Test Gun: Ruger LCP Barrel length: 2.75 inches. Ammunition: Remington .380 ACP 102gr Golden Saber Test media: 10% Vyse Ballistics Gel. Distance: 10 feet. Chronograph: Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph G2. Five shot velocity average: 821fps BB Calibration: 3.75 inches. https://general-cartridge.com/2020/...cp-102gr-golden-saber-in-vyes-ballistics-gel/
Thanks for doing the testing for those of us who can’t! The results seem about what I would expect out of the little LCP. When they manage to attain 800+ FPS they do pretty well.
I have some of those as component bullets for my Colt Gov't .380... which has a longer barrel than most 'pocket' .380's. Loaded over a good charge of Unique, they do very well.
From what I could find, your pistol has a 3.25" barrel and is almost 22 oz. I have an Astra Constable .380 whose barrel is 3.5" and weighs 25 oz. I am wondering if our extra length would cause these rounds to do a better job. Now, I reload for mine with a near max charge AND I notch the tops of my HP bullets so they are "pre-split" and will mushroom more easily.
When you consider most compact 'pocket' .380's have a barrel of 3" or less... I think anything longer would do pretty well. I've not tested it against another, however.
Anyone tried any of buffalo bores 380 ammo? The "380 plus p" I think one load was getting like 288 foot lbs from an lcp. That's truckin '! I got some of the hard cast plus p for my wife's 238 when camping. I think limited rounds most 380s would be okay. Something with a steel frame is probably fine. I know my ppk loved hotter loaded rounds. That really makes the pocket rocket 380s compete with a 38 snub energy wise. But you can't load any old fmj or fmj flat point or jhp. Gotta pony up for the good ammo in a well made 380 to get the most out of it.
I use the Buffalo Bore standard pressure hardcasts in my Remington RM380. I don’t see a real benefit to the +P. The penetration of the standard pressure is stunning. If all I’ve got is a .380, I’m all about penetration. I don’t want a hollow point hitting a rib, arm bone etc and not getting into the important stuff.
