contrary to the stated OPINION above the right 380 ammo has plenty of penetration and expansion. FMJ may actually over penetrate.
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Handguns chambered in .380 ACP are small, compact, and generally easy to carry. Unfortunately, testing has shown that they offer inadequate performance for self-defense and for law enforcement use whether on duty as a back-up weapon or for off duty carry. The terminal performance of .380 ACP JHP's is often erratic, with inadequate penetration and inconsistent expansion being common problems, while .380 ACP FMJ's offer adequate penetration, but no expansion. All of the .380 ACP JHP loads we have tested, including CorBon, Hornady, Federal, Remington, Speer, and Winchester exhibited inconsistent, unacceptable terminal performance for law enforcement back-up and off duty self-defense use due to inadequate penetration or inadequate expansion. Stick with FMJ for .380 ACP or better yet, don't use it at all. The use of .380 ACP and smaller caliber weapons is really not recommended for LE use and many savvy agencies prohibit them.
While these backyard youtube amateur ballistic test video's are entertaining they're hardly what one should base their decisions on when picking a Self defense load. Penetration is far more important than is expansion. .380 JHP's don't reliable reach the FBI protocol standard of 12" of penetration in properly calibrated Ballistic Gelatin.
BUG's: .380 ACP vs. .38 Sp
The most important sentence in the article you posted is:
"As always, don't get too wrapped in the nuances of ammunition terminal performance. Spend your time and money on developing a warrior mindset, training, practice, and more training."
Plain and simple.
Except he was talking about more substantial calibers and not the .380
.380 falls short on penetration
Use of Expanding Bullets in Small Defensive Cartridges
Use of Expanding Bullets in Small Defensive Cartridges
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