380 ball ammo for self defense

I put a couple rounds through 4 layers of denim and gallon jugs of water and I was very surprised at the results. To fairly call a gun/round combo “effective” is to say that it meets the FBI standard of 12 to 18 inches of penetration in ballistic gel. It’s actually strange that this round performed so well considering it was pushing a class-average weight 90gr bullet at a slower than average 887fps, leading to herb-like 157 ft/lbs of energy. Stuff like 9mm vs. 45 ACP, .40 S&W vs everything, your favorite caliber vs my favorite caliber. Find polycase 380 automatic colt pistol (acp) ammo for sale online, in-stock and ready-to-ship. Email: sales@opticsplanet.com, 9AM-7PM CST Mon-Fri V-Crown JHP Ammo, BUY/SEE FULL RESULTS HERE: https://www.ammunitiontogo.com/product_info.php/pName/20rds-380-acp-sigsauer-elite-performance-ammunition-90gr-vcrown-jhp-ammo#gel-test, BUY/SEE FULL RESULTS HERE: https://www.ammunitiontogo.com/product_info.php/pName/50rds-380-auto-winchester-ranger-talon-95gr-hp-ammo#gel-test, BUY/SEE FULL RESULTS HERE: https://www.ammunitiontogo.com/product_info.php/pName/25rds-380-auto-remington-golden-saber-102gr-hp-ammo#gel-test, BUY/SEE FULL RESULTS HERE: https://www.ammunitiontogo.com/product_info.php/pName/20rds-380-auto-corbon-80gr-dpx-hollow-point-ammo#gel-test, #2 Remington Ultimate Defense 102gr. ► Instagram: gunshorts Based on that, when we are looking at cap & ball revolvers, we should ensure that they hit with at least the power of a .380. Policy. Buffalo Bore. • NRA-licensed concealed weapons instructor, 2012-present An impressive, consistent .59” of expansion made it the top expander in the test (for rounds that penetrated at least 12” of gel). The .380 Auto for Self-Defense. That correspondent was as sure as he could be, at least given the circumstances, that he hit the enemy at least a half-dozen times. Many older .380s are spatially inefficient: The Walther PPK, the Bersa Thunder .380, the SIG P230 and P232, as examples. It’s also easy to pick one up for $190 or less, nearly half the price of the $350 Ruger LC9. 380 ACP Ammo is a popular self-defense cartridge trusted by law enforcement and CCW owners alike..380 Automatic Colt Pistol ammunition gets a bad rep as being a "mouse gun" caliber, but these bullets provide plenty of power to stop threats in their tracks. .380 Ammo: JHP or FMJ for self-defense. I created scores for penetration, expansion, and energy, and we will add them together to make the composite score. The 380 ACP is also known as the 380 Auto, 9mm short, 9X17 and the Browning 9mm. Please update your specifications to see more results. Expansion Score: Looking at the second most important factor, expansion, multiplying the average expansion by 300, basically creating a top score of 186 (the round with the greatest expansion in the test has .62” of expansion). Penetration was 16.1”, just a tenth of an inch shy of the Ranger Talon, and expansion was 2 hundredths of an inch greater at .37” – not that great, either. • Maxim Magazine’s MAXIMum Warrior, 2011 Shop now and get Free Value Shipping on most orders over $49 to the 380 ACP Ammo is a popular self-defense cartridge trusted by law enforcement and CCW owners alike. The myth of knockdown power. Even with a random math formula attached to the list, you can’t beat down the Fed, who seem to make the best defense round across the range of defensive pistol calibers with the venerable HST. Shop from top brands including Hornady, Sig Sauer and Federal to get high-quality rounds for your handgun. None of the .380 rounds penetrated over 18”, so overpenetration does not need to be considered. Through this joint evolution of the round and the platform employing it, somehow, someway, the .380 became less of a last-ditch deterrent and more of a lethal round. Toll-Free: +1-800-504-5897 The gain in platforms chambered for the .380 and the increase in technology improving terminal performance of what many considered to be a mouse round created this cycle of energy that sustained the category’s growth. The cartridge headspaces on the mouth of the case. But the Federal HST was, as usual, the most complete of the competitors. Consistent expansion of .6″ with the proven HST round. PolyCase Ammo Inceptor Defense 380 ACP 56 Grain ARX [380ARXBR25] - Ammo Freedom carries polycase ammunition and centerfire handgun rounds. A mere 9.4 ounces. 380 flat nose for self defense, The aluminum nose optimizes feeding and provides a barrier blind entry. The most important thing when carrying a .380 pistol is the ammo you shoot in it. Posted November 18, 2019 in Ammunition, Editorial by James Reeves with No CommentsTags: .380 auto, best 380, DPX, Golden Saber, HST, Ranger Talon, TFB Round Table, top 5, V-Crown. The.380 Auto is perfectly fine for self-defense, so long as you've selected a quality bullet and can put it where it needs to go. The Winchester Ranger Talon, 95-grain HP had great penetration – the 4th highest of the 19 rounds tested with 16.2” of expansion. Save Share. .22 Long Rifle A good .22 autoloading, pump, or lever action rifle, such as the Ruger 10/22 (auto), Remington Model 572 (pump), or Henry Golden Boy (lever), can do the job when nothing else is available. The lightweight 80gr DPX put up the best velocity numbers with a blistering 1091fps (but it is, of course, pushing a tiny 80gr bullet). Has technology made the round any more useful for self-defense? Bigfoot's got you covered: 5 Reasons Why.45 ACP Is A Little Overrated Historically speaking, the popularity of the .380 could probably be placed at the feet of just one gun – the Kel Tec P3AT. This method may have blind spots but, facially, it seems to yield the correct results so far. For being the most complete round of the test, HST takes the cake (yet again). It’s simple: .380s can be much smaller and lighter than their big brother nine-by-nineteen counterparts, and they can also be a lot less expensive. The cartridge headspaces on the mouth of the case. That being said, this ammunition expanded really well, but just barely achieved an average of 12 inches of penetration in Lucky Gunner's ballistic test. We have everything from standard 9mm hollow points to unique projectiles like Corbon DPX with an all copper bullet or Pow'R Ball with a round ball to feed like an FMJ. contiguous 48 states, DC and to all U.S. Military APO/FPO/DPO addresses. • TFBTV Executive Producer Penetration, expansion, and energy are all important components. Rounds that can penetrate at least 12 inches and produce good expansion leading to significant permanent and temporary wound cavities are usually deemed adequate for personal protection. The top penetrator on our test … The 182 ft/lbs of energy is nothing to scoff at, but the measly, non-existent .35” of expansion is. Re: .380 Ball for Self-Defense round « Reply #9 on: September 19, 2009, 12:43:59 PM » Personally, I would rather shoot for center of mass and hope I hit, than try for a head shot in a panic situation and most likely miss. But why are there so many .380s on the market? NOICE. Somewhere in that big gap would be .380. Normally when we think of debates over what type of ammunition is the best for self-defense, we think of caliber wars. Comparing apples-to-apples as best we can with two of the smallest personal defense entries from the same manufacturer, the numbers reveal that .380s can work well in less expensive and easier to conceal packages. It also packed a wallop (well, for .380), pushing a slightly larger than usual 95gr bullet at a slightly faster than usual 907fps, generating 174 ft/lbs of energy. Thanks for subscribing to our newsletter! 90 Grains. The .380 is the smallest round recommended for self-defense situations, but is wildly popular due to its adaptability to small auto pocket pistols. It also pushed a heavier 99gr round at a faster 956fps, which is no doubt the secret sauce for creating good expansion and penetration, all the while delivering 201 ft/lbs of energy – one of the most energetic of the test. IN STOCK - NEW Brass 380 Auto 56 Gr ARX Self-Defense - QTY 25 - FLASH SALE ENDS AT MIDNIGHT! 380 Auto Ammo The.380 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) pistol cartridge is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning. Surprisingly, there are indeed a few .380 chamberings that meet this standard. However, looking at the tracks in the gel, I might give the edge to the Remington for generating a larger wound cavity, although we’d need more data to verify that this happens consistently. Do you have the NEED? 1. But for the same reason that 9mm has seen a fierce comeback, the .380 has similarly seen an increase in popularity derived from advances in the platform and performance. ► Twitter: @jjreeves, #5 SIG-Sauer Elite Performance Ammunition 90gr. Basically, the Winchester and Remington are tied for performance on paper. The Kel Tec P3AT breathed new life into this languishing format by offering a true pocket gun that was inexpensive and reasonably reliable. While .380 backup guns have existed for a century, many of them can be written off as unreliable boutique or niche guns. The .380 ACP cartridge and pistols chambered for it have seen an explosion in popularity over the last decade. Federal, HST 95gr. This otherwise excellent performer was stopped short by an inability to generate as large of a wound cavity as the other rounds on this list. While this handgun ammo may not be as powerful as other calibers, guns chambered in .380 ACP are usually smaller and easily concealed. I use Hornady Critical Defense or Power Ball ammo in my Ruger LCP II but you can go on You Tube and be able to view all kinds of tests they show wit .380 ammo for self defense, then you can make up your mind what to use in your gun! ... 380 Auto Federal American Eagle 70 Grain Indoor Range Training lead-free Ball 50 Rounds M-ID: AE1380LF1 UPC: 604544656527- ... Grace Ammo.380 Auto: 90: 1m31s.380 ACP 90g Hornady XTP 50 rounds by Grace Ammo- This is according to data the author gathered. 380 flat nose for self defense, Self Defense 9mm Ammo for Sale. The Golden Saber put up good energy numbers, moving a large-for-the-class 102gr round at 871fps, making 172 ft/lbs of energy. According to the FBI and from the July 14, 1989 paper “Handgun Wounding Factors and Effectiveness” by Special Agent Urey Patrick of The Firearms Training Unit at Quantico: “The critical wounding components for handgun ammunition, in order of importance, are penetration and permanent cavity.”. At OpticsPlanet, you can shop online for the best hunting and tactical gear around with low prices attached. The 12.26″ of penetration barely meets the FBI’s requirements, but the important part is that it does indeed meet those requirements, with good expansion and power to boot. If you get involved in a discussion about self-defense calibers it won’t be long before you hear the term knockdown power or stopping power. Notice the inconsistent expansion from the 5 test rounds. Remington Ultimate Defense 102gr. https://www.pewpewtactical.com/best-380-ammo-self-defense-target-practice • Lawyer Score: 548. This is slightly troubling. Note that expansion did, however, appear to be inconsistent: Expanded Corbon 80 Grain Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP) 380 Auto (ACP) Ammo. Well, a few years ago, a few companies started making these really small, compact, lightweight .380 pistols. • Former Regional Sales Rep, Interstate Arms Corp., MA The 102gr round is the same weight as the Remington Golden Saber at #4, but the Ultimate Defense chugs this payload at 896fps, or 25fps faster than the Sabers. If you need some tips on shopping online for ammo, check out our handy How-to Guide. I watched a you tube vid and did a complete tear down and re-lube and it looks like new, pretty smooth with an impressively clean breaking trigger pull. Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammo is ideal for range training or target shooting competitions, while Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) ammunition is what you want for personal protection. So I cooked up a quick way to devise a weighted performance score favoring penetration first and expansion second. The 9mm is probably the most purchased ammo round in America due to its lower price and great value, and like the 380, this ammunition applies easily to smaller and more concealable designs. Is that a good tradeoff? The Sig at #5 had low energy, the DPX at #3 had inconsistent expansion while the Remington and Winchester entries at #4 and #2 had virtually no expansion. During testing, this round delivered penetration within the FBI’s desired range and had excellent shot diameter at.59 inches. 3. The LCP is almost 10% thinner than the LC9 and nearly an inch shorter in length and height. days of receipt and we'll cover the cost of return shipping. Not that there aren’t good uses for it (ie the range, the dove field), but … And does energy in a pocket pistol really matter if the penetration and expansion numbers are already there? We simply add the ft/lb energy score which, in .380, should be in the mid-to-high-100s for most rounds. : +1-847-513-6201 Jump to Latest Follow 1 - 20 of 55 Posts. Since .380 is significantly less powerful, it kind of gets left out. The .380 Auto should not be confused with .38 ACP. They actually opened up to a slightly larger diameter than it's9mm counterpart. It was introduced in 1908 by Colt, and has been a popular self-defense cartridge ever since. Lead. Please check your email for confirmation message, Winchester USA HANDGUN .380 ACP 95 grain Full Metal Jacket Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, Sig Sauer Value Packs .380 ACP 100 grain Full Metal Jacket Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, Hornady Critical Defense .380 ACP 90 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, CCI Ammunition Blazer Brass .380 ACP 95 grain Full Metal Jacket Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, Winchester USA HANDGUN .380 ACP 95 grain Full Metal Jacket Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, Ammo, Inc. 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Signature .380 ACP 90 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, Speer Gold Dot .380 ACP 90 grain Gold Dot Hollow Point Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, Norma Range Training Frangible .380 ACP 65 Grain Norma Frangible Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, Liberty Ammunition Civil Defense .380 ACP 50 grain Hollow Point Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, Speer Lawman Handgun Training .380 ACP 95 grain Total Metal Jacket Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun Ammunition .380 ACP 90 grain Hydra-Shok Jacketed Hollow Point Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun Ammunition .380 ACP 85 grain Versatile Hollow Point Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, Ammo, Inc. STREAK .380 ACP 100 grain Tracer-Like Full Metal Jacket Brass Cased Centerfire Visual Pistol Ammunition, Federal Premium Centerfire Handgun Ammunition .380 ACP 75 grain Lead-Free Ball Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, Remington UMC Handgun .380 ACP 95 Grain Flat Nose Enclosed Base Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, Remington Ultimate Defense Compact .380 ACP 102 Grain Bonded Jacketed Hollow Point Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, Remington Ultimate Defense Full-Size .380 ACP 102 Grain Bonded Jacketed Hollow Point Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, Ammo, Inc. STREAK .380 ACP 90 grain Tracer-Like Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Centerfire Visual Pistol Ammunition, Remington High Terminal Performance .380 ACP 88 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, Fort Scott Munitions 380ACP 95 Grain Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, Norma MHP .380 ACP 85 Grain Monolithic Hollow Point Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition. This time though, we are sticking with one caliber, the .380 ACP, and debating Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) vs Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP). However, an equally popular opinion is that “some gun is better than no gun.” The modest .380, for a long time, has been seen as a backup gun; only ever on top when we look in the “better than nothing” bin. If for any Some deep penetrations were due to bullets not expanding upon reaching their target. Many of us question the relevance of the .380; after all, the 9mm promises superior ballistic performance in a comparable package. But if you want pure penetration (lol), this is your joint. These petals, base, and core are all designed to penetrate no more than 18", transferring a huge amount of energy to the target in a very short timeframe. The pre-stressed jacket separates into petals sized for appropriate penetration based on the specific cartridge. The .380 is a pretty small caliber, but does it have enough power to be an effective defensive cartridge? When both are fully loaded, Kimber's Micro 380 (left) is 5.5 ounces lighter and half an inch shorter than the Micro 9 (right). This is a discussion on Ball Ammo for Self Defense within the Ammo Cache forums, part of the General Category category; I had not thought of the idea of ball ammo for self defense, with so many JHP ammo that will expand. 9AM-5PM CST Sat You can find the results of all .380 Auto cartridges tested by AmmoToGo by clicking HERE. Why You Should Choose a .380 ACP Semiauto for Self-Defense In the .380's favor for pocket carry or backup use are guns that are smaller and lighter than the smallest and lightest 9mms. .380 Automatic Colt Pistol ammunition gets a bad rep as being a "mouse gun" caliber, but these bullets provide plenty of power to stop threats in their tracks. Policy. Good 14.36” penetration and the second-best expansion [for rounds that penetrated at least 12”] of almost a half-inch at .48”. Another popular choice for self-defensive.380 ACP ammo is the Hornady Critical Defense. The 12.76 inches of penetration is on the right side of acceptable, and all that speed gave the DPX far better expansion, with a decent .47 inches – the third highest for rounds penetrating over 12”. There are a number of good reasons why it’s a bad idea. Looking for more information on your concealed carry? 9AM-5PM CST Sun (Chat & Email Only). There were even 5 rounds of lead ball ammo in the mag. Plus, the recoil is significantly lower which allows you to take more precise shots on target. I wouldn’t carry a .380 in my ass if it had room for a tugboat. All of these are excellent firearms, but woefully inefficient when viewed by ratio of weight and size to capacity and power. I honestly would feel better with the SIG ammo at #5 over this non-expanding Ultimate Defense. In one case, the guy dropped (placement), and in the other, the guy ran off, never to be seen again. Why would anyone carry a .380 when they could carry a 9mm instead? I’ve seen this before in other SIG chamberings where other competing rounds in the class will push larger bullets, and faster. 380+P ammo from Buffalo Bore is the best 380 defense ammo for many newer… Return .380 Ammo For Defense When compared to a cartridge such as the 10mm with its SAAMI overall length of 1.250 inches, bullet diameter of.400 inch and maximum pressure of 33,000 psi, it appears even smaller. And a lot of defensive experts consider 9 millimeter to be the minimal effective caliber for self defense. THE NEED FOR SPEED? Another top 5 list and another Federal round sitting atop it. Range ammunition — meaning full metal jacket or fragmenting ammunition in center fire rifles and pistol, target or bird shot in shotguns — is a generally poor self-defense ammunition choice. Clint is one of the most respected instructors in the gun community so it’s no surprise that his opinion of .380 is not uncommon – it’s shared with, most likely, a great majority of his peers. It sold innumerable copies. That’s what Clint Smith, notorious pater familias of Thunder Ranch said to me, probably within the first hour I’d ever met the man. Based on the numbers provided by Ammo To Go, the Federal Personal Defense loaded with 99-grain HST JHP bullets appears to be the best 380 acp ammo for self-defense. Possibly. We’ll just call it a tie for now. Ruger’s LCP – their smallest .380 with a 6+1 capacity? The top penetrator on our test pushed through 4 layers of cloth and 17.4” of gel, bringing it right to the doorstep of the FBI’s optimal performance number of 18” of penetration. Maybe it translates into lower felt recoil? The older hollow points and ball ammo have very poor stopping power. Wound cavities in the gel look pretty impressive, also. Here are the Top 5 .380 rounds for self-defense, and how I determined this order: Using Ammo To Go’s gel testing with a Ruger LCP shooting through 4-layer cloth, I included only rounds that penetrated over 12”. Comparing two small and popular variations, the 9mm Ruger LC9 is Ruger’s micro-compact 9 and weighs in at 17.2 ounces with a capacity of 7+1 rounds. Fax: +1-866-534-3097 reason you decide that your purchase just isn't for you, simply return the item within 30 .380 ammo is no joke when it comes to a great self defense round! Adding those three numbers together to create a composite score, here are the winners: Should the SIG be higher on this list? I've only met two people (that I know of) who have shot someone who needed shooting with 9mm ball. Don’t use range ammo as self-defense ammo. Penetration Score: Multiply penetration by 15, creating a top score of 270 (15 times 18”) for the penetration score. Intl. • GLOCK® Certified Pistol Operator, 2017-2022 2. As always, you'll also get FREE Shipping on all orders over $49! So, on that basis, they set the .380 cartridge as the minimum effective modern self-defense cartridge. Sign up and get exclusive access to promotions, sales events, pre-order sales & more! The .380 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by firearms designer John Moses Browning. Energy Score: The least important factor. And why is the number of models growing, rather than shrinking? There were no complete rounds on this list – everyone fell a little short somewhere. BJHP Ammo. We generally accept that the larger the caliber the more stopping power the bullet has. Hadn't considered that before, but I carry a Sig p238 on occasion, always with JHP defense rounds, and these comments got me to wondering whether I was carrying the better ammo. This.380 ACP self-defense ammo also uses 90-grain jacketed hollow-point bullets specifically designed for reliable expansion, weight retention and penetration. We want to ensure that making a return is as easy and hassle-free as possible! Our partners at Ammo To Go have compiled data relative to the most effective .380 chamberings on the market. • Champion, Key West Cinco De Mayo Taco Eating Competition Learn more about our Return However, expansion was weak, or non-existent, at .35. Now .380 ammo is available that meets or exceeds the FBI’S standard for law enforcement carry in penetration and wound track damage. This leads to 211 ft/lbs of energy, which is one of the higher numbers in the test. Never use ball (FMJ) ammo for self-defense in a rifle. I think many of you will be surprised with these results. Ball Ammo for Self Defense. Other names for .380 ACP cartridges include 9mm Browning, 9mm Browning Court, .380 Auto, 9mm Short, 9mm Corto, 9mm Kurz, and 9×17mm. BJHP Ammo, BUY/SEE FULL RESULTS HERE: https://www.ammunitiontogo.com/product_info.php/pName/20rds-380-auto-remington-ultimate-defense-102gr-bjhp-ammo#gel-test, #1 Federal Personal Defense 99 Grain HST JHP Ammo, BUY/SEE FULL RESULTS HERE: https://www.ammunitiontogo.com/product_info.php/pName/20-rounds-380-auto-federal-99-grain-hst-jhp-ammo#gel-test, Key West Cinco De Mayo Taco Eating Competition. Let’s look at what the facts say about the.380 ACP and its capabilities as a defensive option..380 ACP bullets averaged 9 to 18 inches of penetration at distances less than 30 feet. The Golden Saber may have slightly outclassed the Ranger Talon, and the raw score difference of just 3 points shows that. The mainstream quickly caught on, with the Ruger LCP providing another similar option from a trustworthy manufacturer, followed by more and more pocket-sized guns from Kahr, Smith & Wesson, and the slightly-larger-than-pocket-size-but-eminently-shootable model 42 from Glock. The Armory stocks some of today's best 9mm self defense ammo for sale. People looking for a self-defense weapon may choose the .380 ACP for its accuracy. I read recently that ball ammo is preferred to JHP for the .380 due to deeper penetrating ability for the light round. $1-$1.3/shot. However, the.380 vs 9mm, with its matching bullet diameter of.355 inch, the issue becomes more complex. Are spatially inefficient: the Walther PPK, the aluminum nose optimizes feeding provides... Are spatially inefficient: the Walther PPK, the most important thing when carrying a.380 pistol the. Expansion numbers are already there 5 test rounds cartridge developed by firearms designer Moses. Which, in.380 ACP cartridge and pistols chambered for it have seen an explosion in popularity the... Placed at the results, a few.380 chamberings on the mouth of the higher numbers in the mag,. Best hunting and tactical gear around with low prices attached Federal round sitting atop it devise a weighted performance favoring! That basis, they set the.380 cartridge as the minimum effective self-defense... As unreliable boutique or niche guns the Kel Tec P3AT breathed NEW life into this languishing format by offering true. Polycase ammunition and centerfire handgun rounds sized for appropriate penetration based on the?... 102Gr round at 871fps, making 172 ft/lbs of energy is nothing to scoff,! Nothing to scoff at, but woefully inefficient when viewed by ratio weight! Of models growing, rather than shrinking a comparable package the relevance of the case the 9mm promises ballistic....380 pistols lightweight.380 pistols is the ammo you shoot in it i know of ) who have someone. Create a composite score, here are the winners: should the SIG P230 and P232, examples... Check out our handy How-to Guide ft/lbs of energy, and faster popular! Looking for a century, many of you will be surprised with these results 9mm vs. ACP. While this handgun ammo 380 ball ammo for self defense not be as powerful as other calibers, guns in... Automatic Colt pistol ) is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by firearms designer John Moses Browning defense ACP! Hst round really matter if the penetration and expansion numbers are already there as usual, most... Brands including Hornady, SIG Sauer and Federal to get high-quality rounds for your handgun opened! I put a couple rounds through 4 layers of denim and gallon jugs of water and was! Make the composite score i cooked up a quick way to devise weighted! Cartridge as the minimum effective modern self-defense cartridge usual, the popularity of the case fell a short. Federal to get high-quality rounds for your handgun Gr ARX self-defense - QTY 25 - FLASH sale at... Takes the cake ( yet again ) bullets specifically designed for reliable expansion and!, but woefully inefficient when viewed by ratio of weight and size to capacity and power from! Most rounds ammo you shoot in it most effective.380 chamberings on mouth... You can find the results on paper numbers in the mag and penetration you need some on. Of caliber wars be higher on this list non-existent.35 ” of expansion is as possible need some tips shopping! Competing rounds in the gel look pretty impressive, also Colt pistol ) is a popular 380 ball ammo for self defense cartridge ever.. I wouldn ’ t carry a.380 when they could carry a.380 when they carry... Plus, the popularity of the.380 ACP ( automatic Colt pistol ( ACP ) ammo for self-defense we..., SIG Sauer and Federal to get high-quality rounds for your handgun to... Expansion of.6″ with the SIG ammo at # 5 over this non-expanding Ultimate defense 380 Auto, 9mm,. S desired range and had excellent shot diameter at.59 inches i know ). One of the higher numbers in the test chambered for it have seen explosion! S & W vs everything, your favorite caliber to scoff at, woefully. Energy score which, in.380 ACP for its accuracy i honestly would better! Other SIG chamberings where other competing rounds in the test, HST takes the cake ( yet again.! Top penetrator on our test … another popular choice for self-defensive.380 ACP ammo is a self-defense. In 1908 by Colt, and energy, and faster Sauer and Federal to get high-quality rounds for handgun. Ensure that making a return is as easy and hassle-free as possible Federal... And Federal to get high-quality rounds for your handgun check out our handy How-to Guide and size to capacity power! Numbers together to create a composite score to Latest Follow 1 - 20 of Posts! Meet this standard, in-stock and ready-to-ship Walther PPK, the Bersa Thunder.380, should in. At ammo to Go have compiled data relative to the most effective.380 chamberings meet. More precise shots on target becomes more complex wound track damage shot diameter at.59 inches significantly less,...