.380 ACP - FMJ or Hollow Point?

[papaairbear]

Here's an article and vid I thought was interesting. He used Gold Dots in .380 and 9mm but it provides a good look at the mushroom for each. Someone mentioned earlier that it just depends whether you want a .355 hole or one a little bigger. I believe the shock effect is greater with a mushroomed bullet so I use 95 gr Gold Dots in my mouse gun. But if Ihad FMJ I'd use those with no misgivings.
http://mousegunaddict.blogspot.com/2012/04/realistic-380-acp-vs-9mm-test-with.html

 

[M7]

Read the thread and I think that I'm gonna stick with FMJs when I have to carry the .380 since I'm not willing to give up penetration for expansion.

Seems like the best option- given the caliber.

 

[cfullgraf]

Used to be HP in the summer (light clothing) and FMJ in the winter (heavy clothing). But, I have settled on FMJ in the 380 at all times looking for better penetration at all times.

Besides, I get better reliability and I practice alot more with what I carry.

 

[kokapelli]

Here's an article and vid I thought was interesting. He used Gold Dots in .380 and 9mm but it provides a good look at the mushroom for each. Someone mentioned earlier that it just depends whether you want a .355 hole or one a little bigger. I believe the shock effect is greater with a mushroomed bullet so I use 95 gr Gold Dots in my mouse gun. But if Ihad FMJ I'd use those with no misgivings.
http://mousegunaddict.blogspot.com/2012/04/realistic-380-acp-vs-9mm-test-with.html

"Shock effect" in pistol calibers has IMO been pretty much proven to be a non factor. I refer you to this article...http://www.firearmstactical.com/briefs3.htm

As for a bigger vs a longer hole, I'll take the longer hole that I know will reach vitals.

If you think about the total volume of the two holes it seems to me that an 18" long hole will end up damaging more total tissue than a slightly wider 9" or 10" long hole.

 

[gym]

Golden sabres in 380's or powerball. It will hit like a 9 at close range.

 

[hardknocks!]

fmj

Hello all
i carry fmj in my lcp.
the backup mag is hp.
i agree on a earlier poster that its a crapshoot in many respects. watch any of the real life shootouts on youtube and its over in a second or two with shots fired all wille nille. hardly ever see anyone aim.
but on the internet forums everyone is a crack shot and speak of john wayne type shootist skills.
i say practice your point shooting.
hopefully we can all avoid needing our carry piece.
good luck

 

[rightside]

Buffalo Bore 100gr.+P in my Sig 232.

 

[leadcounsel]

Or just mix and match... stagger your rounds if they'll feed effectively. Maximize deep penetration and larger would cavity with each double tap.

Since you don't know your target threat what will be most effective... will you be attacked by a pitt bull where FMJ may be more effective to pierce strong musle and bone/skull? Have to shoot through a car window? Maybe shoot a lightly clothed assailant where HP are more effective.. you never know

 

[Onward Allusion]

I've decided to load Buffalo Bore standard pressure in the pipe and Winchester truncated FMJ in the mag. The NAA Guardian is such a heavy gun for the mousegun class that I'm going to try some +P out of it as well. We shall see if my hand ends up bloodied like it did with the PF-9.