Testing the .380 for Self Defense

[muggsy]

Some surprising results.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soNdX36P-3E

[kwh]

Thanks, Info is always best when based on test results and not on "hear-say" or on reputation alone.

[Harrylee]

380 and hollow point don't get it. If you go with 380 go round point the 380 does not have enough power for the hollow point platform. 9mm is minimal round as I can see for self defense

[kerby9mm]

Thanks for sharing that. Very interesting even though I don't carry my 380 anymore & intend to sell it. I still don't think 380 is enough especially in winter with heavy coats. It just doesn't inspire confidence for me that's why I now carry a S&W m&p 340 when at work. Just my opinion not advice. To each their own.

[muggsy]

I've always carried my P380 with hollow point ammo in warm weather months and with ball ammo during the cold weather months. This test has me rethinking the issue.

[FLBri]

Like others have, and will, say ... I prefer 9mm but have a .380 for 'lightweight" convenience carry.
But, I think I will start loading in alternating format in the magazine starting with ball ammo at the top.

[RevRay]

Once again, KahrTalk becomes a great source of info. I'm looking for a .380 for my secretary (more on that later), and all the extra info is very helpful to know. Thanks.

P.S. Is it weird to own 500 rds of .380 ammo when I don't even own a .380 pistol yet?

[TheTman]

Surprising how poorly the Critical Defense ammo did. Good info there Muggs. Thanks for sharing.

[b4uqzme]

Once again, KahrTalk becomes a great source of info. I'm looking for a .380 for my secretary (more on that later), and all the extra info is very helpful to know. Thanks.

P.S. Is it weird to own 500 rds of .380 ammo when I don't even own a .380 pistol yet?

It's good to be prepared...boy scout. :D

[jocko]

My P380 hated 102 Golden sabreas, so I switched to Crobn Powerbal and it works great, so that is what ridesin my P380. I am sure I probably6 couldhave tested utter brands and foun d some that was perfect also. but I figured WTF. the pwoer ball works like a fmj. it iis a +P round,what it might lack compared to utter rounds for me is not a big deal as much as I WAQNT RELIABILITY..

It is hard to recommend certain roundes for these gun, for all guns have their own personality, as guys know. U just gotta find what makes your gun happy and IMO just stickwith it. Just sayin

Thsee kahr 380's are just tiney bastards, so IMO as necessary as a good round is, also propper grip is a must to.. I ahve always recommended that if ur having issues before sending it back let a "good" shooter try it also, If he can duplicate,then more than likey it is in the gun and not u, but, please don't ever think jut because u have shot guns allur life yadda yadda that it can't ever be shooter error. eliminate all the possabilityes that u can before sending it back, Might just save some embarrassement.:amflag:

[wyntrout]

Once again, KahrTalk becomes a great source of info. I'm looking for a .380 for my secretary (more on that later), and all the extra info is very helpful to know. Thanks.

P.S. Is it weird to own 500 rds of .380 ammo when I don't even own a .380 pistol yet?

No, just smart! In 2009 while I was waiting for my night-sighted P380 to be built/shipped... 11... ELEVEN MONTHS, I nailed .380 FMJ whenever I could find any at a decent price... under $25... and even changed ammo and sold what I already had but decided against. I wanted to be sure that I had 200 rounds of FMJ to break in my new pistol... and it was HARD to find then.

Wynn:)

[garyb]

I saw another vid comparing a 380 to some other firearms. It penetrated a sofa, wall, refrig. I wonder how the 380 Critical Defense would compare to the power ball. The Critical Defense out of the 9mm had a little less penetration than the 380 powerball. Interesting. I like to see how these vids play out.

[muggsy]

Considering the source, that was good advice, Jocko. What's gotten into you lately? Goin soft in yer old age? :)