Kahr CW.380 XTP or Hydrashock?

[kwh]

After much searching dealing with actual tests results of both ideal expansion and penetration in ballistic gel with and without 2-4 layers of denim based on FBI standards, only two bullets passed in short barrels pistols such as the Kahr P .380. The XTP 90 gr. bullet used in 1) Hornady Custom, 2) Fiocchi Extrema , 3)HPR and 4) Precision One and the Federal HydraShock bullet. My question is, in the opinion of those with Kahr .380 experience should I start with the XTP or the HydraShock first? Is one bullet more likely to have less FTF's than the other?

[Barth]

I've read that the LAPD approves 380 Auto 90 gr FTX® Critical Defense - Hornady for their officers BUGs.

[booger switch]

The simple answer is to buy both and see what your gun likes. If they both function, then flip a coin. Both are great choices.

[kcarmo4]

I found this video really helpful. At the very least, a lot of good info for anyone carrying a .380

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/201...ate-380-round/

[kwh]

Thanks. Did well in tests by MouseGun but the FTX failed some of the penetration tests by Shootingthe Bull410.

[monkeyboy]

buffalo bore

[wyntrout]

Buffalo Bore +P 90-grain Gold Dots(bonded) or the same bullet by Underwood in their +P load at a slightly higher velocity. The first is used in my Avatar picture.

Wynn

[Barth]

Buffalo Bore +P 90-grain Gold Dots(bonded) or the same bullet by Underwood in their +P load at a slightly higher velocity. The first is used in my Avatar picture.

Wynn

+1
I personally don't own a .380.
And really feel .38/9mm is minimum caliber for Self Defense.
But If I were for some reason required to carry such a small caliber gun.
BB +P has some of the most impressive ballistics I've seen in .380.

[booger switch]

Adding velocity to .380 will increase the rate of expansion, but it will limit penetration. You are better off with a modest slow expander at 800 ft/s than you are with a fast expander at 950 ft/s.

The work done by ShootingtheBull and Ljutic backs this up.

I don't think anything really penetrates better (with expansion) than the XTP offerings or the Hydra Shok. If overpenetration doesn't concern you, I would lean toward the Hydra Shok as they are more likely to act like an FMJ than the XTP.

[SlowBurn]

Here's a video demo that shows the Hornady Critical Defense doing really well in gel tests with and without denim. This guy uses a Kahr P380 where the other testing was with a Ruger LCP. I'm not sure that explains the difference though. I just find the more I look into ammo the less I know.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8hr8X7RLTI#t=25

[garyb]

It is interesting to see how these test videos (and videos where someone just talks about their ammo), are so vastly different. I went with Hornady's CD as well for my wife's 380. Lots of good 380 SD ammo out there.

[booger switch]

Critical Defense isn't a bad choice. It is essentially an XTP bullet with a polymer plug (prevents plugging) that is pushed 50 to 100 ft/s faster than their standard XTP bullet. The result is more consistent expansion, and as you should expect, less penetration.

This video demonstrates clearly what is happening. A standard XTP at @ 800 ft/s penetrating 15+ inches in bare gel as well as 4 layers denim.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0hbEtRvPU24

When it comes to penetration with .380, the rate of expansion is everything. The XTP is a slow expander, that is why it penetrates exceptionally well.

[Rubb]

Imo...fmj

[muggsy]

You need penetration with the .380 and you should consider using ball ammo. Ball ammo doesn't expand, but it does tumble creating a large wound channel. It feeds reliably and will penetrate a full 18" in ballistic gel and four layers of denim.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soNdX36P-3E

[wyntrout]

FMJ is fine if you're sure of your BACKSTOP. It will blow through your target losing little energy and go through whatever's behind the target... and FMJ tumbles and ricochets a good distance.

Unless you hit something REALLY VITAL, the target may not even know he's hit.

Modern well-designed hollow points generally stay in the target BG and transfer all of their energy to the BG, usually doing more damage than a "slippery" FMJ that just passed through.

FMJ for every occasion is NOT a good idea.

JMHO.

Wynn