Underwood 380 ACP +P 90 Gr XTP @ 1200 FPS

[PlasticFantastic]

I’m not a fan of 380 ACP, but it has a place. Finding good ammo that balances expansion with penetration is important…especially with the penetration concerns of the caliber.

The Underwood 380 ACP +P 90 Gr Hornady XTP load at 1200 FPS seems promising. Does anyone have experience with this ammo?




https://www.midwayusa.com/product/3...n-hornady-xtp-jacketed-hollow-point-box-of-20

 

[Jacke]

That is the best and hottest conventional 380 you will find. That is perfect in a Glock 42.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

Well, the folks at Hornady who actually make the bullet load it about 200fps slower. Driving a HP faster than it's designed for generally results in faster expansion and less penetration. That has been my take away from Underwood in other calibers, as well. Good expansion but worse penetration, because they overdrive the bullet to get impressive looking ME numbers for marketing purposes.

That said, I don't think I've seen anyone shot with it yet. .380 ball penetrates well and will break an adult's femur, but of course offers no expansion and can deflect off bone. I'm unaware of any JHP that will both reliably expand and penetrate. I'm not saying there isn't one out there, but if there is I've not seen it used yet. Honestly, in the day and age of reliable and inexpensive compact single stack 9mm, with a pretty big step up in terminal ballistics that goes with that, I find less and less reasons to recommend a .380.