30 yards .380 90 gr XTP @ 1204 fps

[Eb1]

I know there was a huge thread regarding the .380, and if it was marginal or not.
I went shooting this weekend, and I took one of my spinners that is made of AR500. It has a small target on top, and there is a lower larger target on the bottom.
Well shoot the .44 Magnum would make it spin several times. Shooting the spinner with the .45 ACP 230 grain Ball would spin the spinner. What I didn't know is that when I hit that spinner with this .380 90 gr. XTP it spun that spinner several times before it stopped. I am not talking about swinging it. I mean full circles.
I then shot it was Winchester 90/95 grain flat nose white box, and it would just swing the spinner. I could never get it to go around and around. This is my testiment to the .380 ammo I carry hits hard, and I have zero doubts that it is a good choice to carry.
And another thing; To hit that 2" spiner on top more times than not with my carry ammo is also a good feeling. That is a pretty hard shot @ 30 yards with a Bersa Thunder .380 ACP.

I hope you have the same experience with your .380 as I do with mine.

 

[JamieC]

Is this commercially available ammo or your own 'brew'? 1204fps is hot!

 

[MICHAEL T]

Hornady says its 1000fps out of 3.8" barrel Where did you find 204 more FPS Do you snap the pistol down to fire position as you pull trigger . Getting that extra umph ?

Hotest load I have fired from My BersaThunder is Buffalo Bore Its hotter than my Corbon DPX

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Shoot them over a chronograph post your results.

 

[Deaf Smith]

Also do some math as to energy and momentum calculations.

Not only the bullets but the plate to.

Deaf

 

[lauderdale]

Im w/ COLT p. on the scenario and hope mad chemist weights in.

 

[Eb1]

I have shot them over a Chrony. Where do you think I got the velocity from? Trying to out run the bullet?

They are not a home recipe. I bought them from a reputable seller of cartridges that are known for their high velocities. A little research, and you'll be sure to stumble onto the seller. Especially for the .380 ACP. Most buy the bonded, but I have had such luck with the XTP that I choose that bullet.

I have never gotten over 1000 fps, and barely if ever hit that velocity with any of the Big 3 and Hornady .380 ACP rounds. I don't think I'd shoot these from the plastic pocket .380s, but some do on youtube. You can definitely tell by volume and pop that these are moving on. They are very accurate from my pistol as well. Doesn't bother me that I carry a .380 ACP since I know these rounds function flawless in all the mags I own, and hit were you point the sights.

The plate is the plate you can buy at Walmart that has a little stand with a larger round bottom with a smaller target on top. I figure it is AR500 as nothing has put a hole or even really cratered it from a .30-06 to a .450 Marlin even at very close range. I shot it with some M855, and it barely cratered it at 50 yards.

 

[Eb1]

Maybe I have a fast barrel? The box is listed at 1175. So I am really only getting 29 fps over listed velocities.

 

[GDownRange]

I bought them from a reputable seller of cartridges that are known for their high velocities. A little research, and you'll be sure to stumble onto the seller.

I'm going to play along and guess Underwood. I'm intrigued by thier offerings. One of these days I'll order a bunch to try out.

How is the felt recoil on the hot loads vs the Hornady offerings in your Bersa? Is it stouter to the point that it noticeably slows down your follow up shots?

I pocket carry a .380. I bought a box of Buffalo Bore, shot 6 and gave the rest away. The recoil was to much for me in a tiny gun.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

This thread pretty much describes the advertised velocity of Underwood's .380 +P ammo loaded with 90 grain Hornady XTP bullets. Not sure why the OP just didn't say it.

http://www.underwoodammo.com/380-acp-p-90-grain-xtp-jacketed-hollow-point/

Sounds good to me. I view Underwood as offering the "Super Vel" option of years ago but without reduced weight bullets.

 

[JamieC]

Yeah, not sure why the lack of info. Some good questions about recoil from the ammo in question. I might look into loading some of my own using the XTPs. If I can hit 1,000fps or a bit more, I think the rounds would penetrate and expand sufficiently without too much recoil. More data needed, (more range time!).

 

[Eb1]

Just play along. I wasn't going to hold out forever. Felt recoil is not that bad. Less than my .32 h&r mag from a 17 oz. six shooter.

Very pleased with the results of Underwood. Definitely turns up the .380 a notch. I don't think I'd shoot them from a 2.5" polymer .380.

 

[Cocked & Locked]

I might try some of those in my SIG p230 .380. Never ordered any Underwood ammo but folks really seem to like their products and the prices look good.