Ammo suggestions for SIGARMS p232 .380

[cookekdjr]

Hi folks. I am buying a SIG p232.
I know, I know, .380 is a wimpy caliber. I've insulted the 9mm enough that I have no business buying a .380. But the SIG just feels so wonderful in my hand , its perfect. And it only weighs 16-17 ounces. And I want it.
So anyway, if I'm going to carry this .380 sometimes, what ammo do you recommend? I've looked at some Spanish police ammo (Santa Barbara?) that seems pretty hot. I'm just wondering what you folks have found is the stoutest of the .380's.
Thanks,

David

 

[HighVelocity]

I like the 90gr Corbon JHP. Here is some reading material for you.

http://www.firearmstactical.com/ammo_data/380acp.htm

http://www.galleryofguns.com/shootingtimes/Articles/DisplayArticles.asp?ID=1296

 

[tbeb]

I would only carry a .380 if it was my only choice. I may load it with Hornady 90 gr. XTP JHP.

(I just looked at firearmstactical.com. and they showed numbers for a test that was done in 1999. This load was fired from a Beretta model 85 with a 3.8" barrel. Average velocity was 1010 fps. Pentration/expansion in bare gelatin was 11"/.45", and in denim covered gelatin was 13"/.45". Is the 90 gr. XTP the same velocity, and does it use the same bullet today? The Hornady site says this load does 1000 fps from a 3" barrel. I don't know if it uses the same bullet.)

 

[gunfan]

Dear David:

I believe that I have the answer to your "prayers." Mike McNett at Double Tap Ammunition is going to beginproducing a 380 Auto that will be running neck and neck with the 9 X 18 Makarov in power! They may be "+P" rated, so be advised, these are NOT for the "faint of heart."

visit Mike @ www.doubletapammo.com and stay abreast of his new development for the .380.

Merry Christmas,

Scott

 

[Jehzsa]

Hirtenberger. 95 gr. FMJ. http://www.centuryarms.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=22_63

 

[WillBrayJr]

I have to agree, Hornady's 90gr XTP is my favorite. The 380acp isn't as wimpy as you think, it's right on par with a factory 38spl+p load.

 

[cookekdjr]

Anyone have chrono figures on the Hirtenberger?
Thanks,

David

 

[R.W.Dale]

If you want some HOT .380 try this stuff. It pushes almost 1100 fps from my Bersa.

 

[usp9]

deleted

 

[Cueball]

The 380 cal is fine. I have a SIG P230, the predecessor to yours. Gold Dots are an effective round. It's all in shot placement anyway

 

[MICHAEL T]

Any of CorBon 380 are good DPX looks best at present

 

[Moonclip]

Of course you are going to get many different answers but my 380 choice is Federal 90grain hydra shok. The Remington golden sabre in 380 with a 102 grain jhp seems to be promising too, offering a good balance of penetration and expansion which many 380acp loads fail to do.

 

[enfield]

I'm tired of the .380 ammo debate, so my recommendation is: carry whatever you want to carry and I'll do the same.

 

[1911 guy]

Gold dots

My wife uses Gold Dots in her P232.

 

[Jehzsa]

Anyone have chrono figures on the Hirtenberger?
Thanks,

David

They will gladly answer your question,
http://www.ruag.com/ruag/juice?pageID=73382
You will find that, if there were a +P classification for the .380 under SAAMI or CPI, the Hirtenberger round would feel right at home. From my personal experience, kicks more and feels hotter than Santa Barbara. Not exactly plinking ammo.

 

[idahoberetta9000s]

Corbons or Speer Golddots are good .380 rounds.