The MOST Powerful .380 AMMO?...NEW Liberty Ammo SPIKE .380 ACP Ballistic Gel Test & Review!

Published on December 5, 2025
Duration: 16:30

This review by Tools&Targets provides a detailed analysis of Liberty Ammo's Spike .380 ACP rounds. The host, demonstrating high expertise, conducted chronograph and ballistic gel tests with two different handguns, the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 and the S&W M&P Shield EZ. The data reveals significant performance differences based on barrel length, with the Spike round exceeding advertised velocities in the longer-barreled Shield EZ.

Quick Summary

Liberty Ammo Spike .380 ACP ammunition, tested by Tools&Targets, achieved 1519 fps and 282 ft-lb from a 3.8-inch barrel, exceeding advertised specs. From a 2.75-inch barrel, it averaged 1393 fps but experienced an ejection failure. Both rounds fragmented consistently in ballistic gel, penetrating 12.25-13 inches.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Test Setup
  2. 00:52Liberty Ammo Spike Overview
  3. 03:02Chronograph Test: S&W Bodyguard 2.0
  4. 06:27Chronograph Test: S&W M&P Shield EZ
  5. 08:15Ballistic Gel Impact Footage
  6. 11:24Gel Analysis & Measurements
  7. 15:03Conclusion & Performance Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advertised specifications for Liberty Ammo Spike .380 ACP?

Liberty Ammo advertises the Spike .380 ACP round as a high-velocity 55-grain projectile capable of reaching 1500 feet per second (fps) and generating 275 foot-pounds (ft-lb) of energy. It features an all-copper hollow point with a unique central spike.

How did Liberty Ammo Spike .380 ACP perform in chronograph tests?

From a S&W M&P Shield EZ (3.8-inch barrel), the Spike .380 ACP averaged 1519 fps, exceeding the advertised velocity. From a S&W Bodyguard 2.0 (2.75-inch barrel), it averaged 1393 fps, though an ejection failure was noted.

What was the ballistic gel performance of Liberty Ammo Spike .380 ACP?

In ballistic gel tests behind clothing, the Spike .380 ACP demonstrated a 'starburst' fragmentation pattern. Recovered projectile cores consistently weighed 34.2 grains, indicating reliable fragmentation, with penetration depths of 12.25 inches (Bodyguard 2.0) and 13 inches (Shield EZ).

Is Liberty Ammo Spike .380 ACP reliable in all firearms?

The review suggests reliability may vary with barrel length. While performing well in the longer S&W M&P Shield EZ, an ejection issue was observed with the shorter S&W Bodyguard 2.0, possibly due to the unique Shell Shock NAS3 case.

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