Posted: 7/30/2020 10:48:39 AM EDT
[Last Edit: 5pins][Edited]
 Test Gun: Ruger LCP Barrel length: 2.75 inches. Ammunition: Federal .380 ACP 99gr Hydra-Shok Deep. Test media: 10% Vyse Ballistics Gel. Distance: 10 feet. Chronograph: Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph G2. Five shot velocity average: 873fps BB Calibration: 3.5 inches. https://general-cartridge.com/2020/07/30/federal-380-acp-99gr-hydra-shok-deep-in-vyse-ballistics-gel/ |
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OUTF'INGSTANDING! I've been waiting patiently for someone reputable to test this ammunition. Thanks for this! Federal's claims for this ammunition seemed too good to be true, it looks like they may well have pulled it off. It won't make .380 the equivalent of better, more powerful cartridges, but it certainly seems to make .380 a more viable choice. At the PD I work for, a few, including me, carry micro .380s for backup guns when on duty. Carried guns include an LCP, A KelTec P3AT, a S&W .380 Bodyguard and a couple of Glock 42s (including me). For the past several years, I've been struggling, trying to find either standard Hydra-Shoks or anything reputable using the Hornady XTP bullet (preferably the XTP) to issue to the guys carrying .380s, sometimes without success. We try to shoot up issued ammo every year, but there have been years where we have to carry .380 duty ammo for two, or even 3, years because I can't find any new ammo. Both bullets seem to at least kinda-sorta work, with the XTP working better. The new Hydra-Shok Deep seems to work even better than the XTP. I just hope that Federal can crank out enough to satisfy demand and keep it on the shelves. I lucked out and found enough Hornady American Gunner this spring before the COVID panic buying to last us for a year or two, but I'm excited about this. If it continues to work this well in followup tests, I think I may have just found our new .380 duty ammo. |
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If anyone is interested in this ammo it seems to be available now from multiple sellers. I just bought 4 boxes in the $1.20 per round price range. Check ammoseek. https://ammoseek.com/ammo/380-auto/Federal?ikw=deep I put 20 rounds thru my new LCP Max without a hitch. |
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Originally Posted By 5pins: https://generalcartridge.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/20200717_162622.jpg?w=840 Test Gun: Ruger LCP Barrel length: 2.75 inches. Ammunition: Federal .380 ACP 99gr Hydra-Shok Deep. Test media: 10% Vyse Ballistics Gel. Distance: 10 feet. Chronograph: Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph G2. Five shot velocity average: 873fps BB Calibration: 3.5 inches. https://general-cartridge.com/2020/07/30/federal-380-acp-99gr-hydra-shok-deep-in-vyse-ballistics-gel/ Excellent test, thank you. In terms of the 4 layer denim performance, I'd really love to know how it performs in the 'bad guy outfit' Hooded sweatshirt+t shirt level of coverage. I think that would be a good intermediate protocol between 4 layer denim and bare gel, especially for these more marginal CCW calibers. |
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Originally Posted By spydercomonkey: Excellent test, thank you. In terms of the 4 layer denim performance, I'd really love to know how it performs in the 'bad guy outfit' Hooded sweatshirt+t shirt level of coverage. I think that would be a good intermediate protocol between 4 layer denim and bare gel, especially for these more marginal CCW calibers. I don't use 4 layers of denim, I use heavy clothing. https://general-cartridge.com/2017/11/23/what-is-heavy-clothing/ |
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Originally Posted By 5pins: https://generalcartridge.files.wordpress.com/2020/07/20200717_162622.jpg?w=840 Test Gun: Ruger LCP Barrel length: 2.75 inches. Ammunition: Federal .380 ACP 99gr Hydra-Shok Deep. Test media: 10% Vyse Ballistics Gel. Distance: 10 feet. Chronograph: Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph G2. Five shot velocity average: 873fps BB Calibration: 3.5 inches. https://general-cartridge.com/2020/07/30/federal-380-acp-99gr-hydra-shok-deep-in-vyse-ballistics-gel/ Wonder how it compares to: Speer Gold Dot LE Duty 380 ACP AUTO Ammo 90 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point for Keltec 380?? |