Interesting Observation on the P380

[Ljutic]

For the last few months I've been trying to do a test on a bunch of FMJ .380 ammo. For one reason or another, it's taken forever to get the testing off the ground. I was finally able to start the testing yesterday and found something really interesting.

Two samples doesn't necessarily make a trend, but it is something interesting that I'll be keeping an eye on as more samples are tested. Logic says that the P380 should have the lowest velocity since the barrel is the shortest in the sample. As observed, the velocity variance isn't as much as expected. I'm thinking the Lothar Walther barrel must be delivering the goods. I'll post this in the Ammo room when the test is done.

P380 = 2.5" barrel
DB380 = 2.8" barrel
Bersa = 3.5" barrel

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v391/BDSBruce/Blog%20Photos/23102cf1.gif

[wayneo1]

It will be interesting to see if the results stay consistant. Maybe the barrel does make a difference.

[wyntrout]

Results can really vary. In Ballistics by the Inch, especially the update late last year for .380, the velocity would decrease as they cut the test barrel, BUT sometimes it would increase... varying with the ammo tested. It wouldn't make a a straight linear graph.

When they tested most of the new .380 pistols(P380, too), some of the shorter barrels gave higher velocities with the same ammo. There are lots of variables, but it's nice to know how things test in your particular weapon. Most of the reviews in the gun magazines of the various new pistols include range testing with accuracy and velocities achieved, as well as subjective reports on the ammo functioning in the pistol being reviewed.

I saved all of that information and the charts, etc., for each review and used the information to choose and eliminate carry ammo. It's certainly a place to start and it's not necessary to "re-invent" the wheel and start all over on your own, but if you have the money, the equipment and the range, it's your choice to check it out on your own... and fun... hobby and all.

I wish that I had a setup like Hickok45's... I would be shooting all of the time... certainly more interesting and less trouble than my having to pack everything up and haul it to the range where all I can do is shoot at the paper targets downrange.

Have fun.

Wynn:)

[austinguy23]

Don't plan on testing Speer Gold Dot?

[Ljutic]

Don't plan on testing Speer Gold Dot?

I'm focused on FMJ only. Testing the premium HPs would add a $20 bill or more for each additional line on the spreadsheet. I had to think long and hard before adding some of these FMJs to the list due to cost concerns.

[Bill K]

Very ambitious project. Thanks for sharing these early results.

[austinguy23]

I'm focused on FMJ only. Testing the premium HPs would add a $20 bill or more for each additional line on the spreadsheet. I had to think long and hard before adding some of these FMJs to the list due to cost concerns.

Understandable.

[Ljutic]

I finished the project this weekend. I just couldn't help myself and added some HPs to the mix with the FMJ testing.

http://mousegunaddict.blogspot.com/2011/07/great-380-fmj-jhp-ammo-test-results.html