380 hollows worth it?

Published on October 25, 2025
Duration: 0:58

This review compares .380 ACP hollow point ammunition against Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) rounds using ballistic gel tests. The Springfield Armory Hellcat .380 was used with Hornady Critical Defense and Federal HST hollow points, alongside CCI Blazer FMJ. Results showed FMJ over-penetrated, while hollow points expanded and stopped within the first gel block, demonstrating superior terminal performance for self-defense.

Quick Summary

For self-defense, .380 ACP hollow point ammunition like Hornady Critical Defense and Federal HST is recommended over FMJ. Tests show hollow points expand reliably in ballistic gel, providing better terminal performance and stopping power while FMJ rounds tend to over-penetrate.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: .380 HP vs FMJ Debate
  2. 00:08Test Setup: Hellcat .380 & Ballistic Gel
  3. 00:33Ballistic Gel Results: FMJ vs Hollow Points
  4. 00:52Conclusion: Are .380 Hollow Points Worth It?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are .380 ACP hollow point bullets effective for self-defense?

Yes, .380 ACP hollow point ammunition, such as Hornady Critical Defense and Federal HST, is considered effective for self-defense. Ballistic gel tests show they expand reliably and stop within the intended range, unlike FMJ rounds which can over-penetrate.

What is the difference between .380 FMJ and hollow point ammunition?

FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) .380 rounds are designed for penetration and typically do not expand, leading to over-penetration. Hollow point rounds are designed to expand upon impact, increasing their diameter and energy transfer, making them more effective for self-defense and reducing the risk of over-penetration.

Which .380 ACP hollow point ammunition was tested?

The test featured Hornady Critical Defense and Federal HST .380 ACP hollow point ammunition. These were compared against CCI Blazer .380 FMJ rounds.

What firearm was used in the .380 ACP ammunition test?

The firearm used for the .380 ACP ammunition test was a Springfield Armory Hellcat chambered in .380 Auto.

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