Can we revisit the 380 carry ammo question?

[DavidR]

There's lots of information floating around and disagreement on what ammo to carry in a 380 for self defense. Once I get my CW380 broken in, I'll need to pick a carry ammo. I understand that the first consideration is reliable performance. After that: FMJ, HP, +P? I've watched the "shooting the bull" stuff on YouTube and it looks like Federal Hydra Shok is decent. Hornady Custom XTP (which is no longer available) did well but Hornady Critical Defense XTP didn't do well. Most of the HP, including Speer Gold Dot, didn't do well. What about FMJ - at least it penetrates. What about these HP +P loads? Will they penetrate more than standard pressure hollow point? Now that I'm totally confused I'll pose my question to the experts on the Kahr Talk Forum:

If you carry a short-barreled 380 as a civilian self-defense gun, not a backup gun, what ammo do you use and why?

[pinehtr]

No expert here ,However when I carry a 380 its FMJs . Still looking for something better.

[Bill]

I use the Hornady because it is available and works in my P380. I think we all tend to overthink this. I read in another blog that 2 shots from a .380 started WWI. I did not know the story so I looked it up... Wow.

[b4uqzme]

I use the Hornady because it is available and works in my P380. I think we all tend to overthink this. I read in another blog that 2 shots from a .380 started WWI. I did not know the story so I looked it up... Wow.

+1 use what's available and works.

[Planedude]

I use the Hornady because it is available and works in my P380. I think we all tend to overthink this. I read in another blog that 2 shots from a .380 started WWI. I did not know the story so I looked it up... Wow.

Guess I'm +2

The Hornady CD load has never failed to run in my P380 and that's the most important thing to me. I shoot the little gun well and have "bet my own life" faith that my shot placement would be the biggest factor should the SHTF...

[SlowBurn]

+3

Hornady CD shoots and feeds reliably, and I feel comfortable with it.

There was one video where the tester (using a Kel tec I think) couldn't find a supply of Hornady CD and shot some from an odd box, and it didn't penetrate to 12.' I'm not sure his sample was representative.

There are several other videos where it tested out very well, one specifically using a Kahr 380 and shooting into bare gel and again through 4 layers of denim.

[muggsy]

Let's face it, being shot by a .380 will ruin anyone's day. Having said that I use Federal HST in warm weather and ball ammo for it's penetration in the winter months.

[yqtszhj]

Buffalo bore hardcast 100gr. Make sure it will feed reliably first. It makes a 380 a fire breathing dragon. It does kick too.

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.ph...t_detail&p=127

[GLOCKROCKER]

Elsie Pea likes CD also.

[DavidR]

Lots of votes for Critical Defense.

[CPTKILLER]

I use Buffalo Bore Hard Cast +P Flat Nose in my CZ83.

I want to insure excellent penetration and impact.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3b3ZGmZuT0

[happypuppy]

Critical defense seems to feed the best and is easy to find. I've used in in a couple LCP s , a couple bodyguards as well. Always worked well

No it does not penetrate as far as some and YouTube videos it only penetrates 8 inches or so failing the FBI test. I don't really care as it goes bang every time. The most
Important thing.

[muggsy]

Lots of votes for Critical Defense.

Is this a popularity contest or are you looking for the best ammo?

[DavidR]

Is this a popularity contest or are you looking for the best ammo?

Best is subjective. Looking to hear what you guys use and why. CD seems to be popular here which means that many consider it the "best".

If it was a popularity contest, only jocko's vote would matter as we all know, he's the most popular guy around these parts.

[Bill K]

I can speak to the effectiveness of Corbon DPX (I think it was the 90 grain) out of a P3AT. Light clothing season I feel confident with just about any reliable feeding .380 ammo. For winter I'll go with either CD or truncated cone.

I believe with the .380, more so than with the larger calibers, you've got to think in terms of multiple hits - double and triple taps, regardless of selected .380 ammo.