Reduced velocity .380 FMJ for self-defense
- Thread starter Carmady
- Start date
Crankylove
New member
Pretty sure reduced power .380 has been around since 1899, most people just call it the .32 ACP.
One other thing with a reduced power load I don't think anyone has mention is that by lowering the powder charge you may start having function issues with your gun.
The autos are designed to operate at a certain range of power. Reducing or increasing the powder charge can either damaged the gun from too much slide speed or not function the slide. You would have to respring the gun to match your reduced load.
The autos are designed to operate at a certain range of power. Reducing or increasing the powder charge can either damaged the gun from too much slide speed or not function the slide. You would have to respring the gun to match your reduced load.
Not going to give the OP a hard time, but .380ACP has rarely been accused of having a surplus of KE, momentum, etc.
And most/many gel tests indicate that JHP variants don't have what it takes to both expand and go 12-16" deep.
For my own part, I am partial to flat note/truncated cone bullet shapes for SD in these low powered rounds.
Yeah, gigglesnorting a chewed up bit of almond up into my nasal cavity...quite incapacitating.
Anyways, going .32ACP is my solution.
And most/many gel tests indicate that JHP variants don't have what it takes to both expand and go 12-16" deep.
For my own part, I am partial to flat note/truncated cone bullet shapes for SD in these low powered rounds.
Yeah, gigglesnorting a chewed up bit of almond up into my nasal cavity...quite incapacitating.
Anyways, going .32ACP is my solution.
Back in the mid-90s one of my sons and I were looking at a gun mag or a manufacturer's catalog, and there was a .32 that was advertised something like, "...and has .380 stopping power with the right ammunition." We had a good laugh over that, and the times they are a-changin'.
Double Naught Spy
New member
Yes, that is how the math does work. One must not assume that just because the velocity has been reduced that the energy is reduced unless one also controls for the weight of the projectile. In the .380, it may not be that big of a factor given the limited range of projectile options available, a piffle as you say, but a piffle is still enough to make the point.
However, in other calibers, the difference can be significant for those people who chase energy numbers. For example, chronographed from my 18" Grendel rifle, I get 2740 fps and 1501 ft lbs of energy from a Nosler Varmageddon 95 gr. bullet. From the same rifle, I get 2518 fps and 1690 ft lbs of energy from a 120 gr. Speer Gold Dot bullet. So with 92% of the velocity, I am getting 13% increase in energy. 189 ft lbs is hardy a piffle. In fact, it is virtually the same amount as a solitary .380 90 gr round fired at 975 fps.
Perhaps not a piffle, but in some situations, tis a cat sneeze, and others significant force. All depends on context. Shooting small caliber pistols a couple hundred ft/lbs seem (and is) pretty significant. Shooting a .458Win Mag, not so much.
Energy and velocity numbers are the altars many pray to, and math is the dogma they chant. But the numbers alone do not tell it all.
One can, for example, load a .22-250 and a .45-70 to identical energy levels, this is a good example of velocity vs mass. Both are excellent at their intended uses. Neither is ideal for the other's best work, yet ENERGY is identical.
Energy is an important factor, but energy should not be taken alone, other factory are also important, and in some situations more important, but most important is the proper combination of factors.