.380 defense loads

[crazyjennyblack]

My sister just got a new Bersa .380 for her nightstand, and was lucky enough to find ammo. Both Federal Hydrashock and Hornady Critical Defense ammo work well in her gun, but she asked my opinion on which one might be better in case she ever had to use it. I told her honestly that I didn't know, but now I'm curious.

Anyone here have thoughts on the matter? Which round would be better suited for close-range defense in order to stop an attacker. Or are they equally good?

 

[Action_Can_Do]

I've heard good things about the 90grn hydrashok.

 

[bestseller92]

I doubt if there's a nickel's worth of difference between the two.

 

[crazyjennyblack]

From what i was reading, the Hornady round was designed so that clothing on the BG doesn't get caught and clog the hollowpoint, hence the plastic insert in the nose of the round. Is there any merit to this? Is the little post inside the hydrashock round likely to get fabric caught on it and decrease effectiveness?

 

[Steve C]

Hydrashoks have a decent track record, Hornady's may be new and improved but there hasn't been enough law enforcement shootings with them to determine actual performance. Likely they both will work equally well.

 

[Jed Carter]

I prefer the Remington 100gr golden sabre, but of the 2 listed I would put my money on the Hornaday first. Actually buy both see which shoots the best, or has the best availability in your area... could be any delay to purchase could make for bare shelves.

 

[benzuncle]

+1 on the 102gr Remington Golden Sabers. They cycle perfectly every time and have never FTF. They open to about 5/8th's inch at 8inches.

 

[EOD Guy in VA]

http://handloads.com/misc/stoppingpower.asp?Caliber=10&Weight=All

 

[JimKirk]

Curve Ball ... Corbon DPX With Barnes Bullets. Wife's Bersa loaded with these and a spare mag full. Goes with her "almost" everywhere.

Jimmy K

 

[Claude Clay]

32 or 380, even 9mm and 38 spl
silvertips

 

[sokygunner]

standard Hydrashock pretty much sucks...wait let me think...yeah, I was right the first time, it sucks. Packs up too easily in clothing, is not loaded very hot compared to other brands, and it usually comes apart pretty easily. On the up side it is usually pretty accurate and generally reliable. Three words Corbon Power Ball. I've tried it and it works well. Don't know anything about the hornady critical defense so I couldn't say.

 

[Mags]

My understanding is that Hornady penetrates more while Hyras expand quicker.

 

[longhorngunman]

I second JimKirk, when I had my P3AT I did extensive ballistic testing of my own with several different loads. That Corbon DPX with the solid copper bullet was the only one I had any faith in, good 1000+ velocity and those solid copper bullets penetrate much farther than a comparable lead core bullet.

 

[mbt2001]

I also vote silvertips.

 

[DeepSouth]

I would look into the Buffalo Bore bullets. I also doubt there's much difference between the two you have in mind.

 

[Dr_2_B]

I do care - just don't know. At the moment, they're neck and neck.

 

[prelaw09]

I vote neither

The CorBon 90gr load or the Corbon 80gr Barnes DPX. Those would be the first place that I would start.

 

[sidheshooter]

More reading on the subject:

http://www.mouseguns.com/final380.htm

 

[zombienerd]

I have a box of the CorBon PowRBalls... Seemed like the best idea for my Bersa, it didn't seem to like flat nosed bullets/hollowpoints. Had to find a HP with a plastic ball to round it out for feeding purposes.

 

[zombienerd]

I have a box of the CorBon PowRBalls...

Looks like it may be time to switch ammo if what I'm seeing at sidheshooter's link holds true for me when I test it the same way. I really thought the PowRballs would perform better.

 

[earlthegoat2]

CorBon

 

[MICHAEL T]

At http://bersatalk.com We like the Corbon DPX it will out perform either of these 2 . Was tested by S.A.Camp in his Bersa and reached the 1050FPS and ftlbs on box showed great accuracy also
of the 2 listed I would say the hornday

 

[bpl]

Well I've been carrying the Remington Golden Saber 102gr in my Ruger LCP, which is the only 380 I currently own. This tested best in the wet pack tests in mouseguns.com link above. It also feeds well. I wonder, however, if it would expand as well out of my LCP's short barrel and the consequent velocity loss. Maybe the lighter and faster Corbon DPX 80gr all copper bullet would be a better choice in the LCP?

 

[MICHAEL T]

I use Corbon DPX or Corbon90grHP in all my 380's
Here is a jell test useing a KelTec
http://www.goldenloki.com/ammo/gel/380acp/gel380acp.htm

Look at the test and you might rethink the Rem 102 rounds in short barrel

Bersa will do better Stephen A Camp got the 1050 Box numbers on his Bersa DPX test

 

[rondog]

I've always heard to stick with plain old FMJ ball, for better penetration.