.380ACP self-defense ammo- do you go with FMJ or JHP?

Bill DeShivs: said:
481-
You do realize that pistol rounds worked before the FBI set these "standards?"

Billy,

Of course they did. The laws of physics are immutable (that is, they are unchangeable) and the standard (the FBI protocols) simply defines a desired level of performance that is obtainable within the confines of those immutable physical laws. If you're under the impression that the FBI protocols somehow altered physical law, I can assure that they didn't- bullets and their behavior in the gun (interior ballistics), through the air (external ballistics), and inside of targets (terminal ballistics) has remained as it always has.


Bill DeShivs: said:
And then, we aren't the FBI or LE, are we?

I never said that "we" were in the FBI. That's distractionary and misdirected at best.

Just the same, those loads that meet the FBI protocol specifications have a well documented history of performing well on the street under a broad spectrum of conditions and barriers. If you wish to handicap yourself with 'sub-par' loads (in this case, those that don't meet the FBI service pistol specs) that's fine with me, but just because we all aren't in the FBI or LE (actually I am) doesn't mean that we have to settle for the lowered standard that has been established for smaller/lower powered back-up weapons like the .380. You, I, and everyone else is permitted (and I hope encouraged) to carry the most effective ammunition that they can- this in spite of the misguided and dangerous mindset that simply because "we" (in the collective sense) are not the FBI/LE we shouldn't. Limiting ourselves in that manner is simply "horse and buggy" thinking.
 
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@ "mysig229" - what hollow point is that? Looks like Corbon DPX-1's the all copper but way different cut and the petals are just 4 instead of a sunflower effect.

OP! JHP's...not even a question man. I do however know some people that do two things...

1. they load their mag one FMJ and one JHP so on and so forth

2. load the first 2-4 JHP and the rest FMJ's.
 
@ "mysig229" - what hollow point is that? Looks like Corbon DPX-1's the all copper but way different cut and the petals are just 4 instead of a sunflower effect.

OP! JHP's...not even a question man. I do however know some people that do two things...

1. they load their mag one FMJ and one JHP so on and so forth

2. load the first 2-4 JHP and the rest FMJ's.

http://www.grizzlycartridge.com/store/index.php?app=ecom&ns=catshow&ref=grizzlyxtreme.

Grizzly Extreme
 
I generally go with JHP's. At the range I'd be expecting to use a .380 for defense (contact or close to) they have all the penetration I care about.
I buy HydraShocks, Gold Dots, or Cor-Bon - whichever's available at the local place when I need it. I've never had a problem with it running through my BG.
 
I use JHP. Speer gold dot 90 grain. Reasons for JHP:
-They aren't likely to over penetrate.
-They are designed as a self defense round.
-I've also seen the youtube ballistic tests and I'm comfortable with my choice

Reasons for my specific choice:
-I've also seen the youtube ballistic tests and I'm comfortable with my choice
-I trust the brand.
-Lots of the guys that work at the shop I frequent use it, and I trust them.
-My gun seems to like it.
 
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