
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Buffalo Bore's 100-gr. wadcutter at standard pressure is still my #1 suggestion for SD with a 380. Upgrading the LCP's recoil spring in order to use a heavy duty bonded HP like PDX1 is a second option for consideration.
If the PDX1 exceeds the SAAMI pressure limit set for .380 (21,500 psi) it would have to be labeled as such and I find it hard to believe that Winchester (certainly no fringe ammo maker) would take such liberties (to say nothing of the liabilities issues involved) so we have to be careful here. Yes, to the fact that velocities may vary, psi is another story.
Ruger is quite clear on the use of .380 ammo in the LCP that exceeds SAAMI standard pressure specs. In four words: do not use it.
Accept the LCP for what it is - in the right hands and under the right circumstances a formidable,highly concealable and lightweight weapon, but it will always be a .380 (+P or not, a 50-75 fps give or take increase in MV is not going to make a whole lot of difference). Attempting to push the envelope pressure-wise creates excessive wear and tear on the gun and introduces safety concerns. If you feel you need more power, I'd opt for a subcompact 9mm.
With regard to upgraded recoil springs, folks need to know that you are referring to the Wolff dual recoil springs available in different weights (the Ruger LCP forum has an extensive thread on the subject), the 11 and 13 pound springs being the most popular.