Good .380 load?

[wally05]

Hey guys,

I'm looking at different loads for my Kel-Tec P3AT. I've had really good luck with the Winchester Ranger in .40 and .45. Is this a good load in .380?

What do you recommend?

Korey

[Jdog]

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Bersa%20Thunder.htm
http://stevespages.com/page8f380acp.html
http://www.mouseguns.com/amball.htm


looks like corbon dpx is pretty good stuff if you're after self defense loads (but not cheap)

[michael t]

I carry Corbon DPX My KelTec 380 has fired over 200 rounds of Corbon with out a hitch.

[patscrazy]

For the .380, if you want to use a JHP, I believe the best you can do are:

remington 102gr golden saber(what I use)
federal 90gr hydro shocks
buffalo bores 90gr gold dot+p
corbon 90gr +p

If you need more penetration in your mouse gun, Buffalo bores 100gr +p FNHC is the way to go. Nothing is stopping that sucker.

I'm very skeptical on the DPX after seeing a couple test now on different forums. Nice expansion, but lacking in terms of penetration compared to the other JHP's.

Check out these links. Crude, backyard testing but informative. Interesting results.

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=28431

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=29742

[legion3]

DPX seems weak compared to other 380 rounds, Remington Golden Saber's seem a better choice when reading the various tests floating around the internet.

BB Gold dot's also dis not get an incredible write up in some tests but their FMJ cast bullets did?

Just got some Corbon PP so will give those a spin in the LCP this week.

Also I like Santa Barbara JSP military surplus, which is super hot even if not a HP.

[Retseh]

Santa Barbara is a good choice, the penetration in gelatin is over 20 inches IIRC.

I switch around a lot on this and currently carry Federal's 90gr HydraShock in my LCP. It has very controlled expansion and great penetration in my own water jug testing against other loads, but it is certainly not loaded "hot".

[Seamus O'Connor]

I interleave with Cor-Bon DPXs and Remington Golden Sabres in my P3AT. The DPX was designed using the P3AT as the test weapon.