What is the best defensive ammo for an LCP

[george burns]

Have done a lot of reading, but much contradicting information. It seems like xtp or Gold dot pop up a lot. What will get 12 inches of penetration and decent expansion?

 

[ssyoumans]

I don't think any HP that expands in 380 will still get you 12" of penetration. Hence, why so many people that prefer penetration over expansion will choose FMJ in 380.
I have gone with the Speer gold dots, but other good choices are made by Buffalo Bore and as you mentioned, Hornady XTP. Federal has released a 99gr HST which would be a solid choice as well. I prefer HST rounds in all other calibers.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

There is a thread on the Smith & Wesson forum in which a criminal defense attorney shares his experience for looking over evidence from hundreds of court cases in which .380 ammunition was used in a murder.

His advice, flat nosed FMJ


http://smith-wessonforum.com/concealed-carry-self-defense/358306-2-questions-re-380-ammuntion.html

 

[AZAndy]

Here are some nicely-done ammo tests from LuckyGunner. Hornady FTX looks pretty good.

 

[1KPerDay]

Well put together chart from LuckyGunner. That took a lot of work.

I carry Hornady Critical Defense in my LCP (looks like it did about as well as could be expected in LG tests, FWIW) and a spare mag of S&B FMJ. You pays yer nickel and you takes yer chances.

 

[spazzymcgee]

That LuckyGunner chart is very good. As complimentary information, look up ".380 Ammo Quest." ShootingTheBull410 makes excellent videos about bullet performance.
Edit: I'd like to add that barrel length makes a significant impact on the performance of hollowpoints. That should be considered when looking at any of this data. Few loads act appropriately when used in a 2" barrel and shot through 4 layers of denim.

 

[JDoe]

Buffalo Bore +P hard cast flat nosed if your gun can handle it.

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=127

 

[1KPerDay]

It's an LCP. It can't. Trust me.

 

[wbbh]

Precision, Hornady or Fiocchi .380s loaded with 90 grain XTP bullets.

I came to this decision watching a series of tests by ShootingtheBull410 videos on YouTube

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

 

[RolandD]

Precision, Hornady or Fiocchi .380s loaded with 90 grain XTP bullets.

I came to this decision watching a series of tests by ShootingtheBull410 videos on YouTube

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

+1 on ShootingTheBull410's videos. I like his methodology and his conclusions. XTP rounds win for penetration, expansion and price.

 

[Water-Man]

I like Hornady Custom XTP 90gr. for .380.

 

[JamieC]

Based on ShootingTheBull410's info, I bought the Hornady XTPs. He came out with a 'follow up' video switching his choice to Lehigh Defense Deep Penetrators. The ARX poly ammo looks promising also, especially for the .380. I haven't tried either, looking to get some of the Lehighs.

 

[huntsman]

FMJ don't know about "best" just know there's no hangups.

 

[1KPerDay]

+1 on ShootingTheBull410's videos. I like his methodology and his conclusions. XTP rounds win for penetration, expansion and price.

Curious how his methodology and conclusions differ from LuckyGunner's info. Appears to me they did pretty much the same testing, though luckygunner did more... and they have similarities in some ammo but pretty different results in others. Have a close look at the luckygunner chart posted above.

 

[george burns]

Let me add, that this is a backup only gun for me, as I won't carry anything less than a 9. But as per Mass'es last newsletter, it's good enough to stick in a pocket when around the house, and I really got it for 2 purposes, the other is my wife can shoot it better than any of my 9's with hot loads or 45's. Even though the recoil is worse in a small gun, the size seems to appeal to her.
She doesn't shoot enough to get used to a full size or even a Glock 26. So if she likes this gun, at least she will use it.