Gold Dot .380
- Thread starter AdamT
- Start date
DOCGKR is pretty much the gold standard as far as SME on terminal ballistics.
http://www.lightfighter.net/topic/bug-s-380-acp-vs-38-sp
He recommends a FMJ that functions reliably in your pistol. I've read other posts recommending the Speer Lawman FMJ.
Shootingthebull has done some ballistic gel studies comparing the loads you mention. The Speer is in his Final Video Summary while the Federal is in a bonus episode on YouTube.
http://www.lightfighter.net/topic/bug-s-380-acp-vs-38-sp
He recommends a FMJ that functions reliably in your pistol. I've read other posts recommending the Speer Lawman FMJ.
Shootingthebull has done some ballistic gel studies comparing the loads you mention. The Speer is in his Final Video Summary while the Federal is in a bonus episode on YouTube.
Plant.One
Well-known member
http://shootingthebull.net/blog/final-results-of-the-380-acp-ammo-quest/
give that article a read. its quite possibly one of the definitive articles in relation to 380 acp bullet performance when tested against bare ballistic gel and denim covered ballistics gel when fired through a micropistol with barrel lengths around 2.8"
its very photo heavy including pics of the recovered slugs as well as penetration & expansion data on each bullet tested.
also there's a link with each bullet to the video of the gel tests for your viewing pleasure if you wish to get that far in depth.
here is just a sample of what you can expect to find on the link above
heres the whole video series they published with the test results
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgNSGOEQko_MjOCGyqlMTiM2njdQQRbdg
there's also a similar series for 9mm
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgNSGOEQko_M90AMdRCDMgd-w4Yozc27i
hth with your quest for quality ammo!
give that article a read. its quite possibly one of the definitive articles in relation to 380 acp bullet performance when tested against bare ballistic gel and denim covered ballistics gel when fired through a micropistol with barrel lengths around 2.8"
its very photo heavy including pics of the recovered slugs as well as penetration & expansion data on each bullet tested.
also there's a link with each bullet to the video of the gel tests for your viewing pleasure if you wish to get that far in depth.
here is just a sample of what you can expect to find on the link above
heres the whole video series they published with the test results
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgNSGOEQko_MjOCGyqlMTiM2njdQQRbdg
there's also a similar series for 9mm
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgNSGOEQko_M90AMdRCDMgd-w4Yozc27i
hth with your quest for quality ammo!
AdamT
Well-known member
Thanks that helps a lot.
Has anyone used those precision one loads by chance? I read where there were some issues out of the Glock 380 with that round. I see precision one introduced a "+p" loading for the Glock to help with cycling problems because of heavier recoil springs. Just wondering what performance would be like out of the Kimber. I may try some and the Gold Dots.
I do know the XTP bullets that seemed to have good success in 380 loadings works great as a muzzleloader projectile also. All I've ever used are the TC XTP mag sabots and they work great and are accurate.
Has anyone used those precision one loads by chance? I read where there were some issues out of the Glock 380 with that round. I see precision one introduced a "+p" loading for the Glock to help with cycling problems because of heavier recoil springs. Just wondering what performance would be like out of the Kimber. I may try some and the Gold Dots.
I do know the XTP bullets that seemed to have good success in 380 loadings works great as a muzzleloader projectile also. All I've ever used are the TC XTP mag sabots and they work great and are accurate.
Coltbill45
New member
If you plan on carrying a .380, look into the Lehigh Defense Extreme Penetrator loads. Anything in hollow point is useless as it don't get any penetration in that small cartridge.
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crazysccrmd
New member
Originally Posted By: Coltbill45If you plan on carrying a .380, look into the Lehigh Defense Extreme Penetrator loads. Anything in hollow point is useless as it don't get any penetration in that small cartridge.
Did you miss the links to testing posted above? There are a few hollow point bullets, the XTP in particular, that are able to penetrate and expand.
Did you miss the links to testing posted above? There are a few hollow point bullets, the XTP in particular, that are able to penetrate and expand.
From the tests that I have seen from shootingthebull and a few others, the XTP bullet performed the best in short barreled .380's (there may be some newer bullets out there that were not tested however). I know these test are not "real" world experiences in most cases but with all things being equal, these test are all we have to compare unless of course you do your own testing....Also consider that over penetration is not good either. I just cant see myself using FMJ in any of my firearms unless at the range.
Plant.One
Well-known member
Originally Posted By: GCShot placement is King, penetration is Queen... anything else is gravy.
yes, but you might as well stack as many of the odds in your favor if you can. hopefully you'll never need to test how well the bullet's terminal performance is in the real world, but if you do - at least personally speaking... i want every advantage i can get.
yes, but you might as well stack as many of the odds in your favor if you can. hopefully you'll never need to test how well the bullet's terminal performance is in the real world, but if you do - at least personally speaking... i want every advantage i can get.
coleridge
Active member
I've had several 380's. Always shot the 90gr Gold dot.
However, after "finishing" several deer, shooting several rabbits, coyote/fox and a groundhog I gave up & decided 9mm is MUCH better. Especially now some 9mm pistols are the size of 380 pistols...
I'm a big "small caliber" fan, but the 380 just don't do it. But yes, it's WAY better than a sharp stick.
However, after "finishing" several deer, shooting several rabbits, coyote/fox and a groundhog I gave up & decided 9mm is MUCH better. Especially now some 9mm pistols are the size of 380 pistols...
I'm a big "small caliber" fan, but the 380 just don't do it. But yes, it's WAY better than a sharp stick.
AdamT
Well-known member
Originally Posted By: coleridgeI've had several 380's. Always shot the 90gr Gold dot.
However, after "finishing" several deer, shooting several rabbits, coyote/fox and a groundhog I gave up & decided 9mm is MUCH better. Especially now some 9mm pistols are the size of 380 pistols...
I'm a big "small caliber" fan, but the 380 just don't do it. But yes, it's WAY better than a sharp stick.
Yes indeed, much better than a knife, sharp stick, blunt object or nothing. I much prefer the 9mm cartridge, I just found at times my clothing made it hard to carry my M&P Shield 9 comfortably and truly concealed, and I would find myself going without it, which was a problem.
I traded a Remington 870 Express 12 gauge (had 2 of them) even for the Kimber Micro Carry 380 and ever since that day I haven't went out without a firearm. So to me it was well worth it, because 7 rounds of 380 will always be better than nothing.
I truly understand the value of well placed rounds on a target and have zero problems putting rounds in someones face, but I also understand that the dynamics and variables involved with armed encounters and gunfights bring things into play that can have adverse effects on a shooter. Yes I train, prepare mentally, and put lots of rounds down range, but I just want the best ammo I can carry in this pistol, and every pistol I depend on to protect me, my family, or others. The best performing round vs a decent round may make all the difference if that encounter ever happens and the shot isn't exactly perfect because, there will always be factors involved in armed encounters that are out of our control.
I much appreciate all the replies and information you all have provided so far.
However, after "finishing" several deer, shooting several rabbits, coyote/fox and a groundhog I gave up & decided 9mm is MUCH better. Especially now some 9mm pistols are the size of 380 pistols...
I'm a big "small caliber" fan, but the 380 just don't do it. But yes, it's WAY better than a sharp stick.
Yes indeed, much better than a knife, sharp stick, blunt object or nothing. I much prefer the 9mm cartridge, I just found at times my clothing made it hard to carry my M&P Shield 9 comfortably and truly concealed, and I would find myself going without it, which was a problem.
I traded a Remington 870 Express 12 gauge (had 2 of them) even for the Kimber Micro Carry 380 and ever since that day I haven't went out without a firearm. So to me it was well worth it, because 7 rounds of 380 will always be better than nothing.
I truly understand the value of well placed rounds on a target and have zero problems putting rounds in someones face, but I also understand that the dynamics and variables involved with armed encounters and gunfights bring things into play that can have adverse effects on a shooter. Yes I train, prepare mentally, and put lots of rounds down range, but I just want the best ammo I can carry in this pistol, and every pistol I depend on to protect me, my family, or others. The best performing round vs a decent round may make all the difference if that encounter ever happens and the shot isn't exactly perfect because, there will always be factors involved in armed encounters that are out of our control.
I much appreciate all the replies and information you all have provided so far.
Originally Posted By: GCShot placement is King, penetration is Queen... anything else is gravy.
Buffalo Bore makes a 100g Hard cast and their load is at 1000 fps. You will need an upgraded spring for a Ruger to handle these kinds of pressures. I tore up a Ruger, they fixed free of charge(thank you very much).
Penetration on Buffalo bore's load is unreal. I shot a hole through 3 five gallon jugs that was standing upright,and it almost went through the 4th.
Penetration is key on a 380, this is why cops like the 32 auto so much, it penetrates.
So, you have to be aware of friendly's behind your intended target.
Also, a max load of power pistol with a 100g Hard cast is great!!!
Buffalo Bore makes a 100g Hard cast and their load is at 1000 fps. You will need an upgraded spring for a Ruger to handle these kinds of pressures. I tore up a Ruger, they fixed free of charge(thank you very much).
Penetration on Buffalo bore's load is unreal. I shot a hole through 3 five gallon jugs that was standing upright,and it almost went through the 4th.
Penetration is key on a 380, this is why cops like the 32 auto so much, it penetrates.
So, you have to be aware of friendly's behind your intended target.
Also, a max load of power pistol with a 100g Hard cast is great!!!
LARUEminati
Active member
I'm using those RIP rounds in my P238 right now, got a good deal on a box. The ballistic gels tests for them seem legit.
As mentioned above, I plan on switching to the buffalo bores as soon as I see them locally. I think penetration trumps expansion for the .380, especially when you start adding layers (barriers) the .380 needs to get through before expansion.
As mentioned above, I plan on switching to the buffalo bores as soon as I see them locally. I think penetration trumps expansion for the .380, especially when you start adding layers (barriers) the .380 needs to get through before expansion.
Coltbill45
New member
Originally Posted By: crazysccrmdOriginally Posted By: Coltbill45If you plan on carrying a .380, look into the Lehigh Defense Extreme Penetrator loads. Anything in hollow point is useless as it don't get any penetration in that small cartridge.
Did you miss the links to testing posted above? There are a few hollow point bullets, the XTP in particular, that are able to penetrate and expand.
Did you miss reality? While they may penetrate a tad bit they still have to go through bone and possibly other stuff and the hollow points still suck in the .380 in the long run. I would feel safer using a 22LR.
Did you miss the links to testing posted above? There are a few hollow point bullets, the XTP in particular, that are able to penetrate and expand.
Did you miss reality? While they may penetrate a tad bit they still have to go through bone and possibly other stuff and the hollow points still suck in the .380 in the long run. I would feel safer using a 22LR.
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crazysccrmd
New member
Originally Posted By: Coltbill45Originally Posted By: crazysccrmdOriginally Posted By: Coltbill45If you plan on carrying a .380, look into the Lehigh Defense Extreme Penetrator loads. Anything in hollow point is useless as it don't get any penetration in that small cartridge.
Did you miss the links to testing posted above? There are a few hollow point bullets, the XTP in particular, that are able to penetrate and expand.
Did you miss reality? While they may penetrate a tad bit they still have to go through bone and possibly other stuff and the hollow points still suck in the .380 in the long run. I would feel safer using a 22LR.
You'd feel safer with a 40gr 22lr at 950fps than a 90gr 380acp at 850fps? If you're satisfied with less penetration, half the expanded projectile size, less than half the bullet weight and less than half the energy, then by all means, go for it.
http://mousegunaddict.blogspot.com/2013/05/22-long-rifle-cheap-stuff-ballistics.html
Did you miss the links to testing posted above? There are a few hollow point bullets, the XTP in particular, that are able to penetrate and expand.
Did you miss reality? While they may penetrate a tad bit they still have to go through bone and possibly other stuff and the hollow points still suck in the .380 in the long run. I would feel safer using a 22LR.
You'd feel safer with a 40gr 22lr at 950fps than a 90gr 380acp at 850fps? If you're satisfied with less penetration, half the expanded projectile size, less than half the bullet weight and less than half the energy, then by all means, go for it.
http://mousegunaddict.blogspot.com/2013/05/22-long-rifle-cheap-stuff-ballistics.html
