.380 What do you carry for defense?

[JR47]

Mr. Camp's evaluation of the Santa Barbara ammunition is quite good. I bought a case of it when it first appeared in the 1980's, from AIM. I wouldn't make a habit of firing box after box through an alloy framed pistol, either.

It is, however, quite comfortable when fired through my Colt Government Model .380.

 

[357sigRog]

Rem 102gr Golden Sabres

 

[ByAnyMeans]

I also go with Winchester flat nose fmj in my p3at.

 

[lbmii]

Buffalo bore +p 100 gr. Hardcast flatnose in my Ruger LCP is HOT!

I chronoed an average velocity of 1082.

 

[Newton]

The Spanish 95-gr. JSP is not listed as +P, but it IS hot. Frankly, I don't intend to shoot any more of it in my aluminum frame Bersa.

The bullets have been pulled and found to actually be 88gr in weight, I also don't believe it's strictly accurate to refer to these rounds as JSP since that suggests they have an exposed tip that is designed to expand - which it is not. They simply have an enclosed base with an open tip, which to me always seemed to be a logical way of reducing lead emissions.

 

[kitsapcharly]

Santa Barbarra ammo from Spain feeds fine through a Kel-Tec but not through either of my Bersas...jams up. FMJ is most reliable although Golden Sabers have always worked so far.
I have Double Tap FMJ on order. Gives 200 pounds from a Kel-Tec barrel and 250 from a Bersa. Not +P but loaded to SAAMI pressure and almost no muzzle flash they say. If this works out it be my new carry ammo for 380. This is new stuff not commonly shown in Prior testing lists. Their reputation is real good.
For the latest info try bersatalk.com and the KTRange.

 

[Joshua M. Smith]

Santa Barbara soft/flat point. About 1100fps from your Bersa.

Josh <><

 

[mustachio]

In either my P230 or my Bersa Thunder 380 I carry Fed. HydraShoks or 88gr Remington JHP. Both feed flawlessly.

 

[priler]

in .380 i always recommend fmj flat nose,"hot"is not necessary.no hollow point.IF it's a good shot and IF it penetrates enough hollow points should be ok but what if it has to go through an arm or something else.penetration is more important anyway.don't do yourself the disfavor.

 

[Timthinker]

If I were to purchase a reliable .380 such as a SIG or a Walther, then I would consider reliability, accuracy and penetration in that order. Sure, a round that would function reliably with great penetration and expansion becomes a top priority. But I tend to believe that the best I can hope for in the .380 is penetration. So, I would select the most reliable FMJ bullet that feeds well in my particular pistol. Next, concentrate on accurate firepower. That is the best recipe for a defensive handgun.


Timthinker