Using differnt .380 sd ammo in one mag a good or bad idea?

[KrunkMonkey]

I use HST 230 for my .45 and HST 147 in my 9mm but when it comes to buying ammo for my LCP .380 it is in a whole new world and HST's seems to lack in that category. Precision 1, Golden sabers, old school Hydra shoks and pretty much anything with an XTP bullet are considered top dogs in the .380 category but are considered sub par when moving on up to 9mm, .40 and .45 ammo. Funny how the more beloved HST's, Gold dots and Rangers dominate in 9mm on up but are not the top contenders in .380 auto. I have an order of Fiocchi Extrema XTP, Hornady Custom XTP and Federal Hydra shoks on the way and was thinking if all 3 of these work out well in my LCP then would it be absurd to have 2 of each mixed in one mag for my daily carry? The big debate always deals with under penetration when choosing which .380 to use so my logic is to mix it in one mag and if the Fiocchi fails to stop an aggressor then here comes the Hornady and Hydra shoks to say hello, what do you guys think?

[RTE]

I don't use a .380,but sounds ok to me.
Probably wouldn't hurt to practice with the combination.
2 in the chest and 1 in the head seems to work with most ammo.

[ElDub1950]

It's always good to try a few varieties to ensure they run reliably in you gun.

But IMHO you choose those because you've already done your research and decided X, Y & Z provide acceptable performance in similar guns.

It kinda sounds like you've already decided Fiochi might not be ideal since you're planning for alternatives if they don't work. So why not choose what you feel is best to begin with.

Let's face it, most of us can't do our own valid ballistics tests so we depend on researching tests and reviews. Then a lot of us are influenced by hype, how cool the box is and whether the uncle of a friend's cousin, who was a cop in 1972, recommends them. Others simply pick the most expensive one.

Do your research, test your selection, then stick with it.

I guess, as long as you've tested them, mixing them in a mag *might* not be harmful, I certainly can't see any advantage in doing it.

[zinfull]

The only thing that I have heard on this subject is to use one type and have the box and extras put away. This is more of a court defense if you do shoot someone. Not sure if it is real or tin hat but who knows what might sway a jury.

[Click Boom]

I don't have a 380, but I would be tempted to just use ball ammo in it. Possibly XTP as it is supposed to penetrate well.

ETA- you're welcome for my useless advice

[KrunkMonkey]

Yeah this is my first .380 so did my research and opted for the 3 as listed above and also have ball ammo for practice so in all 400 rounds to test out. I actually have high hopes for all the ones I purchased so I don't favor Fiocchi over any others, it's more of if they all function great with my LCP then would it really matter having an assorted mix in one mag for that just in case situation but I didn't account for the court defense as zinfull mentioned.

[RedFord150]

I believe Cor-Bon and Buffalo Bore make some great ammo in .380. Check them out before you settle on a final round.

I am not a fan of mixing rounds in a semi-auto. A jam or misfire of any kind in an HD situation is much, much worse than a poor ammo choice. If you really want to use 2 different rounds, load them in separate mags. If the BG is still moving after you dump the first mag, the second mag should finish him off.

As always, my advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

[BoJackUSMC]

I am only allowed to use Federal and Winchester HJP 380 rounds and so far they are G2G

[P5Ret]

The only thing I'd mix ammo in is a shotgun. In your situation stick with 1 type of ammo in the mag. What functions and works is what you carry. If all three function reliably your ahead of the game with different ammo, to play with at the range. If testing shows that they all perform about the same, you gain no advantage by mixing in the mag.

[KrunkMonkey]

Thanks for the sound advice guys! Glad everyone voiced their opinions instead of calling me a fool lol. If all works out well i'll just alternate with different mags and if they fail to meet my expectations i'll definitely try the Cor-Bon and Buffalo bore out.