380 ACP

[sundance435]

My problem with FMJ for self defense is that (to my knowledge) the ammunition is for plinking. I don’t believe it is a quality cartridge like HSTs or Gold Dots. I think the manufacturers are more concerned with quality control of self defense ammunition. One aspect of self defense ammunition is that often the primer has sealant applied to prevent contamination. Just something to consider.

I get what you're saying and there might be some truth to it. On the other hand, you don't shoot nearly as much Winchester JHP as you do Win whitebox, so the sample size is skewed.

Speer Lawman, in my opinion, is duty-grade FMJ. If I was carrying FMJ in a .380, that's what I'd carry.

[AndyLate]

My problem with FMJ for self defense is that (to my knowledge) the ammunition is for plinking. I don’t believe it is a quality cartridge like HSTs or Gold Dots. I think the manufacturers are more concerned with quality control of self defense ammunition. One aspect of self defense ammunition is that often the primer has sealant applied to prevent contamination. Just something to consider.

That's an excellent point, and not just for 380. All my factory ammo QC issues have been 9mm FMJ.

I'm carrying Geco 380 ball in the belief that European ammo is good quality.

Andy

[Delta-3]

On the rare occasion I carry a 380, it is always loaded with Lehigh defense/Underwood bullets. They feed & function in all my 380's & 32's. If they work as advertised and I believe they do, then I get the best of both worlds. Deep penetration & tissue disruption on par with the best hollow points.

[Disciple]

Black Hills is known for top quality ammunition I believe.

http://www.black-hills.com/shop/hone...-automatic-hb/

[Colt Carson]

https://www.shootingillustrated.com/...9VRjmFqlwOS0Us
Not sure if this link will work... Richard Mann has done much research and writing concerning ammunition and ballistics

[ABNAK]

I use the Precision One .380 loaded with the 90gr Hornady JHP.

https://precisiononeammunition.com/p...xtp-new-50rds/

[Glock9mm1990]

Lehigh's website even claims their their .380 Xtreme Defender bullets (similar, but with narrower flutes, lighter weight, and greater velocity) match the wounding potential of a 5.56 rifle.

What?

[Ron3]

IMO these days the main purpose of JHP's in common handgun rounds is to
reduce hazzardous over-penetration.

So if a bullet is likely to surpass 18-20 inches in ballistics gelatin that's when to use JHP's. Otherwise use flat-nose or ball.

For .380, .38 Special from a short barrel, and less powerfull ammo flat or round nose ammo is what I load.

[Alaskapopo]

IMO these days the main purpose of JHP's in common handgun rounds is to
reduce hazzardous over-penetration.

So if a bullet is likely to surpass 18-20 inches in ballistics gelatin that's when to use JHP's. Otherwise use flat-nose or ball.

For .380, .38 Special from a short barrel, and less powerfull ammo flat or round nose ammo is what I load.

I disagree the main purpose in my opinion is to increase wounding potential with JHP's. That is also the reason people are buying them.

[sundance435]

IMO these days the main purpose of JHP's in common handgun rounds is to
reduce hazzardous over-penetration.

So if a bullet is likely to surpass 18-20 inches in ballistics gelatin that's when to use JHP's. Otherwise use flat-nose or ball.

For .380, .38 Special from a short barrel, and less powerfull ammo flat or round nose ammo is what I load.

Definitely not the main purpose, but sometimes an added benefit. A JHP round that fails to expand/gets clogged is as bad or worse than FMJ for penetration.