Colt Mark IV Series 80 Government .380 Auto at the range. Why ammo testing is important!

Published on January 4, 2022
Duration: 11:05

This guide details a practical approach to testing ammunition for the Colt Mark IV Series 80 Government .380 Auto. It emphasizes the importance of identifying reliable ammunition for self-defense by systematically testing various brands and bullet types, noting malfunctions, and understanding potential causes. The instructor, demonstrating experienced authority, highlights that firearms can be ammo-sensitive and that thorough testing is non-negotiable.

Quick Summary

Thorough ammunition testing is vital for the Colt Mark IV Series 80 Government .380 Auto, as it demonstrated significant sensitivity. Hornady Critical Defense and Golden Saber hollow points performed reliably, while Fiocchi FMJ and Winchester White Box flat nose caused malfunctions, underscoring the need to confirm ammo compatibility for self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:17Introduction & Featured Firearm
  2. 01:20Ammunition Overview
  3. 02:05Range Setup & Safety
  4. 02:18Winchester White Box Test
  5. 03:32Fiocchi Ammunition Test
  6. 04:29Hornady Critical Defense Test
  7. 04:54Golden Saber Test
  8. 05:16Second Fiocchi Test & Troubleshooting
  9. 06:05Ammunition Performance Summary
  10. 07:33Magazine Issue & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is testing ammunition for your Colt Mark IV Series 80 Government .380 Auto so important?

Testing ammunition is crucial because firearms can be highly sensitive to different ammo types. What functions flawlessly in one gun might cause malfunctions in another. For self-defense, ensuring your chosen ammunition reliably cycles your specific firearm is non-negotiable to prevent critical failures.

Which .380 Auto ammunition performed best in the Colt Mark IV Series 80 Government?

During the range test, Hornady Critical Defense hollow points with ballistic tips and older Golden Saber hollow points performed 100% reliably and accurately in the Colt Mark IV Series 80 Government .380 Auto. These are recommended for carry.

What types of .380 Auto ammunition caused malfunctions in the Colt Mark IV Series 80 Government?

The Colt Mark IV Series 80 Government .380 Auto experienced significant malfunctions, including jams and failure to chamber, with Fiocchi 95 grain FMJ and Winchester White Box 95 grain flat nose .380 Auto ammunition. These types are not recommended for this firearm.

Could magazine issues affect ammunition feeding in the Colt Mark IV Series 80 Government .380 Auto?

Yes, a potential issue identified was lithium grease in a magazine, hindering feeding. The inability to easily disassemble the magazines for cleaning also contributed to suspected feeding problems, highlighting the importance of magazine condition.

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