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 details the performance of Liberty Ammo's Spike .380 ACP ammunition through rigorous ballistic gel testing. The host, demonstrating high authority and analytical skill, utilized a LabRadar chronograph and standardized gel protocols. Key findings include significant velocity differences based on barrel length and consistent fragmentation of the projectile, with recovered cores weighing 34.2 grains. The ammunition showed potential for self-defense applications, particularly in firearms with longer barrels.

Quick Summary

Liberty Ammo Spike .380 ACP ammunition, tested with ballistic gel and a chronograph, achieved 1519 fps from a 3.8-inch barrel and 13 inches of penetration. While it fragmented consistently, an ejection failure was noted in a shorter 2.75-inch barrel, highlighting the impact of firearm mechanics on performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and 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 Testing
  6. 11:24Gel Analysis and Measurements
  7. 15:03Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Liberty Ammo Spike .380 ACP perform in ballistic gel?

Liberty Ammo Spike .380 ACP penetrated 12.25 inches in ballistic gel from a 2.75-inch barrel and 13 inches from a 3.8-inch barrel, after passing through a heavy clothing barrier. The projectile fragmented consistently, with recovered cores weighing 34.2 grains.

What is the claimed and tested velocity of Liberty Ammo Spike .380 ACP?

Liberty Ammo claims 1500 fps for the Spike .380 ACP. Testing showed an average of 1393 fps from a 2.75-inch barrel and 1519 fps from a 3.8-inch barrel, exceeding the claim in the longer barrel.

What are the key features of Liberty Ammo Spike .380 ACP?

The Liberty Ammo Spike .380 ACP is a 55-grain, all-copper hollow-point round featuring a unique central spike designed for fragmentation. It utilizes a Shell Shock NAS3 two-piece case and is advertised with a claimed energy of 275 ft-lb.

Are there any reliability concerns with Liberty Ammo Spike .380 ACP?

An ejection failure was noted when testing the Spike .380 ACP in a S&W Bodyguard 2.0 with a 2.75-inch barrel, potentially due to the case geometry interacting with the barrel hood. Performance was better in a longer barrel.

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