380 Self defense Ammo ?
Moderator: carlson1
Re: 380 Self defense Ammo ?
Buffalo Bore 100gr +p flat nose FMJ for maximum penetration/bone damage.
Re: 380 Self defense Ammo ?
They're pretty when they expand but penetration isn't as good as it could be. The video you posted with it even confirms this at the 3:35 mark.Dirthawking wrote:Winchester Ranger .380 ACP "Law Enforcement" JHP T series
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxpHOB132ak
I carry the T-Series in my .40 and .45 but would never carry them in my .380. Winchester even says they aren't capable of penetrating past 8 inches in gelatin. Right now I've got hydra-shoks in my .380 but will be switching to Gold-Dots once I get a chance to go to the range and see if my Sig likes the Gold-Dots or not

Be careful with those. I've read reports of this load damaging some pistols out there because they produce so much pressure.handog wrote:Buffalo Bore 100gr +p flat nose FMJ for maximum penetration/bone damage.
There are no .380s out there that are rated for +P because no such thing exist. Ever wonder why you've never seen any of the big names producing a +P .380 cartridge? SAMMI doesn't have any specs on a "+P .380" round so basically what you have is just a hotter .380 and not a true "+P". Not trying to split hairs or anything. Just wanted to pass this on if you weren't aware.
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Re: 380 Self defense Ammo ?
I was only posting videos I found while researching different .380 rounds. Like I said we use Hornady critical and it looks like it would do the job. I really do like the round.
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Re: 380 Self defense Ammo ?
handog wrote:Buffalo Bore 100gr +p flat nose FMJ for maximum penetration/bone damage.
Be careful with those. I've read reports of this load damaging some pistols out there because they produce so much pressure.
There are no .380s out there that are rated for +P because no such thing exist. Ever wonder why you've never seen any of the big names producing a +P .380 cartridge? SAMMI doesn't have any specs on a "+P .380" round so basically what you have is just a hotter .380 and not a true "+P". Not trying to split hairs or anything. Just wanted to pass this on if you weren't aware.
I asked Kahr what their official position is on the use of Buffalo Bore .380 in what they advertise as + P.
Their response: The Kahr P380 WILL handle Buffalo Bore, no problem. True, not all pistols can handle that much pressure. Ruger has officially stated, "no +P"
With the BB I am more likely to penetrate the rib cage and rupture the spleen or some other solid organ.
Edited
Last edited by handog on Wed Jun 26, 2013 12:36 am, edited 2 times in total.
Re: 380 Self defense Ammo ?
Remington Golden Saber, 102 grain JHP. No hiccups in my bodyguard 380, all of the primers have sealant around them and hopefully they will do the job if ever needed. When it comes to a 380 though none are perfect. Just can't carry my Glock 21.
Re: 380 Self defense Ammo ?
My wife's PK380 didn't like the Hornady Critical Defense (at least it didn't when new) - but it eats PowerBalls for breakfast.
We'll take it out soon to see if it has become less temperamental with age...
We'll take it out soon to see if it has become less temperamental with age...
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When those fail, aim for center mass.
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When those fail, aim for center mass.
www.HoustonLTC.com Texas LTC Instructor | www.Texas3006.com Moderator | Tennessee Squire | Armored Cavalry
Re: 380 Self defense Ammo ?
Um, just sayin': the spleen is not a vital organ. It's essentially a blood filter, kinda like a big lymph node. You can have your spleen surgically removed and live happily ever after.handog wrote:With the BB I am more likely to penetrate the rib cage and rupture the spleen or some other vital organ.
I know what your point is regarding penetration, but it's always good to know what you're aiming at. The spleen is pretty much below your left armpit. You're better off aiming about five inches higher and more toward COM.
That said, I don't often carry my pocket pistol by itself; it's a BUG. So if I ever have to use it, my expectation is that it will be at bad-breath distance or even in-contact. In that case, my shot will probably be fired from a close-contact ready position and aimed at the lower abdomen or pelvis. The L3 vertebrae lines up just about with the navel, and as far as the nervous system goes from that point down you have six important nerve roots that originate from the lumbar plexus, the cauda equina, and the sacral plexus. A hit on the spinal cord in this region can remove use of the legs. Not as quick a fight-stopper but in the same area is the lower part of the abdominal aorta and its branches to the iliac arteries. Perforate one of those and exsanguination is likely unless treated quickly.
For an extreme close quarters threat, my choice is to aim pelvis until you can gain distance, then assess and follow-up to COM if the threat is not stopped.
My BUG is a lowly .32 ACP, and I have Winchester 60-grain Silvertip HPs in it. Since its purpose is to get me out of a close-contact situation where I can't get to my .45, I'm okay with it.
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Re: 380 Self defense Ammo ?
I have two different .380's. One has Hornady CritDef and the other Corbon DPX. This is based on what feeds reliably through each.
Re: 380 Self defense Ammo ?
I keep Remington Golden Saber in my Kel-Tec P-3AT BUG. Although I cannot attest to their efficacy on the human body, I can say that I have never had a single misfire/misfeed with them.