You NEED To See This One!...380 ACP Buffalo Bore Hardcast VS FMJ VS Xtreme Penetrator!

Published on October 18, 2025
Duration: 19:25

This video provides a detailed comparison of three types of .380 ACP ammunition: Buffalo Bore Hardcast (standard and +P), Fiocchi FMJ, and Xtreme Penetrator. The testing involves ballistic gel to measure penetration, velocity, and projectile integrity. The presenter, an experienced firearms instructor, emphasizes the importance of maximizing energy and penetration from the .380 ACP caliber for self-defense applications.

Quick Summary

For .380 ACP self-defense, the Buffalo Bore Hardcast +P ammunition is recommended for its superior energy and penetration. Tested in ballistic gel, it achieved over 32 inches of penetration, significantly outperforming standard FMJ and other specialized rounds by maximizing the cartridge's potential.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Test Setup
  2. 00:44Buffalo Bore Hardcast Ammunition
  3. 02:53Test Firearm: M&P Bodyguard 2.0
  4. 03:03Standard Pressure Hardcast Velocity Test
  5. 04:34+P Hardcast Velocity Test
  6. 06:27Ballistic Gel Testing Begins
  7. 07:52Fiocchi FMJ Comparison Test
  8. 08:48Xtreme Penetrator Comparison Test
  9. 09:31Ballistic Gel Results Analysis
  10. 12:21Penetration Depth Measurements
  11. 14:25Projectile Examination & Weight
  12. 16:11Performance Summary & Winner
  13. 17:10Real-World Considerations
  14. 17:52Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between Buffalo Bore Hardcast +P and standard pressure .380 ACP ammunition?

The Buffalo Bore Hardcast +P .380 ACP ammunition is loaded to higher pressures, resulting in significantly increased muzzle velocity (averaging 1058 ft/s) and penetration (over 32 inches in gel) compared to the standard pressure version (averaging 917 ft/s, 20.5 inches penetration).

How does the Xtreme Penetrator .380 ACP round perform in ballistic gel?

The Xtreme Penetrator .380 ACP round, tested in +P, achieved a penetration of 19.5 inches in ballistic gel with minimal deformation. It demonstrated good penetration, though less than the Buffalo Bore Hardcast +P.

What is the recommended .380 ACP ammunition for self-defense based on this test?

Based on this test, the Buffalo Bore Hardcast +P .380 ACP is recommended for self-defense due to its superior energy and penetration capabilities, maximizing the effectiveness of the .380 ACP cartridge.

How does standard FMJ .380 ACP ammunition compare to hardcast and penetrator rounds?

The Fiocchi 95-grain FMJ .380 ACP round, tested at lower velocities, showed significantly less penetration (16.5 inches) in ballistic gel compared to the hardcast and penetrator rounds, making it less ideal for deep penetration needs.

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