Should you even bother with JHP's in .380

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Oh, sorry, I though it was commonly agreed that the 380 does not penetrate 12" of gel.

Here ya go.

http://www.stoppingpower.net/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10021

10% Ballistic Gelatin Tests for:
Corbon .380 80 gr DPX

Testing Platform:
Keltec 3AT

Barrier:
Bare Gelatin


TEST RESULTS:

Round # 1:
Penetration: 8.375”
Recovered Weight: 80.2 gr.
Expansion*: .714 cal.
Velocity: 914.7 fps

* Expansion measured at widest point.



10% Ballistic Gelatin Tests for:
Corbon .380 80 gr DPX

Testing Platform:
Keltec 3AT

Barrier:
Four Layers of Denim


TEST RESULTS:

Round # 1:
Penetration: 6.75”
Recovered Weight: 80.8 gr.
Expansion*: .732 cal.
Velocity: 958.6 fps

* Expansion measured at widest point.



10% Ballistic Gelatin Tests for:
Corbon .380 80 gr DPX

Testing Platform:
North American Arms .380

Barrier:
Four Layers of Denim


TEST RESULTS:

Round # 1:
Penetration: 7.375”
Recovered Weight: 80.7 gr.
Expansion*: .716 cal.
Velocity: 988.8 fps

* Expansion measured at widest point.



10% Ballistic Gelatin Tests for:
Corbon .380 80 gr DPX

Testing Platform:
Walther PPK

Barrier:
Four Layers of Denim


TEST RESULTS:

Round # 1:
Penetration: 7.50”
Recovered Weight: 81.0 gr.
Expansion*: .725 cal.
Velocity: 1085 fps

* Expansion measured at widest point.


Calibration BB Data:
596.9 fps.
3.625 pen.


Or from The high road http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=400159
Handguns chambered in .380 ACP are small, compact, and generally easy to carry. Unfortunately, testing has shown that they offer inadequate performance for self-defense and for law enforcement use whether on duty as a back-up weapon or for off duty carry. The terminal performance of .380 ACP JHP's is often erratic, with inadequate penetration and inconsistent expansion being common problems, while .380 ACP FMJ's offer adequate penetration, but no expansion. All of the .380 ACP JHP loads we have tested, including CorBon, Hornady, Federal, Remington, Speer, and Winchester exhibited inconsistent, unacceptable terminal performance for law enforcement back-up and off duty self-defense use due to inadequate penetration or inadequate expansion. Stick with FMJ for .380 ACP or better yet, don't use it at all. The use of .380 ACP and smaller caliber weapons is really not acceptable for law enforcement use and most savvy agencies prohibit them." -Dr. Gary Roberts at the National Defense Industrial Association

Winchester Ranger Talons:

FBI Test Protocol: (12" of penetration is passing)
Bare Gelatin = covered with T-shirt, Shot at 10ft
Denim = 4 layers shot at 10ft
Heavy Clothing = shot at 10ft
Steel = 2 pieces of 20 gauge, shot at 10ft
Wallboard = 2 pieces of 1/2" gypsum board, shot at 10ft
Plywood = 1 piece of 3/4" AA fir plywood, shot at 10ft
Automobile Glass = 1 piece of 1/4" laminated safety glass set at a 45 degree angle with an offset of 15 degrees, shot at 10ft

.380 95gr(1000fps): (Penetration/Expansion)
Bare Gel: 7.65”/.65”
Through Denim: 7.95”/.64”
Through Heavy Cloth: 7.85”/.64”
Through Wallboard: 15”/.36” JHP plugged with material, load behaves as FMJ.
Through Plywood: 15.5”/.36” JHP plugged with material, load behaves as FMJ.

So there it is, the 380 does not reliablely penetrate the 12" of gel required by the FBI.
 
I have found those who shoot a lot or have owned a variety of calibers always respects the .380.
Wow, that is one of the most ludicrous and self-serving posts I have ever seen in better than six years on this forum.

Not surprised to see that it comes from a junior member with a low post count. Looks like something you'd see on GlockTalk... kind of says, "If you don't agree with me, you are an idiot"...

Which is why I no longer frequent that site, or many others. I'd sure hate to see TFL become GT.

To refute your initial assumption, I am 54 years old, have been shooting all my life, have owned nearly fifty handguns in a variety of calibers...including three .380s, and do not respect, trust or carry a .380.

So much for that theory.
 
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