Quick question:  Does a short bbl, from a Kel-Tec .380 or a Beretta M-84 .380, generate enough velocity for a HP to expand?

If it doesn't, then I figure shooting FMJ's would be more reliable (not that mny M-84 has ever jammed) and equally as effective.

I have heard people say a .380 fmj is best for penetration say, in winter through heavy clothing, but I'd think a hollow point .380 still would at least have the same or better effect than a fmj. Do they have +p 380?

Depends on the bullet, what type clothing the shootee is wearing, etc. I have seen several shootings with WW Silvertip .380 that expanded fine and a couple where it did nada. A jhp might expand...fmj sure as heck won't, although expansion is not everything when it comes to bullet performance. Also, many newer bullet construction techniques have carried over to the .380...such as the Gold Dots etc. I'd look hard at the Gold Dot stuff...Silvertip sometimes has less than ideal penetration if it does expand.

A nice compact  1911 in .45acp is your best solution

Got the .45 acp.  too big for pkt.

SC, I carry the Corbon 90grn. HP in my 380 BU, believe it's a decent round for self-defense purposes.

Mike

www.firearmstactical.com/ammo_data/380acp.htm


Part III.  FBI Ammunition Tests Data:

.380 ACP 85 grain Winchester Silvertip JHP, 8/29/89:

Test Gun Barrel Length Velocity Bare Gelatin
Clothed Gelatin

Penetration Expansion Penetration  Expansion
Walther PPK
3" 954 fps 7.90" 0.58" 9.10" 0.47"

.380 ACP 88 grain CCI/Speer JHP, 5/21/91:

Test Gun Barrel Length Velocity Bare Gelatin
Clothed Gelatin

Penetration Expansion Penetration  Expansion
Walther PPKS
3.25" 914 fps 11.55" 0.46" 17.25" 0.35"

.380 ACP 90 grain CCI/Speer Gold Dot JHP, 11/7/97:

Test Gun Barrel Length Velocity Bare Gelatin
Clothed Gelatin

Penetration Expansion Penetration  Expansion
Walther PPKS
3.25" 934 fps 9.30" 0.59" 11.35" 0.49"

.380 ACP 90 grain Federal HydraShok JHP, 5/21/91:

Test Gun Barrel Length Velocity Bare Gelatin
Clothed Gelatin

Penetration Expansion Penetration  Expansion
Walther PPKS
3.25" 971 fps 6.70" 0.66" 12.00" 0.49"

No .380 from any barrel length will reliably penetrate through 4 layers of denim, expand and still have adequate penetration.  If you want a round with good penetration when it does not expand and still has adequte/reliable expansion and penetration on very light clothing go with the Speer 90 grain Gold Dot.  Other than that just go FMJ.

Quoted: No .380 from any barrel length will reliably penetrate through 4 layers of denim, expand and still have adequate penetration.  If you want a round with good penetration when it does not expand and still has adequte/reliable expansion and penetration on very light clothing go with the Speer 90 grain Gold Dot.  Other than that just go FMJ.

It's a .380 not a duty caliber.  It also isn't a primary defensive weapon, it's a backup/deep concealment weapon.  Don't expect a whole lot from the .380 no matter what bullet you choose.  I use one of the heavier loads and pick the highest velocity loads available.