need some advice fellas
- Thread starter chic
- Start date
Federal Hydroshocks, Remington Golden Saber, Hornady critical defense.
Try out several different rounds. The one that is most accurate out of your gun will be the best choice.
You might want to read this site.
http://www.corneredcat.com/TOC.aspx
Try out several different rounds. The one that is most accurate out of your gun will be the best choice.
You might want to read this site.
http://www.corneredcat.com/TOC.aspx
For pocket .380s, the "best" hollow point is often the one that loads the most reliably. Some pocket .380s are picky as to what ammo they will load.
Personally, I carry Buffalo Bore ammo in my .380. Don't get too set on hollowpoints, take a look at Buffalo Bore's 100 gr hardcast. They hit with 294 ft-lbs of energy and have excellent penetration.
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=29
Personally, I carry Buffalo Bore ammo in my .380. Don't get too set on hollowpoints, take a look at Buffalo Bore's 100 gr hardcast. They hit with 294 ft-lbs of energy and have excellent penetration.
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=29
billnourse
New member
I like Hornady Critical Defense. Functions perfectly in my Kahr.
Bill
Bill
TriumphGuy
New member
I imagine that all of the above suggestions are very good. In my opinion though, a small .380 is great for a pocket gun when you have to hide it out in public because that's all that the law allows us to do. It's far better than no gun at all, but far from what your first choice should be. It shoots a small round, will have significant recoil because of it's small size and will create a pretty significant muzzle flash. All of those things mean that you have to practice with it a good deal and become very proficient to reliably place shots where they have to go.
For use in your own home, get a 12 or 20 gauge shotgun and load it with 00 buckshot. A shotgun will also generate a lot of recoil and create a huge muzzle blast, but instead of one small projectile you get a bunch of small projectiles in a spread. You can't just stick the end in a room and shoot expecting to hit something, but your chances are much better.
For use in your own home, get a 12 or 20 gauge shotgun and load it with 00 buckshot. A shotgun will also generate a lot of recoil and create a huge muzzle blast, but instead of one small projectile you get a bunch of small projectiles in a spread. You can't just stick the end in a room and shoot expecting to hit something, but your chances are much better.
DiscoRacing
New member
Not that it would really matter which you use...
... most generally .380 does NOT travel fast enough(1,000fps) to effectively mushroom a hollowpoint properly.
... Most .380 is only around 850 to 900fps.
IN my OP.
... most generally .380 does NOT travel fast enough(1,000fps) to effectively mushroom a hollowpoint properly.
... Most .380 is only around 850 to 900fps.
IN my OP.
As TriumphGuy pointed out in his post, since your considering a forearm strictly for home defense, size and weight are not as critical as it would be for concealed carry.
Depending upon your current state of experience and skill with firearms in general and handguns in particular, learning to become competent in the use of a firearm for home defense is easier with a shotgun than with a small semiautomatic.
The only place where I differ from TriumphGuy's advice would be to suggest #4 buckshot rather than 00 buckshot. The maximum range that you would encounter a threat in the home is likely to be under 15 yards (45 feet).
In a typical 2 3/4" 12ga load of 00 buck (.33 in) you get 9 pellets. In a typical 2 3/4" 12ga load of #4 buckshot (.24 in) you get 24 pellets. They both generally through over an ounce of lead at about 1100 fps. The #4 buckshot would be less likely to penetrate as many walls as the 00 buckshot.
It could be argued that the each of the nine (9) pellets of 00 buckshot are as effective as one round of .380 acp (.356 in) for stopping a threat in your home.
glockcompact
New member
I think the previous concerns are valid. Have you shot this weapon before? A .380 is smaller than a 9mm. But that doesn't mean it kicks less. The size of the weapon plays a big roll in the felt recoil. In fact if your using it for home defense only and will not be carrying it on your person you might consider a small to midsized doublestack 9mm or a .357 with 38's in it. It will probably have less felt recoil than a pocket .380 and have more knock down power. Your going to get tons a different views on here. But the more information you give out the better people will be able help you. Typically the smaller the round the less kick but also the larger the pistol the less kick too. I would strive for a larger pistol that still fits your hands comfortably and go for a 9mm. If you think that the 9mm is still too much kick. I.e. your friend has one and it kicks too much. Than consider a larger .380. I believe Beretta makes a full size .380. and you can get it in the USA. Also go to a gun store that has what you want in stock. Put it in your hands. Make sure you can rack the slide. Check for the feel of the weapon. Just remember a larger weapon with the same size round will most likely have less felt recoil.
Brit.
Brit.
I just read an article this weekend on home defense rounds (see below for the link). That author went through all the common rounds with rigor and solid discussion, some interesting data, photos of gel penetration tests and expanded bullets. Regarding 12 ga, he concluded that #1 buck was the best for in-home defense due to the balance of knock-down capacity v. wall penetration & collateral damage. Second best, in his opinion, was 00 buck. (Again, comparing only 12 ga loads to each other).
Interestingly, the lightest handgun caliber he considers is the 9mm and he doesn't rate the 380acp. I have a 380 and no not keep it in the house for home defense, preferring something a bit more robust. The 380 is in my car emergency kit.
Here's the link to that article:
http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm
Interestingly, the lightest handgun caliber he considers is the 9mm and he doesn't rate the 380acp. I have a 380 and no not keep it in the house for home defense, preferring something a bit more robust. The 380 is in my car emergency kit.
Here's the link to that article:
http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm
Home defense
I think we all agree penetration into a vital area is what works.
Expansion without penetration is a joke.
A blowback oporated 380 has quite a bit more recoil than a locked breach one. What ever you have know its limitations in both acuracy and proformance on various targets, hard and soft. If I were to be armed with a 380 I would alternate HP and ball in the mag. 4 0r 5 inches of penetration with a hp will not be a stopping shot.
As for the 12 ga. indoors anything in bird shot for the 1st round and then progressively larger for the follow up shot, up to and including slugs for the last round. Plan ahead, are you in town or the country, what will the target be ? An intruder on 4 legs in the yard [skunk] or 2 legs in the living room?
What ever it is be informed as to what happens when the lead leaves the barrel.
A 9x18 mak hard ball will penetrate 11 layers of 1/2 inch drywall. Who is in the next room? Don't miss the target.
I think we all agree penetration into a vital area is what works.
Expansion without penetration is a joke.
A blowback oporated 380 has quite a bit more recoil than a locked breach one. What ever you have know its limitations in both acuracy and proformance on various targets, hard and soft. If I were to be armed with a 380 I would alternate HP and ball in the mag. 4 0r 5 inches of penetration with a hp will not be a stopping shot.
As for the 12 ga. indoors anything in bird shot for the 1st round and then progressively larger for the follow up shot, up to and including slugs for the last round. Plan ahead, are you in town or the country, what will the target be ? An intruder on 4 legs in the yard [skunk] or 2 legs in the living room?
What ever it is be informed as to what happens when the lead leaves the barrel.
A 9x18 mak hard ball will penetrate 11 layers of 1/2 inch drywall. Who is in the next room? Don't miss the target.
Cheapshooter
New member
Has a friend or family member suggested this particular firearm and caliber? If so, what is their expertise in firearms, and particularly self defense arms.
If it is one you have selected only by advertisements, do your self a favor and visit a range that rents guns. Look at several guns, and try them first if possible.
You may find that you can handle a gun that is better suited to your needs.
This is not a condemnation by me of the 380, I carry a Ruger LCP when lighter clothing makes carrying a larger gun difficult. It.s just that not needing to conceal the weapon, a more powerful caliber is always better.
This being said, if the 380 is your choice, try several brands to see what works best in your particular gun. Also it is always advisable to break in a new carry firearm with at least 100 rounds. This can be something more economical than HP , like Winchester White Box sold at Wally World for about $30/100. Also, when you do choose a defense load, shoot a couple boxes of it to insure it functions properly in your gun.
As far as my personal choice, I carry Hornady Critical Defense.
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chic,
I've found that ammo made by Double Tap, Buffalo Bore, and Cor-Bon tend to be good performers. I prefer Cor-bon because of their 100% copper bullets; I don't like the idea of packing lead in my clothes every day.
As others have asked, have you already bought the gun? Was the choice made after several possibilities that you tried at a gun range, or by recommendation? Either way, if it's your first gun, expect to buy others as time goes by as your tastes & skills change.
+1 on the idea of having a 20 or 12 gauge shotgun for home defense. They're more effective than a handgun and don't take as much practice & training to get good with. My wife chose a 20 gauge Remington model 870 for herself; we keep it loaded with birdshot and it lives in a fast-opening safe in the bedroom.
It's a good idea to take classes on gun safety, concealed carry, and general self-defense if you haven't already. They're fun & build good skills.
Edit: Often times, high-performance ammo like the stuff you're looking for can cost a lot. A couple of ways to get around this and still shoot enough to keep up your skills are to 1) practice using a mix of cheap ammo & performance ammo, or 2) reload your own bullets. The latter takes time but is an interesting hobby. If you were looking for 9mm instead of .380 acp, I'd recommend a Lee Loader - these only set you back $20-30 and have everything you need to load your own ammo in one caliber.
I've found that ammo made by Double Tap, Buffalo Bore, and Cor-Bon tend to be good performers. I prefer Cor-bon because of their 100% copper bullets; I don't like the idea of packing lead in my clothes every day.
As others have asked, have you already bought the gun? Was the choice made after several possibilities that you tried at a gun range, or by recommendation? Either way, if it's your first gun, expect to buy others as time goes by as your tastes & skills change.
+1 on the idea of having a 20 or 12 gauge shotgun for home defense. They're more effective than a handgun and don't take as much practice & training to get good with. My wife chose a 20 gauge Remington model 870 for herself; we keep it loaded with birdshot and it lives in a fast-opening safe in the bedroom.
It's a good idea to take classes on gun safety, concealed carry, and general self-defense if you haven't already. They're fun & build good skills.
Edit: Often times, high-performance ammo like the stuff you're looking for can cost a lot. A couple of ways to get around this and still shoot enough to keep up your skills are to 1) practice using a mix of cheap ammo & performance ammo, or 2) reload your own bullets. The latter takes time but is an interesting hobby. If you were looking for 9mm instead of .380 acp, I'd recommend a Lee Loader - these only set you back $20-30 and have everything you need to load your own ammo in one caliber.
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Doc Intrepid
New member
chic,
You've already gotten a lot of good advice.
Here are a few other observations:
I use Federal Hydra-Shok 90 grain rounds, and Winchester 85 grain Silvertip ammunition is also worth your consideration.
It really can't be over-emphasized that some ammunition simply tends to work better than others in many firearms. It is up to the shooter to purchase several different boxes of ammunition and try them out, to see which load works best for you.
And with regard to a self-defense firearm in the house, this is just one (woman's) opinion: when I'm on business trips my wife likes to have a pistol beside her as she moves about the house in the evenings. She may be in the kitchen, the den, or elsewhere - the point is that a small pistol she can carry in her pocket is her choice as well. She could choose anything - I've offered her different options ranging from a shotgun to a Ruger .22 rifle, but she likes the convenience of a small pistol that can fit in her pocket around the house.
A home invasion or diversion/forced entry assault is a 'come as you are' proposition, and should it ever occur things develop rapidly. It will always be true that the little pistol you have in your hand is a better option than the zombie-slayer shotgun that's leaning against the wall in some other room where you left it an hour ago.
Whatever you select has to work for you, and complement how you live your life.
Best with your decisions,
Doc
You've already gotten a lot of good advice.
Here are a few other observations:
I use Federal Hydra-Shok 90 grain rounds, and Winchester 85 grain Silvertip ammunition is also worth your consideration.
It really can't be over-emphasized that some ammunition simply tends to work better than others in many firearms. It is up to the shooter to purchase several different boxes of ammunition and try them out, to see which load works best for you.
And with regard to a self-defense firearm in the house, this is just one (woman's) opinion: when I'm on business trips my wife likes to have a pistol beside her as she moves about the house in the evenings. She may be in the kitchen, the den, or elsewhere - the point is that a small pistol she can carry in her pocket is her choice as well. She could choose anything - I've offered her different options ranging from a shotgun to a Ruger .22 rifle, but she likes the convenience of a small pistol that can fit in her pocket around the house.
A home invasion or diversion/forced entry assault is a 'come as you are' proposition, and should it ever occur things develop rapidly. It will always be true that the little pistol you have in your hand is a better option than the zombie-slayer shotgun that's leaning against the wall in some other room where you left it an hour ago.
Whatever you select has to work for you, and complement how you live your life.
Best with your decisions,
Doc
If I were to carry a 380 I would use ball. Not only for relialibility but for penetration. You have to get your bullet deep enough to reach the vitals.
It may depending on where it enters the bodt tumble, thus adding to it's effectiveness. I read of a case years ago eher the ball round struck a rib as it entered. It caused the bullet to tumble going thru clipping the heart and aorta. The lungs were also impacted. A head shot is a viable target with this round.
Just something to consider.
It may depending on where it enters the bodt tumble, thus adding to it's effectiveness. I read of a case years ago eher the ball round struck a rib as it entered. It caused the bullet to tumble going thru clipping the heart and aorta. The lungs were also impacted. A head shot is a viable target with this round.
Just something to consider.
Kreyzhorse
New member
I carry a .380 and like the gun as a CCW gun. From a home defense stand point, there are better choices. If you haven't bought one, I'd suggest a .38 snub, or any other semi auto in 9mm up to 45acp. The .380 really isn't a flame thrower and there really isn't any handgun that will give you "stopping power" but a bigger, heavier bullet with more energy will (should) do more damage than a smaller, lighter .380 round.
If you have already bought it, any of the SD ammo listed above is as good as the next. Buy a box or two and make sure whatever your choice is feeds through your gun.
If you are set on a .380, there are other options than the Bodyguard. Consider the three B's of the .380: Bersa, Beretta, and Browning.
http://genitron.com/HandgunDB/DB-Handgun-Detail.asp?ID=512
http://genitron.com/HandgunDB/DB-Handgun-Detail.asp?ID=49
http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg/be/fn-browning-bda380-e.html
All three of these guns are bigger than the Bodyguard yes, but that means they have less recoil, are easier to control, and hold more rounds. Furthermore, the longer barrel of these guns will squeeze more power out of the .380.
The Bersa is a bit cheaper than the Bodyguard, you can find them for under $300 easily. You can also get a compact version of the Bersa or an extended version that holds 15 rounds.
The one caution for the Beretta, it is a little hard to rack the slide.
All three of these guns would serve you well, and in my opinion would be superior to the Bodyguard for home defense.
http://genitron.com/HandgunDB/DB-Handgun-Detail.asp?ID=512
http://genitron.com/HandgunDB/DB-Handgun-Detail.asp?ID=49
http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg/be/fn-browning-bda380-e.html
All three of these guns are bigger than the Bodyguard yes, but that means they have less recoil, are easier to control, and hold more rounds. Furthermore, the longer barrel of these guns will squeeze more power out of the .380.
The Bersa is a bit cheaper than the Bodyguard, you can find them for under $300 easily. You can also get a compact version of the Bersa or an extended version that holds 15 rounds.
The one caution for the Beretta, it is a little hard to rack the slide.
All three of these guns would serve you well, and in my opinion would be superior to the Bodyguard for home defense.