A question for Doc about .380 pocket pistols and their load out

[evsmech]

I read the post about 38 specials and .380 BUGs posted in the sticky threads about the inadequate penetration and unpredictable results so common in .380 pocket pistols. Just from my own testing I can see that hollow point .380 can be unreliable with some rounds plugging and working like FMJ, some rounds rapidly expanding and not penetrating far enough to hit vitals and other rounds partially expanding and penetrating deep enough to maybe make a difference. We know that FMJ .380 does penetrate deep but doesn't do a lot of damage due to the FMJ profile.
My question is, what is your opinion with loading alternating rounds in .380 pocket pistols such as the Ruger LCP or the Kel-Tec P3AT? Start with a FMJ then load a Gold Dot JHP then back to a FMJ and just keep alternating back and forth? Would this method have any merit? It seems that you would have at least every other round penetrating deeply with the added benefit of possibly having a functioning hollow point in between each that just might work properly and create a larger more devastating wound than what the FMJ could do?

Normally I would never consider this practice to offer any real advantages in calibers like .45 .40 or 9mm, but I can't help but wonder if it may be beneficial in this circumstance.

[Alaskapopo]

I am not Doc but in .380 I don't trust any JHP rounds as none of them get deep enough. This is a caliber where its good to carry ball. Alternating rounds is never good as you never know what you are going to get when you pull the trigger. Having rounds with different recoil impulses and points of aim is not going to be good either.
Pat

[wrinkles]

On top of that the percentage of hit's to misses will give you more of a luck of the draw as to what rounds (HP or FMJ) you'll actually score a hit with.

[DocGKR]

Not to mention functional reliability issues with JHP's in some of the small .380's...

[maximus83]

I tried a .380 (Ruger LCP) for a while and really didn't like it on ANY aspect except of course the lighter weight of the pistol. The penetration was poor except for FMJ rounds, and with those it was marginal at best.

I finally gave up on .380 altogether and went back to 9mm for all CCW use. When I need to carry something really small/light, I carry a Kahr PM9.

[evsmech]

I figured this was going to be the consensus. I carry full mags of FMJ in my P3AT for penetration. I'm not real happy with any load in the .380 because nothing does what I want it to do, but at least the .380 FMJ will go deep enough

[iGun]

I carry Buffalo Bore +p 100gr lead hard cast in my p238. Any thoughts about that load Doc or anyone?

[200RNL]

The expansion of a bullet, with the weight and energy level of the .380, should be kept to the minimum.

Imagine if a company introduced a non deforming 95 gr .45 ACP loaded to achieve 900fps. It wouldn't sell very well.

A 95gr jhp .380 at 900fps, that expands to .45 inches, isn't much different.

In my opinion, a Buffalo Bore type load is probably the best balance for the .380.

[tpd223]

Devastating and the .380 round should never be used in the same statement.


The issue with the BB ammo is going to be both reliablity and long term durability of the gun.

[Beat Trash]

I am not Doc but in .380 I don't trust any JHP rounds as none of them get deep enough. This is a caliber where its good to carry ball. Alternating rounds is never good as you never know what you are going to get when you pull the trigger. Having rounds with different recoil impulses and points of aim is not going to be good either.
Pat

He hit the highlights well.

I witnessed a Gel test with the Gold Dot 380 round. I was shocked at the lack of penetration.

There really isn't anything you can do to make a 380 acp become a 9x19.

It is what it is...