- Messages
- 18,744
- Reactions
- 45,474
JavaScript is disabled
Our website requires JavaScript to function properly. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser settings before proceeding.
What’s the defense ammo for S&W 380?
- Thread Starter SunShineShan82
- Start date
So now we got the ammo covered.
Let's talk about other stuff.
Like practice with your gun and you should get a good flashlight to keep with you and one at your bed side .
And that once you get your guns and can work them in the light.
Can you work them in the dark.
You should be able to load or and unload and fix a jam or other stuff that might happen in the dark.
And have a talk with everyone in the house about what to do if something happens in the middle of the night.
Lots of people shoot the wrong person.
In home .
Just some things to think about
Let's talk about other stuff.
Like practice with your gun and you should get a good flashlight to keep with you and one at your bed side .
And that once you get your guns and can work them in the light.
Can you work them in the dark.
You should be able to load or and unload and fix a jam or other stuff that might happen in the dark.
And have a talk with everyone in the house about what to do if something happens in the middle of the night.
Lots of people shoot the wrong person.
In home .
Just some things to think about
- Messages
- 194
- Reactions
- 448
- Thread Starter
- #145
what newest advancements? Do you mean the ammo?Oh, I'm not hung up on it at all. BUT...and here's the big but.....for THAT particular caliber why not take advantage of the newest advancements? Let's face it, .380 has come a long way and it's much more effective with today's offerings then it was 20 years ago.
Not everything is round balls and black powder Andy.
- Messages
- 194
- Reactions
- 448
- Thread Starter
- #146
ohhh do tell!Just get one of these...
It works well on home invaders...Ask EPS he knows the story.....
Andy
View attachment 671366
Lol yeah Andy tell the story Hahaha
- Messages
- 23,587
- Reactions
- 113,079
Well remember you asked....
So there I was...
Sound asleep..its early morning , like O Dark Thirty....
When out of the darkness comes a Bang and Crash....the sounds of a scuffle ...a startled shriek....all coming from the kitchen...
I get outta bed and quietly walk to the kitchen ...I notice that a table lamp is now on the floor...
And...
Two combatants locked into hand to hand ...or should I say paw to claw combat....
One of our cats brought in a woodrat to "play" with...
Lots of noise is ensuing and the situation was looking like the need for a "Force enhancer " was called for...
So ...in my best Neanderthal roots....I go into my library where I keep my spear...
( Doesn't everyone do this...?
)Spear in hand I make a hasty battle plan with my cat....
She will flank the enemy , causing a diversion , while I swiftly and with great alacrity move forward in a aggressive attack....
All while not waking my wife , wrecking the kitchen and putting a hole or gouge in the new custom kitchen cabinets....
Like lighting my spear plunges forth , seeking only to sow destruction...
Striking the foul rat , my spear hits mortally...my battle friend , the cat streaks forth to give a final blow...
Stepping back , foul rat impaled on my spear....the cat and I share a victory....
Till I remember that the window in the door is open....
That I sleep naked...and did not get dressed....
And that the new neighbors are home...and in their yard...watching....
Andy
- Messages
- 194
- Reactions
- 448
- Thread Starter
- #149
Oh yes very true! You guys have lost me so many times. I need very beginners advice.What...bite yer tongue...
My main point is that we are dealing with a new shooter....
Lets not get to where we can't see the forest , 'cause of the trees...
Too much information , too fast , is as bad as too little information.
As for the pistol and caliber in question....
Its a new pistol...
One should try as many different types of bullets and loads to see what works best in that particular pistol.
Then practice with what works best for the OP and her pistol......
Andy
Like:
Brands of ammo thats good for defense in home and will expand in a body. I want the least amount of shots fired to take down a bad guy which is one of the main reasons I got a shotgun plus I really think shotguns are badaaaaaaas LOL. I got the handgun for when I'm outside and obviously wouldn't lug around a shotgun. I cannot get a CPL as the local office is closed... bummer but we're in bad times right now. I will mostly be at home so that's perfectly ok with me
Videos or articles on shooting, cleaning, info on guns etc that YOU found helpful or newbies would find helpful
- Messages
- 18,744
- Reactions
- 45,474
What the least amount of shots to take down the bad guy.
Really hasn't anybody told you shooting is fun
Once you shoot one your going to want to shoot more LOL.
JUST KIDDING.
maybe
Yes. Handgun cartridges in general have come a long way. The .380 was always considered a "weak" SD round and may still be but advancements in bullet technology have made it much more effective than it used to be.
There's been a number of suggestions in this thread for .380 ammo. What works best? Dunno, it's subjective....
1. Your pistol may shoot different ammo more accurately... hit's are important, hitting where you want (in a high percentage part of the body) is even more important. You have to be able to put bullets on target.
2. YOU may shoot different ammo more accurately. For example, you may find that lighter bullets with less recoil are more manageable. Therefore you get better hits.
3. Some of the ammo recommended may penetrate better in the BGs body and be able to reach center mass vitals better. (The info has been given regarding members opinions on this.) But loads that penetrate better, ie .380 FMJ ball ammo, will also penetrate walls better.
4. If handgun is only for home defense, transition to the largest load/bore/caliber/cartridge carrying pistol (that you can shoot well) as soon as able. But be aware, there are 20 million opinions on which cartridge is best for "stopping the threat". For now, become proficient with what ya got and the ammo that works best in your handgun, that you can shoot effectively, and considering your home setup.
The question of which ammo to buy for a .380 is not an easy answer. You have to balance out the info with your situation, take some diff brands and types to the range, and see what works best out of your pistol and what works best for you. Then factor in what works best in a human body to "stop the threat". Prioritize in that order. Then make a choice. Then practice a lot.
Always remember that in a self-defense or a home-defense shooting incident. You must:
1. Be willing to use deadly force to "stop the threat" and protect you and your loved ones.
2. Be proficient with your firearms so that while under stress you can make high center mass or pelvic hits, maybe on moving target, at the distances you are likely to be shooting.
3. When police arrive say as little as possible. You were in fear for your life and shot only enough to "stop the threat".
4. Seek legal advice on the use of deadly force. There are videos but a specialist lawyer that has classes in your area might be best because diff areas sometimes have diff laws. Often trainers have separate classes or guests for this subject.
5. Take no legal advise from the internet.
6. Remember that everyone has an opinion on everything related to firearms, including what ammo is best. Sift through it all and make the best "over-informed" decision that you can.
7. There are different strategies for home defense. A lot depends on your situation. Some people like me believe it is best to let the BG come to you, but that doesn't work for everyone in all situations. If you have loved ones, you may have no choice but to investigate the threat. If you think you will have to do room clearing, also known as "clear the house", you should learn those techniques and flashlight techniques from a qualified trainer.
That's all I got. Welcome to the family of 2A practitioners. Best wishes and enjoy. Firearms are a blast!!!
Last Edited:
Good post
As for the CPL part I know all the office are closed.
They closed the city hall up here .
Witch is where the local Police department is.
Maybe you can find out if they are taking people by appointment only.
Never know .
- Messages
- 18,744
- Reactions
- 45,474
First and foremost, one needs to accept the fact that all handgun rounds suck at stopping threats that are not willing to stop. That said technology has definitely made a huge difference in the last couple decades, in large part due to the Miami shootout I mentioned above and the FBI doing the research and establishing a specific performance criteria. Back then 9mm was on the other side of the line many felt was adequate in a fighting round. I put .380 in that zone today with a little less going for it, but I fully admit I could be behind the times. I'd be happy to see/hear actual street data otherwise, but until then I'll draw the line at .38 spl out of a snub for backup and 9mm for primary. As to the OP topic I'd still stick with a quality FMJ for .380 auto for it's ability to penetrate.
Please note this is not to disparage the OP or anyone choosing .380 but rather a call to realize & accept it's limitations and to make the most of it.
Last Edited:
- Messages
- 194
- Reactions
- 448
- Thread Starter
- #157
I have shot guns before both outside and in a range. I do enjoy shooting. I am saying in the real event with a bad guy coming into the house or going crazy outside and I need to protect my kids and myself I want those kinds of ammo for right now the most. I got these two firearms for protection first and fun afterwards. I will eventually get more firearms but for now these two will be suitable for me.
I do remember I really liked rifle type with a scope but I don't remember the name of the rifle. I will look around and see after all this craziness is done. I do eventually want a rifle but first let me practise with the two i have. I will start with these two and branch out.
I was just joking around.
Of course we all want the bad guy down with one shot .
Lol
- Messages
- 194
- Reactions
- 448
- Messages
- 6,072
- Reactions
- 15,026
I personally use Federal HST ammo in my Ruger LC9s. It performs well according to the FBI gelatin tests, it feeds well in my pistol with no jams so far, and I'm accurate with it. There are 3 or 4 others of similar notched hollow point design that probably would work as well. Try out a few and see what works for you and your pistol. Good luck and let us know how things are going.
Similar threads
Upcoming Events
New Classified Ads
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Miscellaneous Ammo (45 GAP, 7.62x39, 308, etc)
- Started by Texsantee
- Replies: 0
-
-