FMJ for defense in small calibers?

[481]

......Actually, the FBI standard of 16 inches penetration may be something of a false god to the rest of us. All you really need to reach the vital organs in a typical frontal confrontation is 6-7 inches.

If you can guarantee that all you'll ever face is an unobstructed frontal presentation then you have your answer. Most of folks cannot be assured of that and that is why those who carry a firearm for their defense (especially the police) look to more capable calibers than the .380ACP, .32ACP and .25ACP.

 

[dekibg]

I think that some of those fancy self-defense ammo that cost $1 per bullet are simply overrated.
Just like Starbucks
(nothing wrong with DD or McD coffee )

 

[C0untZer0]

I think that some of those fancy self-defense ammo that cost $1 per bullet are simply overrated.

Overrated by whom?

With so many people doing fairly good IWBA protocol "tests" on You Tube nowadays, people can for the most part decide for themselves if any particular cartridge is a cartridge they want to pay for or not, or even use.

 

[kokapelli]

In the gelatin testing that Shooting The Bull did with 380 jhp rounds there were two bullets that met the FBI protocol and the top rated XTP round can frequently be purchase from Freedom Munitions for as low as 36 cents per round which is IMO really pretty inexpensive for premium ammo that meets the FBI standards.

 

[481]

In the gelatin testing that Shooting The Bull did with 380 jhp rounds there were two bullets that met the FBI protocol and the top rated XTP round can frequently be purchase from Freedom Munitions for as low as 36 cents per round which is IMO really pretty inexpensive for premium ammo that meets the FBI standards.

Unfortunately, those are the only two loads that I have seen that'll rise to that level (expand and make 12'' of penetration) in the .380. Going to another caliber broadens the field of choices considerably. The 9mm is one such example being very mild of recoil and available in packages no bigger than many .380s.

 

[kokapelli]

Unfortunately, those are the only two loads that I have seen that'll rise to that level (expand and make 12'' of penetration) in the .380. Going to another caliber broadens the field of choices considerably. The 9mm is one such example being very mild of recoil and available in packages no bigger than many .380s.

I have a PM9 and a G42 and I can shoot the G42 faster and more accurately than I can the PM9 and because my very old joints have become very sensitive to recoil I can shoot the G42 extensively, but not so with the PM9 anymore.

 

[mavracer]

Unfortunately, those are the only two loads that I have seen that'll rise to that level (expand and make 12'' of penetration) in the .380. Going to another caliber broadens the field of choices considerably. The 9mm is one such example being very mild of recoil and available in packages no bigger than many .380s.

One of the problems with the 380 I see in so many of these tests is it's so dependent on a delicate balance of bullet design and velocity. Tests I've seen with longer barrels has the XTPs expanding more and then they fall short of the 12".
Remington Golden Sabers that he poop'd on in the video still expand good like they did for him but gains enough mojo to make 12" when fired from a 4" gun.
That's the problem with marginal rounds there's no margin for errors.

 

[kokapelli]

One of the problems with the 380 I see in so many of these tests is it's so dependent on a delicate balance of bullet design and velocity. Tests I've seen with longer barrels has the XTPs expanding more and then they fall short of the 12".
Remington Golden Sabers that he poop'd on in the video still expand good like they did for him but gains enough mojo to make 12" when fired from a 4" gun.
That's the problem with marginal rounds there's no margin for errors.

The 380 XTP performed even better from a Bersa Thunder, so increasing it's velocity did not hurt it.

Actually it was a G42 that Shooting The Bull used to test the XTP in a little longer barrel. The link is.....

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6WMMr5ANHlw

 

[mavracer]

here is a link to a test with actual calibrated ballistic gel with 3.8" Beretta.

 

[kokapelli]

here is a link to a test with actual calibrated ballistic gel with 3.8" Beretta.

The performance in the denim covered was excellent, but not so good in bare gelatin.

 

[C0untZer0]

That's the problem with marginal rounds there's no margin for errors.

He he he...

 

[TimSr]

Once in a while I carry a .25 when the .38 is just too clumsy. I'm shooting 35gr Gold Dots (HPs) handloaded at 965fps. Its not a .38, but its far from being unarmed.

 

[Nail Shooter]

For 380 and smaller I go with FMJ. It'll feed if anything will and has a better chance of getting where it needs to go.

 

[481]

I have a PM9 and a G42 and I can shoot the G42 faster and more accurately than I can the PM9 and because my very old joints have become very sensitive to recoil I can shoot the G42 extensively, but not so with the PM9 anymore.

Well, physical condition is not within the scope of the OP, but if you've done your homework (necessary regardless of caliber) and are carrying 'enough gun' for your comfort level, then you are all set.