.380 ACP Hydra-Shok v. PDX-1

[snatchel]

Hey folks.

Tonight I got bored and wanted to shoot something. I ran down to Walmart and bought a couple of boxes of carry stuff to see what ran well through the LCP I bought a while back. I hadn't had a chance yet to try and defensive ammo, only a bunch of jacketed range stuff.

I bought 100 Rounds of :

95 Gr. Winchester Bonded PDX-1

90 Gr. Federal Hydra-Shok JHP Low Recoil


I ran these through a new LCP. I have probably put around 200-300 rounds of FMJ at the range to break it in, but have read horror stories online about folks saying that their LCP's not eating the Hydra-Shoks.

Result:

Both of these defensive rounds ran flawlessly through a clean LCP. After 200 rounds my hand is a little sore as I type this. I can say for certain that my LCP did not have any issues feeding either type of defensive ammo.

I shot targets, plates, steel, and a 55 gal drum of water. I did not use a bench, so it appears that each shoots equal as far as accuracy. I did not notice any difference in recoil. I shot about 10 rounds each into the drum of water to check expansion, and both expanded well.

I will say this==The PDX-1 looked much prettier after expansion than the Hydra-Shoks. All expanded properly, but in a couple of the Hydra-Shoks it looked like the jacket was trying to separate from the core. No bueno.

After doing the test, I will be loading the LCP up with PDX-1. It's cheaper by a dollar anyway

[carlson1]

Are those Talon grips?

[snatchel]

Haha. Good spot, Carlson. They are...

I posted a quick review. I'll link it in a few seconds.
http://texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=57324" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Dallas]

That's why I went with Hornady Critical Defense.

[howdy]

I alternate FMJ and Critical Defense in the loaded magazine in the LCP and my spare magazine has just FMJ.

Watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkscBbMGp5k" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

FMJ has no problem with penetration.

[carlson1]

I also like the Critical Defense.

[snatchel]

I understand.....

I'm not really sold on any of the .380 "manstoppers." I don't expect to get much penetration out of the .380, which is why I don't carry it as a primary.

Now, I always carry the LCP. It has a nice little home in my front left pocket. However, it acts as a back-up to a .45 ACP or 9mm primary.

So, I am not all that concerned about what ammo I run through it. I'm interested in anything that feeds reliably.. I just happened upon the hydra's and PDX-1's.

[The Annoyed Man]

I wouldn't feel undergunned with either bullet per se, but in the .380 I'd be concerned about a possible lack of penetration.

That would be my concern as well. Snatchel, do me a favor.....spend another $180 on the same ammo and shoot it into some water jugs or wet phone books for me so we can get an idea of penetration.

Just kidding....... but enquiring minds want to know anyway.

[RSJ]

I carry the PDX-1 in everything I carry or use for HD!!!!
three 9mm Glocks, one .40 Glock
an LCP
and a 12 gauge Remington 870

I love the PDX stuff, and trust my life with it!!!!

[snatchel]

I wouldn't feel undergunned with either bullet per se, but in the .380 I'd be concerned about a possible lack of penetration.

That would be my concern as well. Snatchel, do me a favor.....spend another $180 on the same ammo and shoot it into some water jugs or wet phone books for me so we can get an idea of penetration.

Just kidding....... but enquiring minds want to know anyway.

Haha. Anyone want to sponsor this?

[carlson1]

I bought some Hornady Critical "Duty" today. Some new ammo. Looking forward to shooting some of it.

[Chemist45]

I love your opening sentences

Hey folks.

Tonight I got bored and wanted to shoot something.

And I am terribly jealous of your ability to go shoot somewhere on a whim.
I take it you have your own range?

[snatchel]

Hahaha.

Sorta. When I'm at my grandfaher's house, yes. And I am at the grandfather's house this weekend.