At these low velocities of maybe 800 fps, or even slower in a short barrel such as 380's have, a hollow point will not act much differently than a round nose.
To get a hollow point to do a dramatic expansion, you need to have some significant velocity -- which the 380 cannot provide.
My wife has a 38 Special +P. This is pretty marginal, to be sure, but beyond anything a 380 can provide.
This is where using bullets meant for the specific caliber comes into play. .380acp bullets are generally built to open at low velocities just as 45acp is. Jacket thickness and design for bullets being shot out of a 380 are different than those that are meant for the 9mm even though they are the same size bullet.
When it comes to the 'little' guns I tell folks to use non expanding bullets because penetration is a requirement to get into the vitals. Expansion inhibits penetration. Leave the 'expansion' up to the 'bigger' guns!!!!
Why is everyone dismissing the .380? It's what James Bond uses to blow up gas tanks, sniper shoot a guy 300 ft away, and it never runs out!
Seriously, the .380 is a 9mm just 2mm shorter and the bullet is a few grains lighter. I just don't get the mentality of "unless it's a magnum or .45, it can't do any damage"
If there is powder to be ignited, it will do damage.
Totally agree. The gun's strong, putting as less is just crazy. It'll do damage placed right!
The 380 is definitely a good defense gun up close in my view as it was intended to be. I'm pretty much in agreement with everyone, it can and will do the job it was intended to do, stop someone, but like any weapon, shot placement is needed and if the first one doesn't do it, then the next 4, 5, 6 and so one will.
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