Need Bullet Choice Advice

[Dudedog]

OP saw you got some bullets from RMR.
How are they working out for you?
(my .380 likes them)

 

[mdi]

Most suggested a RN/FMJ. Which is good for general shooting. I have researched JHP/defense type bullets, but most (all?) need a good velocity to expand, 900 fps+, which isn't easily reached in 3.5" barrels. The biggest downside for the 380. But for range time I have used many RMR 95 gr. RN and some Acme 95 gr NLG RN coated. In my experimenting I tried some Hornady XTPs. Fed and shot accurately but little/no consistent expansion in water jugs...

Handgun Self-Defense Ammunition - Ballistic Testing Data

Lucky Gunner tests more than 110 different 9mm, 45 ACP, 40 S&W and 380 ACP handgun self-defense ammunition loads in ballistic gel with analysis and video.

www.luckygunner.com

 

[frjeff]

OP saw you got some bullets from RMR.
How are they working out for you?
(my .380 likes them)

They are working pretty much perfectly for me. No issues whatsoever. So far have loaded them over HP38 and currently laddering some loads with Accurate #2. Recently ordered again.

 

[frjeff]

Most suggested a RN/FMJ. Which is good for general shooting. I have researched JHP/defense type bullets, but most (all?) need a good velocity to expand, 900 fps+, which isn't easily reached in 3.5" barrels. The biggest downside for the 380. But for rande time I have used many RMR 95 gr. RN and some Acme 95 gr NLG RN coated. In my experimenting I tried some Hornady XTPs. Fed and shot accurately but little/no consistent expansion in water jugs...

Handgun Self-Defense Ammunition - Ballistic Testing Data

Lucky Gunner tests more than 110 different 9mm, 45 ACP, 40 S&W and 380 ACP handgun self-defense ammunition loads in ballistic gel with analysis and video.

www.luckygunner.com

How do you like the coated bullets? With shipping they appear to cost more than the 95gn FMJ RN I am getting from RMR.

 

[Walkalong]

No brainer unless you can find coated at a better price

 

[mdi]

IIRC; RMR jacketed 380 95 gr. bullets run $55.00 per 500. Acme coated 380 95 gr. are running $42.00 per 500. Acme shipping is $13.00. So, $55.00 either one.

Difference in shooting is negligible. Both seem accurate. Neither foul barrels and both shoot clean. I support RMR whenever possible but I like Acme's cool wooden boxes...

 

[frjeff]

IIRC; RMR jacketed 380 95 gr. bullets run $55.00 per 500. Acme coated 380 95 gr. are running $42.00 per 500. Acme shipping is $13.00. So, $55.00 either one.

Difference in shooting is negligible. Both seem accurate. Neither foul barrels and both shoot clean. I support RMR whenever possible but I like Acme's cool wooden boxes...

Cool wooden boxes?

 

[nettlle]

If you are going to use your .380 for a carry gun and reload your own SD ammo you may want to chose your practice bullets to closely match your SD bullets. For 9mm I reload 124 gr Speer Gold Dots for SD ammo and practice with RMR 124 MPR's (Now RMR Nukes).

 

[.45Coltguy]

I used to love plated bullets, then after some serious side-by-side target comparisons I simply gave up on them. Due to the manufacturing method, the plating results are simply too sporadic. That leaves 2 choices....

• Lead. After trying many brands, about the only people I deal with now is Missouri Bullet Co (MBC). Their delivery and product quality is top notch. And they do enough volume "coating" to get it done correctly. Look here: https://missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=317&category=5&secondary=27&keywords=

The only exception to this is T&B Bullets which offer polymer coated bullets which give fantastic results in my 32Auto. Look here: https://tbbullets.com/380-95gr-rn-polymer-coated/

• Jacketed. If you get fed up with inconsistent results, then the only thing to do is got to jacketed. And the best all-around supplier of jacketed bullets is Rocky Mountain Reloading (RMR). RMR has free shipping, so the price you see is what you pay. Look here: https://www.rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets/pistol/9mm-355/380-95-gr-rmr-fmj-round-nose-bullets-new/

► Additionally, both MBC and RMR have standing, year-round discounts to High Road members, such as yourself.

Hope this helps.
.

Those T & B coated bullets are all I use in my three .45 Colt firearms. Very good bullets, as are MBC.

 

[mdi]

Acme ships their bullets in small wooden boxes. IIRC about 2 1/2x 2 1/2x6. thin wood (type?) with brads//staples and nylon straps keeping it closed. Make good small parts containers..;

 

[Dudedog]

Cool wooden boxes?

Acme sends their bullets in little wooden boxes which are neat.
Acme and MBC both make nice coated bullets, but when I can get jacketed from RMR for the same price or a little more I go with jacketed.

Glad the RMRs are working well for you. RMR is great to do business with IMO.

Recently ordered again.

Happy reloading seems to be working out for you