.380

[J P Stein]

Who makes the best ammo for a .380?

[James Brown]

found this on the inter web:
So what .380 rounds are acceptable for self-defense?

Again, you have to think “barrel length” first, then go looking for the right ammo …

ShootingTheBull.net did an extensive test of over 30 different types of ammo with his 2.8″ barrel pocket pistol.

His conclusion?

With his 2.8″ barrel testing, he found 5 out of the 30 loads tested met the standards. Every ammo load using the Hornady XTP JHP (jacketed hollow point) made it into the “winners circle”. Surprisingly, Federal Hydra-shoks did pretty well (even though they’re older bullet technology). The overall winner he chose was the Precision One .380 ACP 90 grain XTP.

[Jeff Higgins]

I always like what the good Colonel Jeff Cooper said about the .380 and other such rounds. "Do not shoot anyone with one of these. If they find out about it, they are likely to get upset, and you will be standing there unarmed."

[masraum]

I'd run FMJ or better yet, flat nose FMJ in .380 rather than JHP.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

I always like what the good Colonel Jeff Cooper said about the .380 and other such rounds. "Do not shoot anyone with one of these. If they find out about it, they are likely to get upset, and you will be standing there unarmed."

Plenty of gangsters in the 1930s carried a Colt 1903 in .380 ACP. General Patton carried one.

Originally Posted by masraum

I'd run FMJ or better yet, flat nose FMJ in .380 rather than JHP.

I agree with this and get the longest barrel. I really like the 1903 for carry. I have one with Ceracoat.

[red-beard]

Also

BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: .380 Auto Results
BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: .380 Auto Results (2010)

[red-beard]

I like the Buffalo Bore 95 grain FMJ

[MRM]

In the James Bond books, Ian Flemmimg had James Bond starting out with a .25 Colt. When he finally qualified to meet the official amorer (Q) he asked what Bond had been using as a sidearm. Bond showed him his shoulder holstered .25 with some pride. The armorer looked at it with the same distain that Bond's first tailor showed when he wore his off the rack suit for his first sitting for a Saville Row bespoke suit. The armorer reported poked at the Colt .25 and said, as did the Saville Row trailer, "We can do better than that." He returned with a Walther PPK in .380, although later on it isn't clear whether Bond's PPK is.380 or 9 mm. Either way, don't let your amorer catch you with something that embarrasses you both.

[masraum]

And don't forget that there are plenty of dead folks with a .22 cal hole in them. If the only gun that you consider good enough to carry is a .45 1911, but it's a heavy pain in the rear to carry, so you don't carry it, then it's not nearly as good as a small, comfy 380 that you would stick in your pocket (in an appropriate pocket holster, of course).

[enzo1]

https://www.underwoodammo.com/380-acp-p-90-grain-xtreme-penetrator/

[red-beard]

That looks pretty good!

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

I always like what the good Colonel Jeff Cooper said about the .380 and other such rounds. "Do not shoot anyone with one of these. If they find out about it, they are likely to get upset, and you will be standing there unarmed."

A surprising # of people are killed by .22s every year. In close quarters, a .380 with modern loads can hit hard. Do I carry one? No, I carry a 9mm.

[id10t]

The 380 with you is better than the 475 Boomenlouder left at home 'cause it is too heavy, hard to conceal in light clothing, etc.

That said, the only 2 380s I've had were range toys and I only fed them FMJ loads.

[BeyGon]

I must be the only one in the world that liked my Colt Mustang .380 and wish I never sold it.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally Posted by BeyGon

I must be the only one in the world that liked my Colt Mustang .380 and wish I never sold it.

You're not the only one.

SIG liked it so much they copied it and sell them like hotcakes.

Kimber saw what SIG was doing and copied them.

Meanwhile, Colt stopped making the Mustang and hasn't yet figured out how to turn a profit in a year when gun sales have been skyrocketing.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte

You're not the only one.

SIG liked it so much they copied it and sell them like hotcakes.

Kimber saw what SIG was doing and copied them.

Meanwhile, Colt stopped making the Mustang and hasn't yet figured out how to turn a profit in a year when gun sales have been skyrocketing.

Amazing isn't it? If they produced anything halfway decent with one of the most legendary names in firearms stamped on the side, it would sell like crazy. Think if they came out with a new version of the snake series of revolvers? A new Python would be a "quick take my money" scenario for me.....

[BeyGon]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Amazing isn't it? If they produced anything halfway decent with one of the most legendary names in firearms stamped on the side, it would sell like crazy. Think if they came out with a new version of the snake series of revolvers? A new Python would be a "quick take my money" scenario for me.....

Yes, another one I shouldn't have sold, eight inch SS 357 Python.

[targa911S]

I qualified for my CWP in Florida with a 1903 Colt .32. I carry a 1908 Colt .380. I haven't found anybody who would volunteer to stand in front of either of them yet. I DO recommend shooting ball ammo in both for protection. Better penetration

[fred cook]

Originally Posted by red-beard

Plenty of gangsters in the 1930s carried a Colt 1903 in .380 ACP. General Patton carried one.



I agree with this and get the longest barrel. I really like the 1903 for carry. I have one with Ceracoat.

Good point, but the .380 version was a 1908, not a 1903. Actually, there were 2 Colt 1908 pistols, the Hammerless model and the .25 cal. Vest Pocket model.

[svandamme]

I've seen 380 ball, go through double glazing and then enter brick wall 30 meters behind it.
It went deep enough, trust me, to do the trick.

And let's face it, i send my 380 with the most pointable purty Sig you can find.
I don't really have to aim it, just draw, point and snap 2 off
First one in DA will be an inch off, the other one will be bullseye at 10 meter.