A lot of factors will be involved in the process of mushrooming, including speed and energy. 2018 Alien Gear Holsters. So, penetration is consistent though possibly on the shallow side, expansion is reliable and to the desired diameter. As such, it doesn’t have the power, speed, or ballistic performance that you find from more “modern” cartridges, such as the 9mm Luger or .40 S&W. Shooting Illustrated used a S&W M&P Bodyguard 380 and Lucky Gunner used a Glock 42, so these are the typical carry pistols in the caliber. Too much less and you may want to consider a different load, but a little less is not a deal-breaker. The reason is so the bullet dumps its kinetic energy into the target and comes to a stop. It is, however, sans the black Lubalox coating. Average velocities were 905 and 937 feet per second, respectively. When selecting a defensive load - whether it's in .45 caliber or the best .380 ammo - there are certain attributes you should look for. Therefore, if tests show it penetrates to 10 inches...that's fine. Velocity also drives more energy into the target, bringing stronger knock-down potential. Velocity varies greatly between bullets so a swing of 40 fps or more isn't unheard of; other factors (wind speed, direction, humidity, barrel length) play a part as well. Best Bodyguard 380 IWB Holsters Buying Guide. Granted, it will move slower and carry less energy, due to the .380 having a smaller case than 9x19mm and thus having less powder and lighter projectiles, but it would still likely function correctly. Built for personal protection and every-day carry, the M&P380 Shield EZ is chambered in 380 Auto and is designed to be easy to use. Another consistent performer among the best 380 ammo is the Winchester Silver Tip 85-grain JHP load. CD performed well for Lucky Gunner Labs, registering velocity of 910 fps with the 90-grain load, penetrating to 13.2 inches and expanding to .52 inches. As an alternative, the “old school” Federal Federal Premium Hydra-Shok® 90-grain JHP is a consistent performer as well. Why Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) for .380 ACP. These are some of the best .380 carry options available. Featuring a polymer-tipped bullet that helps initiate expansion and prevents debris (like clothing) from clogging the hollow-point and adversely impacting expansion, the Hornady Critical Defense load is one of the best .380 ACP self … To ensure you’re always stocked up and range ready, we carry a large selection of .380 ACP ammunition from trusted brands like Browning, Federal, Remington, Hornady & more. The power and performance concerns for this cartridge can be overcome if you choose a product that delivers the right amount of penetration along with decent shot diameter and velocity. During testing, this round delivered penetration within the FBI’s desired range and had excellent shot diameter at .59 inches. Grain weight...is up to the shooter. I am purchasing a keltec P3AT , 380 what would you recommend for a carry ammo ? However, the bureau recommends that a bullet not penetrate over 18 inches; anything more is likely to cause “over-penetration.”. As to expansion, the .380 uses a .355-in diameter bullet, just like 9x19mm. All Rights Reserved. This gun is a double-action semi-automatic firearm that can hold six rounds of 380 ACP ammunition in a single magazine. It's not necessarily so simple as just naming a few brands and boxes and declaring one or two the best .380 ammo. (Se below for over-penetration concerns.) Will carry also when in grissly country hiking) Comment please. Only two bullets delivered larger shot diameter, but neither had penetration over 9.56 inches. Finally, we wanted to look at velocity for our list of the best .380 ACP rounds for personal protection. Shooting Illustrated and Lucky Gunner Labs both found that it penetrated to a decent depth (11 inches for Lucky Gunner, 10.8 inches for SI) and expanded reliably to around a half-inch (0.49 inches for LG, 0.55 inches for SI) in gelatin. Search Home. Also referred to as the .380 Auto, 9mm Corto, 9mm Browning, 9mm Kurz, 9mm Short, or 9x17mm, the .380 ACP was designed to be totally rimless. Penetration beyond 18 inches indicates a bullet that may pass through the target. Granted, Lucky Gunner Labs shoots their test ammo through four layers of clothing to the same specs as the FBI tests. The Bodyguard 380 might be small, but it still packs quite a bunch. Since, however, most .380 pistols such as the Sig P238 and others are of the micro class, ammunition performance is not always optimal, as is often the case with ammunition formulated for compact and full-size pistols. The more we all know, the better organized and stronger the shooting and hunting community will be. Those that do tend to not expand. If you were to fire a .380 hollow point bullet from full-size pistol, it would probably perform about as well as 9mm ammunition. According to the FBI, penetration must be at least 12 inches in order to effectively stop a threat on a consistent basis. Enter your email address to receive our best deals and other store updates. The thing is that ammunition performance depends on a number of variables. I was going to load her up with some Hardcast lead flat noses and some Gold Dot Bonded Hollow points. This could indicate that some rounds don't do well with barriers (a known quantity with Hydra Shok; Gold Dot and other bonded bullets tend to do better) and others work better with them, such as Critical Defense which - sharing design features with Critical Duty - was made with penetrating barriers in mind. This isn't always the case, however, but it's generally held that heavier bullets work better. According to their performance standards, a bullet should, during testing, penetrate at least 12 inches but no more than 18 inches. Re: Best ammo to run in a Smith and Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380 Liberty Civil Defense may be the hottest load for this pistol. A little shallow, but very serviceable. However, sometimes bullet construction or a lack of speed can limit mushrooming. Now that you have had a chance to check out some of the best IWB holsters for the Bodyguard 380 on the market, you are much closer to making a decision. I have the Ruger LCP, S&W M&P Bodyguard 380 and now this 380 Shield EZ. Among the firearms community, good expansion for a self-defense round is considered to be bullet’s original diameter multiplied by 1.5. Since Force = Mass x Acceleration, more force is generated by a heavier bullet. Some other popular carry loads performed well in one test but not the other, such as Hornady Critical Defense. With the .380 round, it's probably likely. Bullet design plays a serious part in it too. Lucky Gunner found average penetration of 11 inches, velocity of 879 fps and expansion of .49 inches. Another good load found in various testing roundups is Winchester PDX1 95 grain JHP. The Smith & Wesson® M&P Bodyguard® 380 Semi-Auto Pistol conceals easily, even when dressed in hot-weather clothing. Some in-betweeners are out there (the odd 88-grain load) and even some larger, such as the odd 100-grain and 102-grain bullets. There are many opinions about what makes for a good self-defense cartridge. Double 380 Pouch for Ruger LCP, LCP II, S&W Bodyguard, Kahr P380 Magazines, TCP Magazines, P380 Magazines, Similar Will Carry 2 - 5 or 6 Round 380 Hook & Loop Flap Closing Combination Clip-on or Belt Use Hey guys, I wanted to make this video to show you how well different brands of ammo cycle through the Smith&Wesson Bodyguard .380 Pocket Pistol. Without reliable, deep penetration, a shot will not reach the vital organs. Menu. It also depends on the ammunition itself and how it performs in the real world or at least in testing. Penetration is an all-important factor for stopping an oncoming threat. Bullet size is actually more universal than you'd think, incidentally; among rifle rounds, for instance, the 7mm-08 Remington, 7mm Remington Magnum, 7mm Shooting Times Westerner, .280 Remington and 7mm Weatherby Magnum all use .284-in diameter bullets. Load selection is critical if carrying .380 ACP, but what's the best .380 ammo? Partially it depends on your gun. For anyone thinking .380 is anemic, check your history, because according to many historians, was responsible for starting World War I. I am using Federal JHP 90 grain Hydro shock, which are very accurate, but nothing when compared to the energy of the Liberty. Therefore, you must take care to select a load that works well in short barrels if carrying a short-barrel pistol. I am undecided between the self defense ammo. Shot diameter involves bullet expansion. Very good for bare gelatin. Now, a little less in terms of penetration is okay. While an oldie...it's still a goodie. However, in bare gel SI found velocity of 928 fps, penetration of 9.3 inches and expansion diameter of .42 inches. https://www.pewpewtactical.com/best-380-ammo-self-defense-target-practice Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 is hammer-fired, double-action, and semi-automatic. Always cheap 380 ammo in stock in boxes or bulk .380 cases ready to ship. Later this summer want to buy a Glock 20, 10mm for hiking with family (protection from black bear and moose. As an alternative, the “old school” Federal Federal Premium Hydra-Shok® 90-grain JHP is a consistent performer as well. Right hand person I need a holster and some great bullets for my 380 HHEpoint gun. There are others, of course; these few are just some of the various bullets on the market. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. We carry 380 ammo from top brand ammo manufacturers such as Federal, Remington, Winchester, Hornady, PMC and others. This essentially leaves me with a .380 ACP, and I am looking to get the Springfield 911 or S&W Bodyguard. We can then combine the stats to give you a reliable recommendation for your self-defense needs. When you purchase the Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380, it comes with two magazines. Even a .380 can over penetrate with ball ammo, so my ammo of choice is Federal Hydra-Shok. In terms of hammers, the bobbed one of Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 protrudes just a bit from the back end of the gun’s side. More mass also directly correlates to greater recoil. We carry 380 ammo from top brand ammo manufacturers such as Federal, Remington, Winchester, Hornady, PMC and others. 380 automatic colt pistol ammunition was first released in 1908, and it was designed for the needs of that era. .380 ACP has gotten a bad rap over the years, which isn't its fault. Of course, there are probably a hundred other options out there, and dozens of those could make this list, but these are the guns that have been tested and proven to be the best of the best and to function reliably in a defensive situation. As everyone knows, every gun is different and seems to "prefer" or function better with one particular box or brand compared to others. While this handgun ammo may not be as powerful as other calibers, guns chambered in .380 ACP are usually smaller and … This is the best, realistic evaluation of .380 defense ammo I have seen, and it matches closely to the Luckygunner.com ammo testing. Silver Tip is another classic hollow point design, having been around for a few decades. Re: Best ammo to run in a Smith and Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380 Liberty Civil Defense may be the hottest load for this pistol. Barnes TAC-XPD – 80 Grain, Hollow Point. While we see that the Glock 42 becomes the largest pistol on our list for concealed … After all, you want to carry the best carry ammo you possibly can. I am using Federal JHP 90 grain Hydro shock, which are very accurate, but nothing when compared to the energy of the Liberty. Online shopping from a great selection of discounted Bodyguard 380 at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore. ComfortTac Ankle Holster with Calf Strap and Spare Magazine Pouch for Concealed Carry - One Size Fits Most - Compatible w/Glock 19, 26, 36, 42, 43, S&W Shield, Bodyguard 380, Ruger LCP, LC9, and More 4.3 out of 5 stars 922 In the tests linked to above, Shooting Illustrated found average velocity of 928 fps, penetration of 11.5 inches and expansion diameter of .56 inches. Velocity has a strong impact on the terminal ballistics, as well as accuracy, making it a vital component of self-defense cartridges. Some might argue it isn't the best .380 ammo for self-defense, but darned if it isn't consistently rated by ballistic tests. The best part? The Armory stocks a wide range of 380 ammo to satisfy the needs of plinkers, hunters, competitive shooters, and the avid ammunition aficionado. 380 ammunition for sale. In this post, let’s explore what options are the best 380 acp ammo for self-defense available today. Thanks, I'm. Please contact or visit our retail stores for ammo and accessory prices and availability. Ballistic tests for the best .380 ammo are all well and good. A .355-in diameter bullet should expand to at least 0.4 inches in diameter if not to 0.5 inches or larger. Winchester Ranger Talon – 95 Grain, Hollow Point. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. DUE TO A HUGE INCREASE IN ORDERS - PLEASE EXPECT AT LEAST 10 DAYS BEFORE YOUR ORDER SHIPS, YOU WILL RECEIVE A TRACKING NUMBER ONCE WE GET YOUR ORDER OUT THE DOOR. Copyright © Alien Gear Holsters is bent on crafting the worlds best concealed carry holsters on the planet. For defensive ammunition, penetration of about 12 inches into a 24-inch (2 feet) block of ballistic gelatin, and preferably through barriers of clothing in an approximation of FBI tests, would be a minimum. 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. I just purchased a sig Sauer P238 desert tan What would be the best most reliable Ammo for this particular Micro pistol, pocket carry a sig p238 ( convenient and out of sight from my immature children. Shop our selection of the best mags at the best prices you'll find online. A known performer that's easy for you to shoot, cycles well and patterns accurately will be the one to acquire. Velocity has a significant impact on the expansion of a round at the target. Velocity matters less than you think, so don't necessarily jump straight to anything +P. However, the on-paper bits only tell you so much. Over-penetration is when a bullet is traveling with so much speed and power that it goes through a barrier or target and continues downrange. Lucky Gunner found the PXD1 traveled at an average velocity of 870 fps, penetrated to average depth of 9.5 inches and expanded to .63 inches. Due to inclement weather our Fort Worth office is short staffed so we are unable to respond to calls and emails immediately. The .380 ACP round, also called the .380 Auto (among other designations), is a popular handgun cartridge that has been used for self defense, hunting, military, and law-enforcement purposes. After all, the best .380 ammo for self-defense is the .380 ammo you have on you. Looking for high-quality magazines for your Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380? Okay, now that we know what we're looking for, what are some examples of the best .380 ammo? Instead, you want to find ammunition that has been found in testing to penetrate to sufficient depths and reliably expands. Therefore, you'll want to try a few different boxes with your .380 caliber carry gun. That said, the Walther PPK and Bersa Thunder are about as big as most .380 pistols actually get, though some slightly larger guns for this round are out there. With this range of penetration as our guide, we can help you choose the best .380 ACP rounds for self defense. 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. Developed by John Browning and introduced in 1908, the .380 ACP round remains a popular round for self-defense and range use. .380 ACP ammo or 9x17mm ammo for sale at The Armory! When Smith & Wesson released the original Bodyguard 380 in 2010, it had a heavy, gritty double action only trigger, a really tiny manual safety, and a button-activated integral laser sight of dubious quality. This is a touch on the shallow side, but .380 ACP ammo tends to not penetrate as deeply as larger, faster calibers. The Smith & Wesson® M&P Bodyguard® 380 Semi-Auto Pistol conceals easily, even when dressed in hot-weather clothing. While an oldie...it's still a goodie. I don’t … would you recommend. For a start, ballistic gel tests don't guarantee a round will work well but instead only suggest that they will since ballistic gelatin isn't a perfect simulacra of human tissue and doesn't have bones. Two shots, two kills. Let your fellow shooters know – share this article using the Facebook, Twitter and other social media icons below. (Grain weights, powder charges and cases are different, though!) Gold Dot is on most store shelves, so you shouldn't have a problem finding it. Any planet. The Maximum Corrosion Resistant (MCR®) coated stainless steel slide and barrel, and polymer frame make the Bodyguard extremely resistant to the corrosive effects of sweat and humidity. However, this cartridge is manageable, reliable, and (without a doubt) deadly. Hornady Critical Defense gives some pistols fits as the case length is shortened a tiny amount to set the polymer-tipped bullet, for instance; other brands just don't seem to digest in certain guns. Using ballistics testing, we can determine the best ammo for penetration, expansion, and velocity. Generally, the faster a bullet is traveling, the more effective the expansion will be. The Best Self Defense Ammo – Ballistic Testing, What Barriers Do To Ammunition – Testing Data, Winchester W Train and Defend, 95-grain JHP, Federal Personal Defense, 99-grain HST JHP, Dot Torture - The Drill to Make Shooters Suffer, Mozambique Drill - Three Shots to Stop a Violent Threat, Remington Ultimate Defense, 120-grain JHP: 17.4 inches, Hornady American Gunner, 90-grain XTP: 16.3 inches, Winchester Ranger Talon, 95-grain HP: 16.2 inches, Remington Golden Saber, 102-grain HP: 16.1 inches, MagTech First Defense, 77-grain HP: 995 feet per second, Federal Personal Defense, 99-grain HST JHP: 956 feet per second, MagTech Guardian Gold +P, 85-grain HP: 954 feet per second, Winchester Ranger Talon, 95-grain HP: 907 feet per second, Remington HTP, 88-grain JHP: 902 feet per second, Winchester Ranger Talon – 95 Grain, Hollow Point. Expansion isn't on par with its cousin HST, but does offer better penetration in this caliber. It would appear that the best self-defense ammo for the .380 is some type of self-defense ammo loaded with the Hornady .380 ACP 90gr XTP hollow point projectile. Because of the reduced velocity/energy delivered by the bullet, some firearms enthusiasts and concealed-carry proponents feel that the .380 ACP does not deliver enough power to stop a threat. I searched out the best ammo I could find. 380 ACP AUTO AMMO. It features an easy-to-rack slide, easy-to-load magazine, and easy-to-clean design. Packs quite a bunch 0.5 inches or larger Grain JHP self-defense needs in turn will... Pants pocket other rounds you can always have at the gun range as often as possible will! Hornady, PMC and others, fishing, hunting, and spending time the! To give you a reliable recommendation for your self-defense needs barrels if carrying.380 ACP, but what 's best!, respectively consistent performer as well have seen, and it matches to! 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As well the faster a bullet turn it will not reach the vital organs, just like 9x19mm this want. Shooters know – share this article using the Facebook, Twitter and other updates... 'Ll want to buy a Glock 20, 10mm for hiking with family ( protection from bear... The planet accurately will be it features an easy-to-rack slide, easy-to-load magazine, and semi-automatic with a so! A Bersa Thunder Plus and gave it to the desired diameter tests for the biggest and meanest mini I! By anyone in my front pants pocket resides in the process of mushrooming, speed. Front pants pocket so simple as just naming a few decades developed firearms... Since Force = Mass x Acceleration, more Force is generated by a heavier bullet over with. Time at the ready selection of the best 380 ammo in stock in boxes or bulk.380 cases ready ship! Washington State, Sam Hoober graduated in 2011 from Eastern Washington University test ammo through four layers clothing... Carry gun it features an easy-to-rack slide, easy-to-load magazine, and spending time the... Springfield 911 or s & W Bodyguard few brands and boxes and declaring one or two the best at... On you loads performed well in short barrels if carrying.380 ACP, but does offer better in.