Precision ONe 90gr XTP load.

Anything with an XTP bullet. Pretty sure most of my 238 'defense' mags are still loaded with Hornady American Gunner, though there might still be some Fiocchi XTPs mixed in as well.

Here's an interesting website that posts data on 380 ballistics. http://shootingthebull.net/blo...-380-acp-ammo-quest/

Speer GDHP, 90gr

I recently picked up a couple of boxes of Sig's 380 ammo, but I haven't tested it for function yet in either my or my wife's LCP.

quote:

Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:
Federal HST. The AmmoQuest guy didn’t like it because it didn’t penetrate enough (8+ inches) in bare gel, because of its huge expansion. But considering that the average male torso is 9.5” thick, I think that’s enough. Furthermore, in a SD shoot, the bullet is nearly certain to encounter clothing, light bone, cartilage which reduces expansion, producing more penetration.

HST’s heavy-for-caliber 99 gr bullet has the highest PF of all .380 cartridges. And the highest, or near highest, muzzle energy too. And I like its nickel plated case, which improves extraction reliability.

There are very solid reasons the standard for penetration is higher than your estimate of the average male torso.

First, you are better off preparing for a worst case scenario (a thicker guy)

Second, the penetration standard considers many shots won't be straight on and/or may pass through an arm first.

Gel tests are done with and without clothing proxies, typically denim layers.

Standards were developed from real life results and scientific testing. Why go with your hunches.

My 380 ammo of choice is any quality stuff with the XTP bullet. Fiocchi Extrema XTP or Hornady Custom XTP. I tried Precision One XTP but did not find it as reliable in cycling.

65 grain Xtreme Defenders from Underwood Ammo.

It’s an excellent, excellent round. Especially in 380.

Here’s my LCP2:

Federal hydrshok with a spare mag of buffalo bore hard cast 100gr.

Underwood 65 gr +P Extreme Defender in my G42 and SIG P232.

Haven't tested it yet in the Kahr P380, but I almost never carry it any more.

Everyone every where will say what they use and it'll pretty well cover the field.
After reading all of the "I use" this is my use.
Underwood 380 ACP +P 65 gr Xtreme Defender (1400 fps)
They load it with Lehigh's solid copper flutter bullet.
(I use their same ammo in all my nines only +P+.)
This bullet design surpasses hollow points for permanent
wound channel and excellent penetration.
So, that's my "mine".
Stay safe
Poli Viejo

Since penetration seems to be the .380 ACP’s major failing, whenever possible I use the Lehigh Defense “Extreme Penetrator” (95 grain) solid copper bullets in the ammunition that company offers. These are loaded to standard pressures. I feel it’s unnecessary to subject my firearms to the higher pressures that rounds offered by Underwood (using Lehigh bullets) provide.

quote:

Originally posted by Copefree:
65 grain Xtreme Defenders from Underwood Ammo.

It’s an excellent, excellent round. Especially in 380.

Here’s my LCP2:

What He Said!!

Hornady XTP or the equivalent Hornady American Gunner loading.

Speer gold dot

Fiocchi Extrema, XTP HP, 90 Grain bullet in my Glock 42

I alternate Speer Gold Dots and the Underwood in my Ruger LCPII. That way I figure I have all angles covered.

I load underwood Extreme Defender as first round (chambered) and rest of the mag is Federal 99gr HST. Works in my G42, Sig 232, Sig P238, Beretta 84, and the new S&W Shield E-Z. I carry .380 only on hot summer days and then only occasionally. Fall and Winter switch to .40 and .45

Regarding Underwood's Defensive ammo. Yes, I've tested it at various targets outdoors....actually in the desert. I like the different tests done by others too.
I have it in my 9mm pistols and my wife has the
P+ in her S%W EZ.
My 9mm are using the +P+.
Understand, I don't use this ammo for practice.
Actually, its the Lehigh bullet Underwood uses that makes these great SD ammo. Underwood loads their ammo hotter than Lehigh loads their ammo with the same bullet. Permanent would channel surpasses hollow points. This said, I'm not concerned with over penetration with these loads.
Just check out the Lehigh bullet.
I'm interested, but not yet carrying Inceptor's polymer bullet with a very similar design.
If Inceptor used Polymer cases with the polymer bullet__talk about how much weight you'd save packing 15 to 17 round magazines some of these
9mm pistols have. I don' know of any high capacity 380 pistols.
Stay safe
Poli Viejo

Winchester Ranger T Series new black box. I dont even care about whether or not it opens up like the old black talons. In my mind now they are better than the old black talons and will open up just the same but maybe more reliably. So, im happy with it in my Glock 42. But its funny though because its all in my mind that they are superior to the old black talons. lol!

In my 380"s it's Lehigh Defense 95g "Extreme Penetrator".