View Full Version : P380 Buffalo Bore problem
Whaleman
07-16-2022, 03:50 PM
I have been a giant advocate of Buffalo Bore 90 grain jacketed hollow point +p for years. It seemed to always run fine but I did not practice with it much as it is expensive. Buffalo Bore changed the bullet manufacturer a bit ago and I ordered some more. I usually only shoot two Buffalo Bores when I shoot and then change to PMC. Since they changed the bullet I have been getting nosedives on the second shot over half the time. I have about 10 boxes of Rem Golden Sabers that I got on a sick factory rebate deal maybe 4 years ago. I tried them and never got a nosedive. I was curious. The Buffalo Bore and the Golden Saber looked different relative to the ramp before I loaded the first round. The Golden Saber was closer to the ramp and aimed higher. I checked SAMMI specs and the minimum length for a .380 is .910 inch. The PMC which always runs perfectly measured .975 inch, the Golden Saber measured .953 inch and lo and behold the Buffalo Bore measured a measly .920 inch. This is almost the SAMMI minimum. Anyway, I am now carrying the Golden Saber but it does not have great reviews for expansion but great reviews for penetration. I want the best bullet out there to carry. I now know it is not the buffalo Bore although I do have a box of the old bullet that always ran fine BUT it still only measured .920 inch. What is the latest thinking on the best most reliable carry round if price is no object. Thanks for reading. Dan
topgun1953
07-16-2022, 04:38 PM
I like the Lehigh Defense Extreme Penetrator or Extreme Defense bullets in a cartridge from Underwood Ammo. https://www.underwoodammo.com/380-acp-65-grain-xtreme-defender.html
Whaleman
07-16-2022, 05:45 PM
I like the Lehigh Defense Extreme Penetrator or Extreme Defense bullets in a cartridge from Underwood Ammo. https://www.underwoodammo.com/380-acp-65-grain-xtreme-defender.html
Thanks topgun. Dan
Whaleman
07-17-2022, 09:01 AM
I like the Lehigh Defense Extreme Penetrator or Extreme Defense bullets in a cartridge from Underwood Ammo. https://www.underwoodammo.com/380-acp-65-grain-xtreme-defender.html
Topgun, Underwood has just the ammo I would like to try. It is the 90 grain Gold Dot bullet in a plated case loaded to +P. They are out of it now but will notify when back in stock. Thanks again! Dan
Whaleman
08-09-2022, 07:35 AM
Did more live fire testing. The Buffalo Bore still intermittently would nosedive. The Golden Sabers ran flawlessly. I think I will just stay with the Sabers as reliability is most important to me. It is not like they are some junk import reload but a top line round. I know the expansion is not rated the best. But at least I know I have seven rounds that will go off. If that is not enough I am in way over my head anyway. Dan
berettabone
08-09-2022, 07:54 AM
Federal HST.
IDisposable
08-09-2022, 10:52 PM
Federal HST.This.
Whaleman
08-10-2022, 06:30 AM
Federal HST.
I will try it. Thanks much for both of you responding. Ammo is sure changing faster than it did 30 years ago. Dan
Armybrat
08-12-2022, 04:09 PM
Federal HST.
Same here.
King Rat
08-12-2022, 06:28 PM
PrecisionOne Plus P
https://i.imgur.com/8RUqhgG.jpg?3
Whogun
11-28-2022, 10:13 AM
New to me P380 that I bought used did not look like it had been shot much, so I did the recommended (on here) protocol. All of it, including filing down a magazine follower that would catch.
My first time shooting over the weekend it ran flawlessly with the PMC full metal jacket, Hornady Critical Defense, and Lehigh Extreme Defender 68 grain (the Lehigh is the same bullet as the Underwood Extreme Defender, but Wilson Combat bought the company). The Extreme Defender will be my choice for carry after watching gel tests on Youtube.
Thanks to all who did the the work and posts on this forum about preparing a Kahr pistol to shoot well!
topgun1953
11-28-2022, 08:51 PM
Congrats on your purchase. Happy to hear it ran flawlessly for you.
boscobarbell
11-30-2022, 09:15 PM
FWIW, I have found Hornady Critical Defense to be a great choice for micro guns that are ammo picky. Luckygunner labs shows it gives moderate but consistent expansion and good penetration.
Halfmoonclip
12-26-2023, 01:56 PM
I have a stash of Hornady XTPs, which has been a go-to for some time. It runs in all my .380s, and it's an investment stocking up in a given brand.
There's always a latest/greatest .380 ammo, attempting to upgrade its marginal nature. I'll be watching for a real test of the crazy Phillips head ammo.
Bottom line; with a little gun, and a limited number of rounds, it's reliability uber alles. Better a bang with a FMJ than an Ooooops with a death ray round. :)
Moon
BirdsThaWord
12-26-2023, 06:50 PM
Better a bang with a FMJ than an Ooooops with a death ray round. :)
Moon
Agreed. Now only carry fmj in my pocket 380. Cheap to practice with too.
getsome
12-26-2023, 08:34 PM
When I must carry .380 I have a Beretta Pico which has never had a problem with any ammo I’ve tried through it but previously I’ve owned a couple Ruger LCP’s which were ammo sensitive but both would function with Hornady Critical Defense and I did some redneck testing using 15 inches of wet newspaper for a test medium and everything fired into it went at least 10 inches so getting shot with a .380 round of whatever brand would totally mess up your day…….If you carry a .380 I would chamber the first round in the hot round you want because it’s going to fire so aim well and for the rest I’d load FMJ rounds to be sure they feed right……..380 ain’t the best but any gun is better than no gun…..
King Rat
12-27-2023, 05:44 AM
When I must carry .380 I have a Beretta Pico which has never had a problem with any ammo I’ve tried through it but previously I’ve owned a couple Ruger LCP’s which were ammo sensitive but both would function with Hornady Critical Defense and I did some redneck testing using 15 inches of wet newspaper for a test medium and everything fired into it went at least 10 inches so getting shot with a .380 round of whatever brand would totally mess up your day…….If you carry a .380 I would chamber the first round in the hot round you want because it’s going to fire so aim well and for the rest I’d load FMJ rounds to be sure they feed right……..380 ain’t the best but any gun is better than no gun…..
I have three Pico's two Kahr's in 380, 1 LCP (have owned many LCP's). I buy PrecisionOne XTP PLUS in bulk. Great 380 ballistics. very mild to shoot and for me, the most accurate of all the ammo I have shot.Totally reliable in All.
*note: do not shoot Plus P in LCP. Kahr-Pico no problem. Use standard in LCP.
https://i.imgur.com/3bJNp1y.jpg
Whaleman
01-13-2024, 07:13 PM
I am now carrying the Federal HST Tactical. The first .380 to ever meet the FBI protocol. I love it and it has been 100% reliable. Hot round (not officially +P but almost), 99 grain hollow point, rounded bullet (feeds better for me), nickel plated case, sealant on bullet and primer. Dan
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