Back story: With the .380 you usually have to chose between penetration with no expansion or expansion with substandard penetration. But due to shear fate, luck, accident two old tech JHP designs in the form of XTP and Hydra-shock actually result in some expansion while still penetrating 12."  Unfortunately Hornady suspended production of .380 XTP ammo post Sandy Hook to concentrate on making more of their best sellers.

The good news is Hornady is once again manufacturing .380 XTP ammo.  Midway got a shipment last week which sold out immediately. They expect their next shipment in October.  Cabelas currently has both Hornady XTP and Federal Hydrashock .380 in stock.

If you carry a LCP or Glock 42 you should be carrying ball, XTP or Hydrashock. All three are currently available once again.

Do you not suggest Gold Dot?

I found 3 - 20 round boxes of Hydrashock in my 380 ammo can. I'm good to go. Also an OLD box of 50 Winchester Silvertips from the 1980's.

Thanks for the heads-up StevenH,I got a Cabelas ammo order in!

If you are carrying a .380 you should get a 9mm.

Get both.

Good 380 ammo = BALL

No get  a sub compact 9mm and a 9mm service pistol

Or a S&W AW J frame like the M442/M642 for a back up

That's what I use in my carry Colt Mustang. Hydroshocks and Silver Tips in my extra mags.

XTP .380 is good stuff.    My dept requires HP ammo for any handgun carried on duty which rules out ball ammo.    XTP penetrates deeper than most HP stuff, but still does expand a bit.

Average expansion from my LCP is around .55".    Keep in mind this is from my very informal testing.

XTP .380 is back in stock at Cabela's w/ free shipping on orders over $49

Opens up fine.  Not enough penetration.

Midway has fiocchi and black hills .380, both loaded with XTP projectiles .


I want to try the black hills.