Let’s look at what the facts say about the .380 ACP and its capabilities as a defensive option.
- .380 ACP bullets averaged 9 to 18 inches of penetration at distances less than 30 feet.
- This is according to data the author gathered.
- Some deep penetrations were due to bullets not expanding upon reaching their target.
- The author advises care in choosing the proper .380 defensive round
- But he states there are many solid options that will perform, even at lower velocities.
Based on ballistic gel data that I gathered from multiple sources, the .380 ACP bullets averaged somewhere between 9 and 18 inches of penetration in ballistic gel at defensive distances under 30 feet (with 12 inches of penetration with proper bullet expansion being considered effective for personal defense).
In large part, the deeper penetration results were a result of bullets that did not expand and retained their profile as they passed through the test. Failing to expand is good for producing deep penetration on ballistic gel, but it’s bad news in real-life defensive situations because a bullet that doesn’t open properly doesn’t create as much hydrostatic shock or tissue damage. Only a portion of a bullet’s kinetic energy is transferred to the target if the bullet passes through, and unless that bullet strikes a bone or nervous tissue, it might not stop the attacker immediately, which can be disastrous.
Bullet expansion results from a combination of factors. First, the bullet’s construction plays an important role. Second, the velocity at which the bullet is traveling is critical. Lastly, any barriers to the target will affect performance. You can’t choose the wardrobe your attacker will be wearing, but you can choose your bullet and gun.
More information on the .380 ACP:
- Concealed Carry: .380 Pistol Options For Self Defense
- Concealed Carry: Is The .380 ACP Enough For Self-Defense?
There are a number of great personal defense .380 loads, and they vary in construction. Some expand reliably at lower velocities, while others require a stronger push to initiate expansion. Based on my personal tests, both Federal’s HST and Hornady’s Critical Defense will expand when fired from light, compact pistols at close range into bare gel, and I’m sure that there are several other loads that will do the same. Pistols with longer barrels have an edge in terms of velocity, and that ups the odds of expansion.
Editor's Note: This article excerpt originally appeared in the September 2017 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
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