Recommended Ammo for the .380

That VERY test and video convinced me enough to switch the ammo I carry in my Taurus TCP. I carry rounds loaded with the XTP Bullet. I'm using the HPR loading now. I was blown away by the video to be honest. So I shot up all the critical defense I had and got what he recommended. My little TCP shoots the XTP bullet pretty good at 10 yards. I'm wanting to get some of the precision one loading. And being its a SC company that's a plus for me as well.
 
Personally i carry ball (FMJ) in all of my semi auto pistols and find it to be unquestionally the most reliable for functioning. I have done the final rites to many a Texas hog with a .380 or 9 mm and find the ammo does what it was designed for. My thinking is if it is necessary for a second shot (unlikely) then I have more at my disposal in the pistol.
 
I too use ball ammo only. The one I got has a flat instead of a round nose making for somewhat of a wadcutter action.

My main concern in defense with a semi auto is reliability. I feel best using ball ammo and also, if it came to a hearing or even a trial, the uniformed hearing 'hollow point ammo' could find that you used excessively lethal bullets. Not good.
 
I started using Remington HTP ammo in my TCP, as it looks like a ball round with a small hollow cavity. But there wasn't any tests I could find on them. So I switched to the XTP after I saw the test. My little Taurus has fed everything just fine so far.

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I also carry the XTP bullet.... loaded by Fiocchi, in my TCP. It has functioned flawlessly through a box and a half, so far.

I've put maybe 500 rounds through it... mostly ball ammo. I tried the Hornday stuff, til I saw the gel penetration tests. It appears the XTP is the way to go, in this caliber.
 
Indeed, But I think the XTP is the way to go in a very short barrel (sub 3") tests of other 380 ammo shot out of pistols with longer barrels produced favorable results also. Rounds like the Critical Defense, Gold Dot etc. The XTP did the best in the 2.8" barreled TCP that's why it's in the pipe right now.

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Hornady American Gunner with the XTP bullet in both of my 380's (Ruger LCP Custom and Beretta 84B). Both are exceedingly accurate and reasonably priced.
 
I carry Corbon DPX or JHP in my 380's

380 and 32 had bad reputation because of ball ammo . To many thru and thru
With the new HP's the 380 has finely become accepted I don't buy in the the FBI 12" In fact Border Patrol if I remember right says 10" and they shoot a lot more BG than FBI
 
In my .380 I carry Critical Defense. If all I had was ball I would carry that. It works and will put extra holes in a Bad Guy/woman (need to be PC). Sometimes my spare mag has ball ammo.

If I change ammo every time I saw a new video or read a new test report I would spend most of my income on new bullets. I am not saying if a ran across the ammo praised in this video at a decent price I won't pick it up. I just won't dump my carry ammo anytime soon.
 
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i prefer FMJ in a .380. while getting reliable expansion isn't hard any more, getting the "adequate" depth (12"-16") consistently is. another important thing to consider is the cost of practicing with what you actually carry.
 
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