This is one of those perennial caliber topics that gets recycled often enough ... which doesn't mean that it's not worthy of discussion. It just gets the same "answers" every time.
The only reason I decided to own a .380ACP, after approx 25yrs of not using the caliber, is because of the increased choices of really diminutive ones, which would let me conceal it when I couldn't easily carry one of my 5-shot J-frames. For
me, that meant picking up a couple of LCP's (carbon and stainless slides).
I look at the .380 as being at the bottom end of minimally adequate for personal defense.
In other words, I pocket holster one of my LCP's in situations where I consider the risk assessment to be so low that I don't expect to need to be armed.
Also, in hot weather where I'm not wearing enough cover garment to effectively conceal (in all activities and circumstances) a belt weapon, and my choice of pants has front pockets too short and tight to accommodate one of the J-frames. I spent too many years "dressing around" various off-duty weapon choices, and no longer feel like modifying my clothing choices so they're exclusively based around whatever retirement weapon I may choose to carry.
When I was still working, and the .380 was approved as the smallest, least potent off-duty/secondary caliber permitted, only JHP ammo was allowed for anything other than qual/range use. That's not the case for retirees, since we're no longer representing our former agencies nor invoking peace officer status, but the habit stuck with me. Yes, a properly deformed and expanded JHP can reduce potential penetration. And misses still miss the intended threat. However, a plugged JHP can also basically behave like Ball. Flip a mental coin.
I've tested my LCP's with an assortment of the available JHP loads to which I had access before and after my retirement, and confirmed they feed and function and are accurate when fired in
my diminutive .380's, in
my hands. I also made it a point to run them through the same qual courses-of-fire as I used for all of my other pistols and revolvers, which usually meant 3-11yds, 3-15yds or 3-25yds, depending on the qual scenarios. If I couldn't run them at least as well as I could my 5-shot snubs at those distances, I'd not have wanted to carry them.
So, I basically have a choice of 3 different major maker .380 JHP's I may use to load my LCP magazines. Rem GS, Speer GDHP and W-W T-Series (although the T-Series is about used up, and I don't wish to make the drive to the distributor to buy any more at individual officer pricing). There are other brands/loads I've tested for function, but I don't commonly keep them in my ammo stock. Nor am I of the inclination to buy some hot-rodded specialty brand of .380 to try and bootstrap my LCP's into something they aren't. It's just a .380, after all. If I want to carry something else, I'll carry something else. I don't wish to try and Magnumize my LCP's.
Bottom line? Whenever the situation occurs where I choose to slip a LCP into my pocket, I keep in mind that it's still a priority to keep my head up and aware of the totality of the situation ...
and that it's my skillset, use of tactics, experience and knowledge of the law that are going to absolutely be critical factors in any situation where I decide I'm forced to
use a weapon.