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About .380 ACP Ammunition
The .380 ACP, or .380 Automatic Colt Pistol, was designed by John Moses Browning in 1908. Production of the cartridge began in the same year and saw immediate use in Colt’s Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless handgun. The .380 ACP was derived from the .38 ACP, or .38 Auto cartridge which was introduced in 1900 by Browning. Since its introduction, the cartridge has been used in a variety of firearms such as handguns for concealed carry and even submachine guns. Today, the cartridge is still utilized for defensive purposes and benefits from modern, optimized loadings which increase the effectiveness of the round.
Types of .380 ACP Loadings
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Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): Like the name suggests, these types of loadings feature projectiles which are adorned with metal jacketing. This jacket is generally made of copper and will cover the tip and sides of the projectile. Typically, the base of the projectile is left uncoated. These types of loadings are well-suited for range use and are some of the most common types of ammo one will encounter.
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Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP): JHP loadings feature hollow point projectiles which are adorned with a full metal jacket. These loadings are generally found in the form of defensive ammo offerings and are designed to facilitate reliable expansion upon impact. Additionally, these types of loadings are designed to achieve adequate levels of penetration for defensive purposes while not overpenetrating the target and risking collateral damage. A good hollow point loading is one that achieves an appropriate level of penetration while expanding reliably upon impact within the target.
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Hollow Point (HP): HP loadings feature hollow point projectiles like the name suggests. This removal of material makes the projectile lighter and promotes high velocities. These types of loadings are optimized for self defense or match use and have a tendency to expand on impact. A good hollow point loading is one that achieves an appropriate level of penetration while expanding reliably upon impact within the target.
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Fluted Polymer Copper (FPC): This specific term for these types of loadings comes from NovX, but a variety of other companies produce these types of loadings. These loadings feature a unique shape and form factor as a result of their manufacturing process. Projectiles of this type are constructed from polymer and copper, meaning that they are lead-free in nature. These types of loadings will also feature lightweight projectiles due to their construction. These loadings are often employed in defensive use cases as they have high velocities and are capable of effective levels of terminal performance.
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Total Metal Jacket (TMJ): These types of loadings feature projectiles which are entirely and completely enclosed within a metal jacket. TMJ loadings differ from FMJ loadings as they feature projectiles which are completely enclosed. In most cases, this jacketing is copper and is applied via electroplating. These loadings notably reduce the amount of lead one is exposed to during the firing process, specifically due to the elimination of an exposed lead projectile base. Also referred to as TMC, or Total Metal Case loadings by some manufacturers.
Use Cases for .380 ACP Ammunition
- Plinking
- Training
- Defense
Popular Brands: .380 ACP Ammo
Caliber Name Variations
- 380
- 380 ACP
- 380 Auto
- 380 Automatic
- 9.17mm
- 9mm Browning
Firearms that Use .380 ACP Ammo
Presently, one will be able to find a wide range of firearms in .380 ACP on the market. These firearms are available in the form of modern production offerings and in the form of vintage, old production offerings. An overwhelming majority of the firearms chambered in .380 ACP on the market will be found in the form of handguns. Simply put, one will be able to find a firearm chambered in .380 ACP if they truly want to get ahold of one.
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