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BluHog wrote:Newbie question - what is the issue with using FMJ in the .380? Is it penetration through the target?

I discussed the ammunition issue with .380 about halfway down the previous page.

Overpenetration is not an issue with .380 unless you're shooting emaciated mice.

- Jim

BluHog wrote:Newbie question - what is the issue with using FMJ in the .380? Is it penetration through the target?

A couple of points:

1. Since FMJ does not expand, it may go through the target, i.e. over penetration.

2. It does not transfer all of it's energy to the target if it goes all the way through.

A hollow point is made to expand and therfore transfer all of it's energy to the target and during the process causes (typically) a more significant wound.

Lumberjack98 wrote:

BluHog wrote:Newbie question - what is the issue with using FMJ in the .380? Is it penetration through the target?

A couple of points:

1. Since FMJ does not expand, it may go through the target, i.e. over penetration.

2. It does not transfer all of it's energy to the target if it goes all the way through.

A hollow point is made to expand and therfore transfer all of it's energy to the target and during the process causes (typically) a more significant wound.

Actually, there is also an argument to be made that a 380 HP won't penetrate deep enough to hit vitals. Especially if the shootee is wearing heavy clothing such as a coat or is of a muscular build.

03Lightningrocks wrote:Actually, there is also an argument to be made that a 380 HP won't penetrate deep enough to hit vitals. Especially if the shootee is wearing heavy clothing such as a coat or is of a muscular build.

Agreed and the same could be said for any caliber of HP ammo depending on the clothing worn by the BG. Hornady's new Critical Defense ammo and CorBon's PowrBall ammo are both supposed to help mitigate that issue.

Lumberjack98 wrote:

03Lightningrocks wrote:Actually, there is also an argument to be made that a 380 HP won't penetrate deep enough to hit vitals. Especially if the shootee is wearing heavy clothing such as a coat or is of a muscular build.

Agreed and the same could be said for any caliber of HP ammo depending on the clothing worn by the BG. Hornady's new Critical Defense ammo and CorBon's PowrBall ammo are both supposed to help mitigate that issue.

True...it can be an issue with any caliber, but the 380 is more likely to have this issue than say a 9mm or 40 s&w. Some folks recommend the FMJ in the 380 to gain penetration. I was speaking to a guy at the gun shop the other day that loads his 380 with HP and FMJ every other round. he said he plans to unload it in the assailant it if he ever has to use it, so this gave him the best of both worlds.

I saw that thread on the critical defense ammo....looks real promising.