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View Full Version : Lehigh or Underwood Xtreme Defense load in CT380?



chengpu42
08-20-2019, 11:02 AM
I specifically purchased a CT380 to use the Lehigh 65gr Xtreme Defense round after looking at ballistics and reviews. Always wanted a thin/compact carry but wasn't sure .380 was gonna cut it until now. I did see that cycling in a Kahr can be an issue and the Underwood website states that can be the case.

Now Lehigh makes its own load 65gr brass cased @ 1,150fps and Underwood makes a load 65gr nickle brass cased @ 1,300fps. Anybody have any experience as to which cycles better in the CT380?

DavidR
08-20-2019, 12:14 PM
I carry the Lehigh load in my CT380 and it cycles fine. Haven’t tried the Underwood.

Armybrat
08-20-2019, 03:57 PM
I haven’t tried those brands either, but Hornady Critical Defense runs great through mine.

chengpu42
08-20-2019, 09:42 PM
I carry the Lehigh load in my CT380 and it cycles fine. Haven’t tried the Underwood.

That is what i am looking for first hand experience. This stuff is not cheap.

DavidR
08-21-2019, 06:04 PM
Have you had any issues with any other ammo? I would try a few different types of range ammo first. If your CT380 is good with those, give the Lehigh load a try.

Stay away from Fiocchi 380 for the Kahr.

chengpu42
08-24-2019, 02:42 AM
Have you had any issues with any other ammo? I would try a few different types of range ammo first. If your CT380 is good with those, give the Lehigh load a try.

Stay away from Fiocchi 380 for the Kahr.

Whats the issue with Fiocchi? A store nearby by has Fiocchi Extrema XTPHP .380 ACP 25 rounds for $12 a box. Looked to be a good backup self defense round.

topgun1953
08-24-2019, 05:48 PM
Fiocchi XTP should be fine. I believe that the case rim of the Fiocchi FMJ is too thick causing issues in sliding up under the extractor. Someone correct me please if I mis stated that.

Ed M
08-24-2019, 08:25 PM
Fiocchi XTP should be fine. I believe that the case rim of the Fiocchi FMJ is too thick causing issues in sliding up under the extractor. Someone correct me please if I mis stated that.

That's it exactly, IMO.

Just shot a box of Extrema through my P380 on Thurday with no issues at all.

I think Fiocchi buys their nickle casings here in the USA. Their brass casings are imported from Italy, and aren't SAAMI spec.

I reduced the extractor tension on my P380 to 2 lbs, and now it runs Fiocchi (Perfecta) fine. Very clean burning, and a pretty stout load.