380 Suggestions

[Monkeyman2500]

So I bought a S&W Bodyguard 380 for light carry and I am looking for some ammo suggestions. Let me know if any of you guy have any experience with the 380 round.

[nightrunner]

My favorite is the Barnes TAC-XPD. Solid copper bullet and nickel plated case. Pricey though.

Speer Gold Dot is a safe bet for anything.

Be wary of Buffalo Bore, since the ammo shortage they started using Montana Gold JHP bullets instead of Speer GD. The Montana bullets have had problems with jackets separating in flight.

[Monkeyman2500]

I picked up the Barnes when I got the gun. Also picked up some Liberty civil defense. I hear good things about Cor Bond DPX too.

[nightrunner]

Corbin is usually a pretty safe bet as well, I have no experience with it though, only the Barnes and the Speer. Then I use American Eagle for target loads

[cjohnson44546]

I use Speer Gold Dot in my Ruger LCP... have shot many through it perfectly.  Whatever you get, shoot a lot through it to make sure it doesn't have problems in your Bodyguard.

[10-Ring]

Hornaday Critical Defense.  I've seen what they do to ballistics gelatin, never was comfortable carrying a .380 until I found this ammo.

[Trekbike]

Hornaday Critical Defense.

That's what I use in mine.

There are several schools of thoughts on using FMJ ammo rather than hollow ammo in order to get more penetration through thicker clothing in the winter time since the 380 is marginal in power.

[Tuffus]

Here is a good 380 hollow point test video. I have been using the Fiocchi Extrema for a while before I saw this and it has always worked well.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNtPHYwcDts

Edited August 31, 2015 by Tuffus

[peejman]

I have Gold Dots in mine, but they've gotten hard(er) to find.  I'll probably switch to Critical Defense when I run out of Gold Dots. 

[Monkeyman2500]

Great info here guys, thanks. I never researched 380 much due to the fact I really never have considered carrying one. There is just one certain time I need a really really small gun. By the way I put about a hundred rounds through this little Bodyguard and love it.

[krunchnik]

According to almost all of the testing done by different entities it seems that most of the defense ammo does real well with Hornadies XTP bullet.And right on Fiochhi Extrema seems to be some of the best next to the Hornady Critical.I have shot most of this in my Kimber Micro and it all shoots very well.

[chances R]

Personally I don't want shot by any brand.  I use Golden Sabre because that is what the county uses.  Just be sure your gun cycles with perfection whichever brand you choose.

[crossfire]

Personally I don't want shot by any brand.  I use Golden Sabre because that is what the county uses.  Just be sure your gun cycles with perfection whichever brand you choose.

This :up:

[Grayfox54]

There's no need to limit yourself to just one kind of ammo.

Mine are currently loaded with two Hydra-Shoks followed by four Winchester FMJs. If the HPs don't do the job, the Winchesters have a big flat meplat that'll drive deep and makes a nastier hole than regular RN. 

 

[xsubsailor]

Another one here that uses Hornaday Critical Defense.

[Monkeyman2500]

There's no need to limit yourself to just one kind of ammo.
Mine are currently loaded with two Hydra-Shoks followed by four Winchester FMJs. If the HPs don't do the job, the Winchesters have a big flat meplat that'll drive deep and makes a nastier hole than regular RN.

I like this idea. Thanks

[Wade195]

Hornady critical defense in my Bodyguard 380. They cycle flawlessly.

My wife carries the same.

[lshel]

Hornady Critical Defense in my Kahr CW380.

[TMF]

Hornady Critical Defense in my TCP.  Pricey to run a few boxes to ensure that it cycles well, but it does.

[TN-popo]

Breaking the trend...I'd recommend sticking with FMJ for practice and defense for .380acp.

FWIW, my general rule of thumb (and many others more knowledgable than me):
For calibers that can reliably expand AND penetrate at least 12" of calibrated 10% gel...JHP.
For calibers that can reliably expand OR penetrate at least 12" of calibrated 10% gel...FMJ.

We WANT expansion...we NEED penetration.

Keep in mind, many seem to make the mistake in thinking that 10% gel = humans...it doesn't.  It's just a yardstick.

​A ballistics guy from Winchester, in his research, has found about a 2/3s correlation.  In my experience, I agree.

Plus, you get the added benefit of better feed reliability in small autos (which can sometimes be more finicky than service-sized pistols).

And, you put fresh ammo in your gun everytime you practice.

Regarding a specific load recommendation...S&B's 92gr FMJ.
Reliable, accurate, and very low muzzle flash. 

 

If you just have to have a JHP, a round using Hornady's XTP is the only one I'd use in .380acp.

 

Anyway, that's just my opinion.  YMMV.

Edited September 6, 2015 by TN-popo

[shotgunshooter]

Yes get a 9mm (joking). 

 

Good luck with the new gun. Hear they are good little guns.

[Darnluck]

I usually look at this when looking for defense ammo
http://www.ar15.com/ammo/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm

[Jeb48]

Currently using Winchester PDX1 95g, bought a box of Hornady FTX Critical Defense 90g to try.

[Monkeyman2500]

Yes get a 9mm (joking).

Good luck with the new gun. Hear they are good little guns.

Yea I tried to make a couple 9s work but we're still somewhat noticeable. For any other occasion my 10mm is fine.

[TN-popo]

I usually look at this when looking for defense ammo
http://www.ar15.com/ammo/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm

 

http://www.ar15.com/ammo/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm#380

 

Hmmm, very similar to Post # 20.  ;)