[Camjr]

One of my managers just moved into her new home and decided that a handgun was a good thing to have since she lives alone. She went to a good shop in the Dallas area and received lots of help, shooting lots of different guns, before deciding that the Bersa was the gun for her. For some reason, she got out of there without asking about a good self defense load. She's not looking to carry -- just something to do it's job within the confines of her new townhome (therefore, penetration through walls might be an issue).

I don't know much about .380, and was hoping that the more educated masses could assist me. About all I could tell her was to stick with the established brands (such as Federal Hydra-Shocks), but that I would "put it to the group" for advice.

What say you?

[RyanM]

I'd personally stick with FMJs. Some JHPs meet the FBI's minimum acceptable penetration (like Federal Premium Hydra-Shoks through less than 3" barrels, and Hornady XTPs through longer than 3" barrels), but I prefer something more like 15"-18" penetration, rather than 12". If she'd rather have HPs, then Hornady XTPs are hard to beat in a medium-small gun like a Bersa.

[mgregg85]

I'd like to have some pow'r'balls for mine but I can't find any so I've been using ball.

[MICHAEL T]

http://bersatalk.com

She needs to sign up. Lots of free goodies and good talk.
Corbon DPX then Corbon HP there two of the best. Then I go with Federal or the Remington.

[Pilot]

I use Corbons in my Beretta M85FS .380 "Cheetah".

[Camjr]

Michael T -- I've already referred her to Bersatalk.com. I was very close to purchasing a Bersa Thunder .380 myself a couple of weeks ago before deciding a S&W 642 fit my pocket-gun needs best. While the .380 is not something I would prefer for my home defense needs, she approached her decision rationally, did a lot of investigation, and fired a lot of different guns before deciding the Bersa fit her needs. She had never fired a handgun before, but it seems she made a good choice based on her sample target and the groups she acheived.

Also, kudos to Bullit Trap in Plano, TX for helping her through the process and introducing a newbie. I've heard horror stories about gun shop commandos and how they treat women that are completely new to shooting, and she had nothing but compliments for the store and staff. Thanks guys!

[PX15]

JMOFO:

www.doubletapammo.com. (Purchase available online)

I believe 1200 fps out of a Bersa, it's top quality ammo, and not too expensive. My Walther PPS loves the stuff in 9mm...

Two choices in 380cal.. 90 grain jhp's/95 grain ball...
HOT HOT HOT...:uhoh:

Just another option.

Best Wishes,

JP

[DougW]

I keep Gold Sabers or Federal Hydra Shok's in both of my Bersa Thunder .380. A good JHP is ALWAYS better in a small auto than a FMJ, unless it is made by Corbon (IMO).