It's tough in 380 as some rounds out there won't mushroom no matter what. I use whats most accurate...which is federal low recoil 90 grain PD rounds. I might go to remington or the winchester version as the relatively flat front of the Hp bullet in the federal rounds catches the feed ramp ever once in a while.
This is in my P3AT by the way...your results may vary with your gun
I used to have a Bersa .380, and it really liked Federal 90gr Hydra-Shok, which it fed flawlessly. I never tried the Cor-Bon with the Bersa, but think very highly of their products (I now have an S&W 9mm, and my chosen carry load is the 115-gr JHP +P.
The only possible downside of the Cor-Bon (assuming the gun feeds OK with it) is that it may accelerate wear, so keep an eye on it.
I have a Sig 232 that I currently carry with either Winchester SXT's or Corbon JHP's. Both shoot well in my gun, but I have no idea how they would expand if, God forbid, I ever had to shoot anybody with them.
After much reading, and owning a great Sig P232 SL 380, I have come to the conclusion, and tested, 100% reliable, that I use a Dutch Load, of the first chambered round with a FMJ 95gr and the next 2, FMJ 95gr, then 2 JHP 95gr, etc.
Most of what I've read about the 380 round really support FMJ over JHP in 95gr.
It gives me the most peace of mind, that, in the event that the first round/s have to go thru layered clothing first, or a big, thick man, the FMJ's gets thru at first (with the least amount of doubt), using 3, if necessary, shots, and the rest to seek cover if necessary.
In Hollow points the best performing Ammo is Remington's golden sabers in 102g they will expand to .57 and penetrate decently if max penetration is your thing any FMJ will do but the hottest out there are Spanish surplus ammo called Santa Barbara (very hot stuff but hard to come by) hope this helps.
Corbon DPX first Corbon 90grHP 2nd choice Bersa or KelTec best choice. also in my PPK/S and Colt Mustang
If you were a member of http://bersatalk.com you might have won free Corbon ammo. I gave away $500 worth of Gift Cetificates to members in drawings.
We have regular drawings for mags, holsters, patches, for Bersa's So join up and you might get free bee for your Bersa.
I carry a Bersa Thunder 380 every day. I load it with Corbon DPX.
The photos that I've seen show very consistent expansion and a lack of projectile fragmentation. It appears to penetrate steel better than conventional bonded JHPs.
I would vote for Corbon, but it's gotta feed. And you need to put two boxes down range to make sure it does. Reliability is the most important attribute of any ammo. 380s are known to be be picky eaters. Test it.
I've had a Bersa 85 for a couple of decades but I've not carried it in a long time. I've fed it all kinds and brands of ammo and it's digested them all quite well. I had settled on a carry round of 85gr Win Silvertips and shot hundreds of them without any feed problems. I'm sure there's better carry ammo these days but I'm not inclined to check them out for this all but retired pistol, and the .380 is one of the few rounds I don't bother loading for.
For performance in an expanding bullet I believe Cor-Bon DPX, Remington Golden Saber, Double Tap Gold Dot, and Winchester Ranger RA380T are about equal.
For performance in a non-expanding bullet its Federal American Eagle first, then Fiocchi.
Just my 2 cents for .380 only, my choices for other calibers may differ...
Bobo
If a 380 Hollow Point can go through 12-16 inches in tests, why get ball ammo? Think you might run into the 600 pound man?
A good quality HP that feeds in your gun, and gives good groups, is all you need.....
Here's a fairly comprehensive list of links to .380 Caliber Ammunition Tests. Have Fun!!!
(Some links may require user registration.)
=========================================
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.