380 carry ammo... Critical Defense vs Golden Saber vs Barnes

[FloridaWoodsman]

Just a note for comparison. The velocity of the Barnes 80gr TAC-XP listed in the bare-gel testing was 931 fps. The listed velocity of the Buffalo Bore 80 gr Barnes is 1136 fps out of a 2.75" P380 barrel.

I suspect a lot of practice with that Buffalo Bore is going to prematurely wear out a lot of the small pocket pistols.

[MarkB1]

I agree. I shoot enough to confirm reliability and to know how it handles. It's also expensive to shoot a lot of. I practice with less expensive stuff and use the BB just a little. Oh, my regular carry is a .45 andf the P380 is a backup.

[Velo Dog]

Higher velocity cannot make up for the low sectional density of the 80 grain Barnes bullet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2hNYEUbRjw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP2EywZbYpshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP-_G...zJlxKpDgvhmYSJ
Thanks to PocketGunsandGear for uploading these videos.

[Auto-X Fil]

Bringing this back up. Two reviews (in clear gel, but through denim) show really promising results (reliable expansion, 13" penetration) from the Hornady FTX.

http://mousegunaddict.blogspot.com/2...to-90.html?m=1

http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self...llistic-tests/

EDIT: Hmm, Hornady's data in what I assume is FBI-spec gel is only 11". More in line with the standard .380 tradeoffs, but still probably one of the better (more consistent) HP 380 loads.

http://m.hornady.com/store/380-Auto-90-gr-Critical-Defense/

[Velo Dog]

.380 Auto is VERY inconsistent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-xOpHWKgPA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5TJSUADOwA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAyUW7s4EJk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wohghDR7v8

[AFshirt]

After watching all of the shootingthebull videos I carry his winner in my Glock 42 back up. 13+ inches in bare gel, 13+ in denim. All expanded equally. XTP load by Precision One.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNtPHYwcDts