380 self protection...?

[JTROKS]

A 380ACP is better than your bare hands. I have one and I don't feel it's inadequate as a pocket gun. Marksmanship is the key and at that its easy to place all my shots on a playing card at 7 yards due to low recoil. I have not tried the Buffalo Bore loads and sounds like that might make it recoil more.

[BigRich]

I have a 380 for HD loaded with the Glaser Blue tip ammo as well as Hornady HP. Haven't had to use it, and hope I never do. Looking at a second HD gun and possibly going for a Tauraus 85. On sale at Turners for $300 right now.. going to need to think about that one.

In my opinion, using the Glaser round is going in the wrong direction with a 380. You will get big surface wounding but no penetration to speak of. I think you would be better off replacing the Glasers with a ball round that is accurate in your gun. The assumption is that ball will be reliable. You don't have a large energy package with the 380 so practice making fast ACCURATE shots. Familiarize yourself with human anatomy and learn the parts that you have to break.

[MossbergMan]

Gunfight Rule #1: Have a gun

One of the better efforts to interject some sense into another cartridge debate.
I would also ask of those who have promoted this or that cartridge how many of them have actually used it in lawful self defense of themselves or another?
Having carried a firearm duty LE/Off work/CCW/firearms instructor for maybe 20 years and having never shot anyone, I can say that having a firearm WITH YOU will always be more important.
9-10 times mere presentation will be enough to make the problem go away.
The magical one shot stop will be much more of an issue of luck then the cartridge you are armed with.
Find an handgun sized so that you always can carry it. That teeny tiny handgun and cartridge will always be better on you than the perfect defensive sized handgun that is just too big to wear with everything.
When will you need a handgun for self defense?
We normally do not know as someone else may dictate that need for us and at a time when we least expect it.
All we can do is be PREPARED for it.
Gauge your needs for cartridge and sized handgun based on how many times you have needed to fight with it.
Oh..... Never been in one of those?... No worries. Get anything on you. That alone will be the overwhelming majority of your success in surviving a possible fight for your life.
I suggest 90% of your success in a fight for your life will come from how well you are armed in that thing on your shoulders. Your brain.
Equip yourself with a dedicated mindset to survive no matter what. Always look to run away/get away (If no family to protect) before hanging out and fighting it out.
Check out Jeff Coopers Color Code of Mental Awareness........

Cause knowing is half the battle!!

All the above just my opinion...

Very astute observations and comments. I have carried like Matt a little longer and having awareness, a gun, skill at arms and above all the mindset to win your fight it really doesn't matter what caliber you carry.

Please do not "candy cane" (alternate loads) your magazine(s). Murphy's Law will strike and you'll have an FMJ in the chamber when you really needed a hollow point and vice versa.
I'm a fan of hollow points for the primary magazine and FMJ for the spare. Reasoning is by the time I empty my gun, everyone left standing will be behind cover/concealment and I might just have to punch through something to hit my asssailant(s).

John Steinbeck has a great quote for this thread.
"The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in defense. The sword is more important than the shield and skill is more important than either. The final weapon is the brain, all else is supplemental"

Amen.

[Jcastaneda1105]

In my opinion, using the Glaser round is going in the wrong direction with a 380. You will get big surface wounding but no penetration to speak of. I think you would be better off replacing the Glasers with a ball round that is accurate in your gun. The assumption is that ball will be reliable. You don't have a large energy package with the 380 so practice making fast ACCURATE shots. Familiarize yourself with human anatomy and learn the parts that you have to break.

Appreciate the feedback. Based on what I had read the Glaser's were cause a bit more damage than a ball round. I do have I believe 2 Glasers/1 hollow point /2 glasers / 1 HP..etc loaded in the magazine.

I am planning a trip to the desert with a buddy to practice stress situations. he is a certified instructor and has shared the same feedback of fast accurate shots.

Looking at a revolver as a 2nd HD gun. One for the bedroom, and one for the office.

[DaveFJ80]

I have a LCP with .380 bonded Winchester PDX rounds, that I carry with me (when I can).

I've done testing with the ammo, so I know what it can do compared to other .380 and my 9mm JHP ammo, and I'm completely confident with carrying & using that gun & caliber.