Short-barrel .380 ballistics

L

Laz

New member
Just wondering if anyone has any information on ballistics from short-barrelled .380s, particularly the 2.5 inch Guardian. I am guessing that standard 1000 fps 90 grain loads such as Federal would get, maybe, 850 fps from a Guardian. Maybe Cor-Bon might reach 900 fps. None of the reviews of the Guardian show ballistics. I suspect that might be because they are not overly encouraging from such a short barrel. I guess I really need to get a chronograph one of these days. Just asking out of curiousity. Thanks in advance. Gary
 
I have an article on the guardian 380 that has ballistics results tests. But I CAN FIND IT! The articles I have on the .32 guardian that have ballistics should give an accurate idea of losses for the .380 also. The .32 shot the Gold Dot 60 gr @ 870 fps
and the Win Silvertip @ 845 fps..around 100 fps less than advertised. I dont remember the .380 loosing that much, but I am
talking out my *ss unless I can find the article. I do remember they had some hell bent magsafe round that was over 1400 fps.
Shoot well
 
I copied this off the NAA board:

NAA has published .380 ballistics in their brochure.

Win Silver Tip, 85 grain hp, 807 fps
Federal Hydro Shock, 90 grain, hp, 880 fps
Glaser-Blue, 70 grain safety slug, 1,137 fps
Mag Safe, 52 grain, frangible hp, 1,527 fps
 
380 ballistics

Bullet Weight (grains)
BulletType
Velocity (fps)
Muzzle Energy (ft.-lbs)

American Eagle
(standard) 95 FMJ 960 194

Cor-Bon
(standard) 90 JHP +p 1,050 220
BeeSafe 67 BeeSafe 1,300 251

Federal
Classic 90 Hi-Shok JHP 1,000 200
Premium 90 Hydra-Shok 1,000 200
Ballisticlean 65 Stranded Zinc 1,050 159

PMC
(standard) 90 JHP 917 168
90 FMJ 910 166
Starfire 95 SFHP 925 181

Pro Load
Tactical Grade 90 GDHP 1,000 200

Remington
(standard) 88 JHP 990 192
95 MC 955 192
Golden Saber 102 BJHP 940 200

Speer
Lawman 95 TMJ 945 188
Blazer 88 JHP 950 176
95 TMJ 945 188
Gold Dot 90 GDHP 990 196

Triton
Hi-Vel 90 JHP +p 1,050 220
Quik-Shok 90 QSHP +p 1,050 220

UMC
(standard) 95 MC 955 192
Leadless 95 FNEB 955 192

USA
(standard) 95 FMJ 955 192

Winchester
Super-X 85 Silvertip HP 1,000 189
Supreme 95 SXT 955 192
WinClean 95 BEB TBA
Ranger 95 SXT 970 199
 
Although I have not tried them in my Guardian yet, I think Weshoot might have a good idea about the Golden Saber. If one is going to lose velocity, possibly enough velocity to inhibit expansion, then it might make sense to go for the heavy (102 grain) Golden Saber which is a good low velocity expander and has the benefit of added weight for better penetration. If GS would exceed 800 fps (don't know that it does) from a Guardian, it might compare pretty favorably to your average 38 special snub load. Just thinkin' about what Weshoot might be thinkin'. Gonna have to try some.
 
THINK OF 380 AS "SLOW 9MM"

This will help you determine correct ballistic performance from available loads.

Which do you prefer, slow and light, or slightly slower and heavier?
 
WESHOOT2 - Hah! Which do I prefer? You just had to ask me a really hard question...didn't you? I seem to vary depending on caliber. Light in 9mm, Medium-heavy in .357, heavy in .45. I don't know if my choices are based on logic or confusion, LOL. That's why I like to read what others have to say...maybe I'll learn something. Thanks for your help. I enjoy your posts.
 
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