Hello. Don't know if you saw this thread or not, but if not,...
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5643
With an expanding bullet that actually expands in this caliber, I'm a little concerned with its getting deep enough from other than a frontal shot, but such would likely be the case in a self-defense situation.
With the .380 as with all defensive pistols, I'd first do some shooting of prospective loads to insure reliability in my particular pistol. Then I'd shoot some groups just to make sure it was accurate and stable, i.e.: no rounds hitting sideways or at an angle.
Federal's .380 ACP 90 gr JHP has a rounded ogive and
should feed in most .380s. I've not really done much testing around with .380 bullets to check expansion and such, but this one's been out a good while.
The skived bullet jacket and hollow point seem similar in design to their well-respected std pressure 9mm round; the question is if the bullet performs at 950 - 1000 ft/sec or so.
Federal's 90 gr HydraShok is generally mentioned as a viable choice in this caliber. It groups well as does the round above, but the more truncated cone-shaped bullet can cause feeding in some pistols. My Walther PP is unreliable with it, but works fine with the previous JHP. Some rate it as a top if not the top performer in this caliber; I flat don't know if it is or isn't.
Another .380 load frequently recommended is Corbon's 90 gr JHP +P. Also a truncated cone-shaped bullet, it's probably about the hottest factory .380 round out there. It feeds flawlessly in a CZ-83 I sometimes shoot, but then everything does in that one. I have managed to shoot a critter or two with this load and the bullet did NOT exit a large raccoon shot dead-on in the chest. The effect was an instant "stop" with some kicking and thrashing, but only one shot was required. I have not seen anyone shot with this load nor have I heard any first-hand accounts. If I was using one of the really compact, really short-bbl'd .380s, I'd give this load a hard look and test as the shorter-bbl'd guns do give up some needed velocity, I suspect.
If your pistol turns out NOT to be reliable with JHPs, I've had very good luck with Fiocchi's 95 gr ball in terms of reliability in feeding and accuracy.
If your pistol will feed it, Winchester's 95 gr SXT is a tad heavier and "looks" like it should expand. It is blunt so I'd sure test it for reliability. I've not fired it in anything but a CZ so I cannot say how it does in other pistols.
I do not have a picture of it as I don't own any, but were I looking at a defensive round for a "full-size" .380, I believe I'd check out Remington's Golden Saber in 102 grains. If my pistol was a really small one, I'd go with the Corbon if it was reliable.
Best and good luck.
