What would You consider the " best" 380acp self defense ammo?

[jaktime]

Hi all,
I wanted to get a feel for what you would consider " the best " all around self defense ammo in the 380acp caliber, I like the winchester silver-tip hollow point in my other hand guns for self defense. I'm looking into getting a 380 for my pocket ( keltec or ruger) so its super easy to hide in the summer time. I was hoping to get some feed back on what you carry in your own S/D 380 and what made you choose the particular round you have decided to carry. I do not have much knowledge with the 380 loadings, some people I have talked to swear by the golden saber round, but everyone has a different opinion and this is why I'm asking.
Any insight or feed back would be great!
Thanks
J

 

[M7]

FMJs.

With a .380 you can have penetration or expansion. Not both.

I chose penetration, hence FMJs, because expansion without reaching vital organs or the CNS won't do much to stop a threat.

That's my opinion and what I consider to be the "best" option. I am sure that someone will be along shortly to disagree.

 

[Orion8472]

So a search. There was a thread about this not long ago.


Updated: Yay! 1,000 posts now.

 

[SwampWolf]

Hardball-and for the same reasons M7 gave. Plus the fact that there aren't many bullet configurations that feed more reliably in a semi-auto pistol than do most fmj bullets.

 

[mljdeckard]

I have changed my mind on this one. I used to say .380 is too small. Now I say; "It overlaps into 9mm effectiveness if you use premium defensive ammo." Defensive loads have come a long way for the .380, just like they have for 9mm.

I know Double-Tap has a couple of .380 loads, look up corbon, Buffalo-Bore, etc.

 

[YJake]

Spicy ball ammo, preferably with a flat nose. Allows the anemic little thing to dig deep and doesn't deflect upon hitting something hard as much as round nose ball does.

-Jake

 

[The smiling swordsman]

I like Hornady Critical Defense.

 

[Texan Scott]

I can see valid points for both sides of the fmj/ jhp argument, but each claims the advantage in a given shooting scenario, and you don't know what kind you might find yourself in.
I could see validity in arguing for using whatever groups tightest from your gun, but at close quarters self defense raange, i don't think it'll matter.
Decide which you'd rather have- fmj or jhp- and get one that feeds, fires and ejects 100% in your gun. if the shell goes bang, empty throws clear, no exceptions, use that one. between any two brands of whatever type, is there an advantage? i doubt it... and hopefully, you'll never have to shoot enough people to prove me wrong.

 

[holdencm9]

Speer Gold Dots

 

[B1gGr33n]

+1 for Hornady Critical Defense. It's what I carry.

 

[Mac Attack]

Buffalo bore makes a great defense round for .380 100 gr HCFN. I tried a couple of mags through my P3AT and they functioned gear but a bit strong for my tastes. I carry hornady defense now.

 

[Hanshi]

The Walther ppk family .380s. No reason other than I do like the guns.

 

[wnycollector]

I carry the Buffalo bore 100gr hard cast load in my Beretta 84B. It's a stout load (but controllable!) in a "full sized" .380...it may be a bit much for a micro. 380.

 

[cfullgraf]

Texan Scott said it pretty well in my book.

But, in any case, I use FMJs. They feed well in any 380 I have shot.