I've found myself with no other viable option than super discrete pocket carry on more occasions than before for reasons that no one cares about, and that got me to thinking about the ammo I'm using.
Currently I'm running Hornady Critical Defense, but although the pistol has 804 rounds through it, only 50 of those have been the critical defense. It's kinda proven out that they're reliable, but 50 is a small test.
So, several of us were discussing it today and toyed with the FMJ idea.
Advantages are:
1. reliability, you can fire 250 rounds of your actual carry ammo in practice to ensure it works
2. ability to test at will, every time you roll up to the range, you can fire your carry ammo and replace it without feeling the pain of launching $2 rounds down range
3. penetration, it's a pocket 380 with a short barrel, so that extra penetration from the FMJ could be helpful
Disadvantages are:
1. no HP expansion. in theory it happens even at the lower velocities of 380 due to the bullet design
2. no fancy anti-flash powders, no snazzy nickel brass, no polymer tips, nothing l33t
3. missing heavy crimp could lead to setback if cycled a lot, but see #2 above which makes this less of a concern
What else to consider either for or against FMJ in 380?
Currently I'm running Hornady Critical Defense, but although the pistol has 804 rounds through it, only 50 of those have been the critical defense. It's kinda proven out that they're reliable, but 50 is a small test.
So, several of us were discussing it today and toyed with the FMJ idea.
Advantages are:
1. reliability, you can fire 250 rounds of your actual carry ammo in practice to ensure it works
2. ability to test at will, every time you roll up to the range, you can fire your carry ammo and replace it without feeling the pain of launching $2 rounds down range
3. penetration, it's a pocket 380 with a short barrel, so that extra penetration from the FMJ could be helpful
Disadvantages are:
1. no HP expansion. in theory it happens even at the lower velocities of 380 due to the bullet design
2. no fancy anti-flash powders, no snazzy nickel brass, no polymer tips, nothing l33t
3. missing heavy crimp could lead to setback if cycled a lot, but see #2 above which makes this less of a concern
What else to consider either for or against FMJ in 380?