First 380/pocket pistol have a question

**Broncobob** · March 2nd, 2014, 08:10 PM

Hello,

I just picked up a kahr cw380 the other day and it is my first pocket pistol and my first 380. I was just wondering what people do for their carry ammo, hollow points, fmj, brands ext ext. I have heard some people say they carry fmj because they worry about penetration with the hollow points in 380 out of a pocket pistol. Like I said complete noob in this aspect of guns so help me out.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Bob G

**American1776** · March 2nd, 2014, 08:18 PM

I used to own/carry a Sig P232, which is in .380. I carried regular FMJ (ball) ammo. Fiocchi was good stuff; slightly 'hotter' than the normal loads.

With a 380, the bullets are light (95 grain or so), and the velocities are moderate, so penetration is the number one concern for me.

**Rblakely** · March 2nd, 2014, 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by Broncobob

Hello,

I just picked up a kahr cw380 the other day and it is my first pocket pistol and my first 380. I was just wondering what people do for their carry ammo, hollow points, fmj, brands ext ext. I have heard some people say they carry fmj because they worry about penetration with the hollow points in 380 out of a pocket pistol. Like I said complete noob in this aspect of guns so help me out.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Bob G

I alternate between a .40 S&W and a .380 for carry.

I carry FMJ in the .380 and JHP in the .40

**Broncobob** · March 2nd, 2014, 08:22 PM

Anyone have experience with Buffalo Bore 380 ammo? I think they are pretty much the hottest factory loads on the market for a 380.

**ray h** · March 2nd, 2014, 09:30 PM

Buffalo Bore is the hottest 380 available right now.
I've got my LCP loaded with Hornady Critical Defense.
There are two issues with 380, hollow points don't open consistently and if they do, it really zaps the penetration.

I like the Hornady CD because it opens consistently and still penetrates ballistic gel about 11+". The red rubber insert keeps the bullet from opening as soon as it hits something so it won't be opening in someones clothing or fat, it'll tend to open further inside.

**father-of-five** · March 2nd, 2014, 09:49 PM

I found this link to be interesting and helpful:

http://shootingthebull.net/blog/

**Broncobob** · March 2nd, 2014, 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by father-of-three

I found this link to be interesting and helpful:

http://shootingthebull.net/blog/

Indeed it was, thanks for posting. Good info to have an understanding of.

**PA1936MN** · March 3rd, 2014, 02:47 AM

I carried Hornady Critical Defense and Speer Gold Dots in my BERSA Thunder 380.

Never carried FMJ, possible over penetration with that.

**K.C.** · March 3rd, 2014, 09:55 AM

I have a kahr P380 and as far as I know the CW380 is pretty much the same as far as feedramp pitch is concerned. Open faced JHP's havent fed reliable enough for me to stay with so I'd steer clear and save some money. I carry hard ball in the winter months and Hornady Critical Defense in the warmer months, I'm throwing the idea of cor bon powerball around but thats another subject.