380 Self Defense loads

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RustyJr
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380 Self Defense loads

Post by RustyJr »

I currently carry a Glock 42 on duty as a back-up and at times also for off duty (only when my G19-9mm isn't doable). I currently carry it loaded with Speer Lawman FMJ loads. I carry the FMJ loads because I am concerned about not having enough penetration. That being said I would prefer hollowpoints so long as I know it will penetrate adequately. For those of you that carry 380s what do carry and/or recommend.

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Pete44ru
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Re: 380 Self Defense loads

Post by Pete44ru »

.

I carry Hornady Critical Defense 90gr Flex Tip ammo in my .380 Browning Model 1955.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/35226 ... -box-of-25


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Tycer
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Re: 380 Self Defense loads

Post by Tycer »

Kind regards,
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Blaine
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Re: 380 Self Defense loads

Post by Blaine »

I plink with FMJ, and carry JHPs.....I can vouch that the FMJs penetrate a bit better, but the JHPs mushroom mo betta....Heck, I don't know...I've shot both into 2" thick boards and they both make a big hole exiting the back....
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Buck Elliott
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Re: 380 Self Defense loads

Post by Buck Elliott »

BlaineG wrote: Wed Apr 12, 2017 9:57 pm I plink with FMJ, and carry JHPs.....I can vouch that the FMJs penetrate a bit better, but the JHPs mushroom mo betta....Heck, I don't know...I've shot both into 2" thick boards and they both make a big hole exiting the back....
That's pretty much the same as my routine..

thanks for the heads-up..
I'll keep that in mind for the next time I'm attacked by a stack of angry 2" boards.. :lol:
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Blaine
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Re: 380 Self Defense loads

Post by Blaine »

Buck Elliott wrote: Thu Apr 13, 2017 1:44 am
BlaineG wrote: Wed Apr 12, 2017 9:57 pm I plink with FMJ, and carry JHPs.....I can vouch that the FMJs penetrate a bit better, but the JHPs mushroom mo betta....Heck, I don't know...I've shot both into 2" thick boards and they both make a big hole exiting the back....
That's pretty much the same as my routine..

thanks for the heads-up..
I'll keep that in mind for the next time I'm attacked by a stack of angry 2" boards.. :lol:
Boards? I meant broads.... :o
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GunnyMack
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Re: 380 Self Defense loads

Post by GunnyMack »

Buddy of mine loaded FMJ then JHP repeating that until mag was full. That way he could go through and expand at same time.
I don't care what anyone says about a 380, 25 or 22- I REALLY don't want to be on the receiving end of one!
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Merle
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Re: 380 Self Defense loads

Post by Merle »

BlaineG wrote: Wed Apr 12, 2017 9:57 pm I plink with FMJ, and carry JHPs.....I can vouch that the FMJs penetrate a bit better, but the JHPs mushroom mo betta....Heck, I don't know...I've shot both into 2" thick boards and they both make a big hole exiting the back....
Boards are not a good expansion test media.
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Blaine
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Re: 380 Self Defense loads

Post by Blaine »

Merle wrote: Thu Apr 13, 2017 2:36 pm
BlaineG wrote: Wed Apr 12, 2017 9:57 pm I plink with FMJ, and carry JHPs.....I can vouch that the FMJs penetrate a bit better, but the JHPs mushroom mo betta....Heck, I don't know...I've shot both into 2" thick boards and they both make a big hole exiting the back....
Boards are not a good expansion test media.
Correct, but I didn't care about the mushroom...just the damage they caused.
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Re: 380 Self Defense loads

Post by walks with gun »

I too think the Dutch load might be a good idea, loading a magazine With a FMJ every other round.
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Re: 380 Self Defense loads

Post by M. M. Wright »

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jeepnik
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Re: 380 Self Defense loads

Post by jeepnik »

Many years ago I had a company that was local that made cast bullets. They could actually make them cheaper than I could. I bought a bunch of them in different calibers. I've used up all of my .45 and .357. But I still have a pretty good store of them for the .380 (.356 if I remember correctly).

They are hard, and I have no issues in my Glock 42. I won't get into load specifics, but they are moving at a good clip.

Wait for it, wait for it, here it comes, I can hear the inhalation of those about to blurt out that you can't use cast bullets in Glocks. :roll:
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1894cfan
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Re: 380 Self Defense loads

Post by 1894cfan »

Non finger extension mag is loaded with Lee 95gr Lyman #2 flat nose bullets on top of 3.2gr 231, the rest of the mags are loaded with either Speer GoldDots or Hornady XTP Custom loads in my G42. Most of the mags I have Magguts internals extending the loaded rounds to 7.
olskool
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Re: 380 Self Defense loads

Post by olskool »

I do not believe in JHP and expiation in small handguns. I would go with FMJ
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Re: 380 Self Defense loads

Post by Ysabel Kid »

It's nice just to be able to have this discussion at all. For years there were just so few, if any, real options for the .380 ACP round. Had the development of the current breed of super-small 9mm's jumped forward just a few years, I think it may have killed off the .380 ACP altogether. Fortunately, Ruger and others introducing several news models in .380 ACP a couple years ahead of similar size models coming out in 9mm saved the round, and actually sparked development in better ballistics for it. We can all be thankful for that. Like many, I think the .380 ACP makes a great back-up gun, and really is the minimum for that purpose (though anything is better than nothing). I like the Hornady "Critical Defense" loads for many calibers, including the .380 ACP.
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jdad
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Re: 380 Self Defense loads

Post by jdad »

Federal HST designed for short barrels.

https://www.federalpremium.com/ammuniti ... /p380hst1s
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Re: 380 Self Defense loads

Post by piller »

Grizzly extreme self defense loads.
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Re: 380 Self Defense loads

Post by jeepnik »

piller wrote: Fri Apr 14, 2017 2:12 pm Grizzly extreme self defense loads.
Bought a box of those. Snappy recoil even in the Glock 42. But if you don't mind paying the price they should work well.
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