The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - .380 ACP--- Alternating FMJ and JHP for CCW self-defense purposes

ClydeFrog · August 22, 2012, 12:10 PM

I agree with part of the last forum post, but I'd still suggest using ball or FMJ rounds in a .380acp IF that feeds or cycles 100%.
A gunfight or lethal force event is not the time to have a .380acp malfunction due to ammunition.
Ball type rounds may over-penetrate but I'd take that risk over having a semi auto pistol jam up.
I read a NRA article about popular pocket size(carry type) .380acp pistols about 2 years ago. The article T&Eed a few well known brands(Ruger, Kel-Tec, Kahr).
Many .380acp pistols had problems with JHP rounds & none really seemed very reliable IMO.

If you need to go to a second or third pistol magazine in a lethal force event, ball-FMJ ammunition may keep you in the fight.

CF

August 22, 2012, 12:10 PM	#21
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	use of FMJs or "ball" ammunition for defense-carry pistols... I agree with part of the last forum post, but I'd still suggest using ball or FMJ rounds in a .380acp IF that feeds or cycles 100%. A gunfight or lethal force event is not the time to have a .380acp malfunction due to ammunition. Ball type rounds may over-penetrate but I'd take that risk over having a semi auto pistol jam up. I read a NRA article about popular pocket size(carry type) .380acp pistols about 2 years ago. The article T&Eed a few well known brands(Ruger, Kel-Tec, Kahr). Many .380acp pistols had problems with JHP rounds & none really seemed very reliable IMO. If you need to go to a second or third pistol magazine in a lethal force event, ball-FMJ ammunition may keep you in the fight. CF