.380 ACP Hollow Point Expansion - TheFireArmGuy

Published on January 4, 2015
Duration: 2:47

This video demonstrates the expansion of Remington Golden Saber .380 ACP 102-grain brass jacketed hollow-point ammunition when fired into water. The test, conducted using a CCW 380 pistol, shows significant expansion, with the bullet diameter increasing from approximately 0.25 inches to over 0.5 inches, exhibiting a starlike mushrooming effect. The instructor notes this provides an idea of the bullet's terminal performance, though acknowledges water is not a perfect substitute for soft tissue.

Quick Summary

Remington Golden Saber .380 ACP 102-grain hollow-point ammunition demonstrated significant expansion in a water test, increasing its diameter from approximately 0.25 inches to over 0.5 inches. The bullets achieved a starlike mushrooming effect, providing an indication of their terminal ballistics potential.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to .380 ACP
  2. 00:06Ammunition Details: Remington Golden Saber
  3. 00:14Firearm Used: CCW 380
  4. 00:23Test Objective: Water Expansion
  5. 00:31Setting up the Water Test
  6. 00:52Examining Bullet Expansion
  7. 01:01Measuring Unexpanded vs. Expanded Diameter
  8. 01:10Mushrooming Effect Analysis
  9. 01:36Consistency of Expansion
  10. 01:40Water vs. Soft Tissue Performance
  11. 02:00Conclusion on Remington Golden Sabers
  12. 02:04Comparison with .45 ACP Winchester
  13. 02:23Comparing .380 ACP and .45 ACP
  14. 02:31Final Thoughts and Confidence
  15. 02:36Call to Action: Subscribe and Share

Frequently Asked Questions

How well does .380 ACP hollow point ammunition expand?

In a water test, Remington Golden Saber .380 ACP 102-grain hollow points demonstrated significant expansion, increasing their diameter from about 0.25 inches to over 0.5 inches. The bullets achieved a notable mushrooming effect with a starlike petal structure.

What is the typical diameter of a .380 ACP bullet?

An unexpanded .380 ACP bullet typically measures around a quarter of an inch (approximately 0.25 inches) in diameter. This is the baseline measurement before any expansion occurs upon impact.

What is the purpose of a hollow point bullet?

Hollow point bullets are designed to increase terminal ballistics by expanding upon impact. This expansion, often referred to as mushrooming, creates a larger wound channel, increasing the bullet's stopping power and reducing the risk of over-penetration.

How does water expansion testing relate to real-world performance?

While water is not a perfect substitute for soft tissue, water expansion tests provide a useful indication of a hollow-point bullet's ability to expand. Consistent expansion in water suggests potential for effective terminal performance in a self-defense scenario.

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