CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Let's be realistic, hardball is a joke, always was. Lack of expansion aside, it has about the worst nose shape possible to cause any tissue disruption. If there is a worse choice, I don't know what it is.
This idea that the .380 is best with FMJ is also nonsense. I tested several self defense loads in SIMTEST. The 230gr .45ACP Gold Dot and Federal HST loads penetrated 4" with textbook expansion. The HST gets the nod for broader expansion. The .380 Hydrashock penetrated 3" with textbook expansion, with no detectable difference between one fired from the Bodyguard .380 or the Beretta 84. Hardball went 6". The material was undiluted and it's pretty tough in that state. I would expect much higher numbers on actual tissue.
This idea that the .380 is best with FMJ is also nonsense. I tested several self defense loads in SIMTEST. The 230gr .45ACP Gold Dot and Federal HST loads penetrated 4" with textbook expansion. The HST gets the nod for broader expansion. The .380 Hydrashock penetrated 3" with textbook expansion, with no detectable difference between one fired from the Bodyguard .380 or the Beretta 84. Hardball went 6". The material was undiluted and it's pretty tough in that state. I would expect much higher numbers on actual tissue.