Fiocchi 380 Jhp Load 380 Aphp Tests and Reviews
In the Oct 2010 issue nosotros published a report on 380 ACP defense loads. The work was interesting and reader feedback intensive. During the tests, the loads proved accurate and reliable. The problem was the residue of expansion and penetration. Nosotros had either acceptable expansion or good penetration simply not each in the same loading. Some loads penetrated as little every bit 9 inches, with the boilerplate load at 12-13 inches. Expansion was minor in well-nigh cases. Every bit a result, we felt that the full-metal-jacketed non-expanding bullet was a viable choice. Surprisingly, even FMJ loads penetrated just xiv inches in water in that test. And then, the search was on for a loading that might offer superior performance to the original test choices.
This time, we tested x different loads using the same media — h2o and water jugs — and came abroad with a couple of loads that showed skilful hope for personal defense force.
Is the 380 ACP Enough for Self Defense?
Since our initial test, many readers have continued to enquire us well-nigh the effectiveness of the 380 ACP outside the ability to make highly accurate shots. However, FMJ loads do not necessarily solve every problem. A lightweight FMJ bullet is far more than likely to stop short in penetration than a heavier bullet of moderate velocity. Often, a heavier-for-the-caliber-bullet will penetrate more even at lower velocity.
In our feel, mod shooters tend to look at the 380 as a lighter alternative to the 9mm, only a better comparison is between the 38 Special snubnose and the 380. So, as a point of reference, we included a heart-of-the route 125-grain JHP 38 Special +P load fired from a 2-inch-barrel revolver to represent an average for performance with the 125-grain JHP. Information technology makes a hit example of how the 380 ACP fares against what we believe is at least an acceptable 38 Special load. Too, for your convenience, we've listed the performance of the first round of 380 ACP loads nosotros tested half-dozen years agone. Too, the top-ranked loads from the kickoff exam were the Fiocchi FMJ 95-grain No. 380FMJB and Speer Gold Dot 90-gr. No. 23606.
380 ACP Self-Defense Load Performance Data
| Stone Isle Armory Baby Rock w/three.75 in. butt | Boilerplate velocity (fps) | Cage free energy (ft.-lbs.) | Average accuracy (in.) | Ability factor (pf) | Expanded width (in.) | Retained weight (gr.) | Penetration in water (in.) |
| 56-gr. Ruger ARX | 1209 | 181 | 2.6 | 68 | 0.355 | 100% | 13 |
| sixty-gr. Blackness Hills FMJ D380N420 | 1240 | 205 | 2 | 74 | 0.355 | 100% | 13 |
| 62-gr. RIP JHP | 1280 | 225 | 2.half-dozen | 79 | Frag. | 50% | 9 |
| 80-gr. Cor-Bon DPX | 1104 | 216 | ii.5 | 88 | 0.46 | 100% | xiv |
| ninety-gr. Fiocchi JHP 380APHP | 927 | 172 | 2.5 | 83 | 0.50 | 75% | 12 |
| 90-gr. Hornady FTX | 920 | 169 | 2.1 | 83 | 0.l | 100% | eleven |
| 90-gr. Hornady XTP 90104 | 933 | 174 | 1.6 | 84 | 0.52 | 100% | 13 |
| ninety-gr. HPR XTP | 878 | 154 | ane.8 | 79 | 0.45 | 100% | 13 |
| 95-gr. Winchester | 884 | 165 | two.4 | 84 | 0.54 | 100% | 10 |
| 99-gr. Federal HST P380HST1S | 1043 | 239 | 2.4 | 103 | 0.seventy | 97% | xiii |
| Notes: Average Velocity readings were recorded by firing 10-shot strings over a Competition Electronics Pro Chrono chronograph. The muzzle was 10 feet from the starting time skyscreen. Ambient temperature: 60 degrees. Acme: 815 feet to a higher place body of water level. l The accuracy figures are the boilerplate of two five-shot groups. For accurateness, nosotros fired the test gun from a benchrest at a 15-yard target. l To summate IPSC power gene, multiply bullet weight in grains by the velocity in fps, and then divide past chiliad. 50 The retained-weight column shows the recovered bullet weight as a percent of the actual bullet weight. | |||||||
Load Performance Data: 2010
| Browning Hi-Power w/ five in. butt | Average velocity (fps) | Muzzle free energy (ft.-lbs.) | Boilerplate accuracy (in.) | Power factor (pf) | Expanded width (in.) | Retained weight (gr.) | Penetration in water (in.) |
| 90-gr. Federal Hydra Shock | 980 | 191 | 2 | 88 | 0.49 | 95% | 13.v |
| 90-gr. Speer Gold Dot | 955 | 181 | two.5 | 85 | 0.52 | 100% | 13.5 |
| 95-gr. PMC Starfire | 845 | 150 | 3.8 | 80 | 0.46 | 95% | thirteen |
| 95-gr. Win. PDX Bonded | 955 | 192 | ii.3 | ninety | 0.sixty | 96% | 9 |
| 95-gr. Fiocchi FMJ | 967 | 197 | 3 | 90 | 0.36 | 100% | xiv |
| 102-gr. Rem. Gilt Saber | 910 | 187 | two.6 | 92 | 0.54 | 98% | 12.5 |
| 125-gr. Rem. JHP 38 Special+P* | 893 | 221 | iv | 111 | 0.64 | 96% | 14 |
| Notes: Boilerplate Velocity readings were recorded by firing 10-shot strings over a Contest Electronics Pro Chrono chronograph. The muzzle was x feet from the starting time skyscreen. Ambient temperature: 102 degrees. Superlative: 815 anxiety to a higher place sea level. 50 The accuracy figures are the average of ii 5-shot groups. For accurateness, we fired the test gun from a benchrest at a xv-yard target. l To summate IPSC power cistron, multiply bullet weight in grains by the velocity in fps, and then divide by thousand. 50 The retained-weight cavalcade shows the recovered bullet weight as a per centum of the actual bullet weight. *The Remington 125-grain JHP 38 Special +P was fired from a ii-inch-butt Colt Detective Special. | |||||||
Load Examination Setup
Nosotros fired horizontally into gallon jugs at 10 feet. The jugs are vi inches deep, so measuring penetration was a simple thing if the bullet penetrates at least 2 jugs. Oftentimes the bullet barely penetrated the third or was establish resting in place at the bottom of the jug, allowing interpretation of the distance traveled.
We used a Bersa 380 ACP in the terminal test plan, but this time we used the Grade A-rated Rock Island Infant Rock 380 ACP reviewed elsewhere in this issue. Nosotros did not use 1 of the DAO pocket guns also included in that test because, frankly, it would accept been a struggle to generate enough accurateness to hitting the water jugs. We felt that the Babe Rock was a adept pick for providing enough accuracy in a downsized handgun, and the accuracy section of the examination demanded a pistol of sufficient size to make accurateness testing viable as a comparison of the loadings. Accurateness was conducted at 15 yards in respect to the limitations of the caliber. Here's what we thought of each load.
Federal Premium 380 ACP 99-Grain HST JHP P380HST1S, $20/20 @ MidwayUSA.com
This load gave unexpected results. This is the fastest load tested over seventy grains, and it is heavier than the average ninety- to 95-grain JHP. Yet velocity was high at a solid 1043 fps average. Energy was greater than whatever other load tested in this match up or in 2010. Recoil was greater than the other loads, but it was not uncomfortable. Performance was excellent, with penetration to a total 13 inches and expansion to .lxx caliber. This is the load to beat and is hands the most impressive JHP loading. The ii non-expanding loads equaled this penetration, and the Cor-Bon JHP exhibited an inch greater penetration, merely with less expansion.
GUN TESTS Class: A+
Black Hills 380 ACP threescore-Grain Xtreme Defense D380N420, $26/20 @ MidwayUSA.com
Costing $i.thirty per shot, this 60-grain load uses a solid all-copper projectile. Penetration is superior to the Ruger ARX solid bullet. Velocity is slightly higher. Penetration was on the level with the Cor-Bon 70-grain JHP and the Federal 99-grain HST. The all-copper bullet is intended to cause damage past a cutting motion as it spins into the target rather than expansion and to offering adequate penetration in all situations.
The Rock Island 380's magazine jump was stiff, and when loading the Black Hills circular and thumbing the rounds into the magazine, raters noticed that the nose was quite sharp. Nosotros did not need bandages, but we could have had we not noticed the edges early. This bullet is a skilful choice for personal defense. Among non-expanding loads, this bullet is much superior to a FMJ bullet, in our view. Information technology is also superior to the ARX-type bullet, based on pattern and performance. Another component of the load was calorie-free recoil. This was easily the most pleasant load to burn. Accurateness was likewise outstanding, being bested only by the Hornady XTP and the HPR loads. If you do non trust JHP loads in your 380 ACP, this is the best pick.
GUN TESTS Form: A
Hornady American Gunner 380 ACP xc-Grain XTP Jacketed Hollow Point 90104,$16.50/25 @ MidwayUSA.com
The American Gunner XTP gave credible results, including the best accuracy of whatsoever load tested this time around. The XTP is a proven bullet that offers skilful expansion in most scenarios.
The XTP posted 933 fps velocity. Expansion was adequate, winding upwards at the 12-inch threshold. Expansion was adequate at .52 inch. This is an affordable load with adept quality command and wide availability.
GUN TESTS Class: A
Ruger Cocky Defense 380 ACP 56-Grain PolyCase ARX $20/25 @ MidwayUSA.com
The Ruger ARX load is designed to offer an culling for those who feel that JHP loads practice not offer adequate penetration. The ARX load is reliable and accurate enough for personal defence force, although it was the least authentic load tested with the Baby Stone and likewise in a side exam with a Beretta 84. Penetration was equal to the Black Hills Ammunition non-expanding load; nonetheless, accuracy was not as adept. We feel that the LeHigh-designed all-copper bullet used in the Blackness Hills ammunition has greater potential for doing damage due to its construction. The Ruger ARX is more affordable.
GUN TESTS Form: A
Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics 380 ACP 90-Grain JHP 380APHP, $17.l/50 @ MidwayUSA.com
This Fiocchi load doesn't utilize the XTP bullet, although Fiocchi also offers a xc-grain Extrema load using the XTP bullet. This load was typical of ninety-grain JHP loads, although faster than the HPR and FTX loads at 927 fps. Penetration is 12 inches, tied with the Winchester Defend and the Hornady XTP. Expansion is reasonable, though the jacketed hollowpoint bullet more often than not separated from its jacket. At that place are two advantages to this load: price and quality control. Information technology is more than affordable than almost, coming in at 35 cents a circular.
GUN TESTS Grade: A-
Cor-Bon DPX 380 ACP 80-Grain DPX Hollow Point DPX38080/twenty, $24/20 @ MidwayUSA.com
This ammunition has been very difficult to discover at the fourth dimension of the writing. The Cor-Bon jacketed hollowpoint uses an all-copper bullet. The toll is reasonable for an all-copper JHP, in our view. This is load is fast at 1104 fps on average. Accuracy and function were adequate. The Cor-Bon load is tough to charge per unit considering penetration was adequate, but expansion was disappointing at .46 quotient. Expansion was typically one shard outstretched. However, the load did expand and did penetrate adequately. The slower and more affordable HPR JHP was well-nigh every bit skilful a performer. The HST was conspicuously superior in the JHP loads, so the Cor-Bon load suffers in comparison.
GUN TESTS Grade: B
Hornady Critical Defense 380 ACP xc-Grain Flex Tip eXpanding, $20/25
The Critical Defense was designed for civilian scenarios rather than police scenarios, according to Hornady, and offers skillful expansion in most situations. The ruby-red plug in the olfactory organ was found floating in the water jugs as we tested this bullet. It travels with the bullet and instigates expansion. Yet, this bullet did not aggrandize every bit well as the XTP in the jugs. Penetration was an inch less on average and expansion slightly less equally well.
GUN TESTS GRADE: B
HPR HyperClean Ammunition 380 ACP 90-Grain Hornady XTP JHP, $31/50
This load is accurate, clean called-for, and offers practiced office. We ran across an interesting expansion threshold in this loading. Information technology is 49 fps on average slower than the Hornady XTP loading, which uses the same bullet. As a result the HPR load exhibited .45-inch expansion versus .52 inch with the Hornady load, but also penetrated an inch deeper. Ane shooter or the other may prefer either load. Overall, it is an affordable and credible choice that lost a step on expansion.
GUN TESTS Class: B
Winchester Due west Defend Reduced Recoil 380 ACP 95-Grain JHP, $twenty/20 @ MidwayUSA.com
The Winchester jacketed hollowpoint exhibited good role, a clean pulverization burn, and good accuracy. Expansion is practiced, and second just to the Federal HST. However, penetration at 11 inches was on the lower end of what nosotros like in a defense load. The load has its good points, but we rated it downwardly based on penetration.
GUN TESTS Class: B
G2 Research RIP 380 ACP 62-Grain Hollow Point, $36.40 @ AmmunitionDepot.com
This load promised 1250 fps and delivered 1280 fps on average from the Infant Rock. However, velocity ranged from 1260 to 1320 fps with a high departure. Accurateness was not great, only no worse than some of the other loads. Energy was the 2nd highest, just curt of the Federal HST. The bullet is an all-copper pattern with six petals. The petals are designed to break off during penetration and travel on their divide path. Each petal weighs about 6 grains, which does non install confidence in their ability to penetrate. The base traveled to nigh 6 to 9 inches in water. The shards were found in the first water jug. Some exited the jugs, so claims of radial dispersion seem borne out. The bullet is sharp, so caution must be practical when loading the magazines, and the Babe Stone has stiff magazines. Feed reliability was perfect. The depression penetration puts this load toward the bottom, and the loftier cost isn't consummate with its operation, in our opinion. This load would be useful for pests at short range, every bit it is highly unlikely to ricochet in one whole slice.
GUN TESTS GRADE: B-
Written and photographed by R.K. Campbell, using evaluations from Gun Tests squad testers.
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Source: https://www.gun-tests.com/ammo/380-acp-loads-update-choices-are-getting-more-interesting-2/