Which one? I see one by shooting the bull and it expanded great but only went 8 or 9in
lucky gunner tests showed the opposite, unreliable expansion and over penetration.
http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/
This is a great link,(is this the one that you are referring to?) page up and page down to find the 380. It gives a fair analysis.
Also remember, that if you chose a LCP with a 2 3/4 barrel, you will get 5-7% less velocity, vs. the tested Glock 42, with a 3.25 inch barrel
Any velocity decrease will equate to less penetration, less kinetic energy, and probably less expansion.
As you can see, the choices for 380,
that reliably expand, and meet 12-18 inch, FBI suggested penetration are few. The SIG VCrown seems to be the best of the lot.
Many people choose the 380 because it fits a pistol that they can shove in a pocket. It isnt cheaper than the 9mm (9mm Practice ammo is 25-30% cheaper, which adds up over time, if you practice) it doesnt recoil less than some of the smaller 9s.
If you dont pocket carry, its more of a moot point. When I started to CCW, I purchased a smaller CM9. I pocket carried for about 6 months. After thinking about pocket carry and some of the limitations, I moved to IWB only. I do know a few people that use a 380 or a 38 in the pocket as a BUG, which I have also considered
There are trade offs.
For me, a few thoughts on the 380, or any other caliber, in the pocket
1) How do you draw when you are sitting down?
2) How do you draw if your main hand is injured?
3) How do you draw if you are in a tussle, and the fight is on the ground?
4) Practice the Tueller drill, can you do this from a pocket draw?
If you can answer positively on all 4 of these questions, you are a better man than me.
I think everyone agrees a 22 shot is more effective to the heart, than a 45 to the knee. Its documented that police officers actually hit ANY part of the bad guy, only around 30% of the shots fired. They miss the target 70% of the time!
Its due to the immediate stress(and lack of realistic training). (Some of the friends I shoot with drink TONS of coffee before they go to the range, to help recreate tension and stress)
The reality is, under stress, those slow, very accurate shots at the range, just arent going to happen. IF (a big IF) you ever find yourself in a defensive situation, you may HAVE to count on a NEAR MISS to end the fight. (In those cases, I want a bullet that expands and has enough energy)
Its a free country and my opinion is worth half of 2 cents.........
Carry what you like, THERE IS NO MAGIC BULLET, if you are a CCWer REALISTICALLY practice, practice, practice. (Fire for a softball size group, with speed, then try to reduce)
A larger gun, left at home isnt protection..