380 ammo
#1
10-25-10, 04:40 PM
380 ammo
can someone please tell me what the difference is between this 380 ammo.
I have 2 boxes of 380 ammo one box with the ammo having a blunt end & one box having a rounded end but both say on box full metal jacket.why would there be a difference in shape if both say full metal jacket.Thanks for your help
I have 2 boxes of 380 ammo one box with the ammo having a blunt end & one box having a rounded end but both say on box full metal jacket.why would there be a difference in shape if both say full metal jacket.Thanks for your help
Last edited by wheelers; 10-25-10 at 04:41 PM. Reason: wording
#2
10-25-10, 04:50 PM
Super Moderator
One is a truncated cone type bullet or flat nose (I believe)...the other is a conical or round nose type. They may also be different weights...but not always.
FMJ just means that the core is completely enclosed by a jacket (copper or guilding metal) of some sort. Plated bullets may also be called FMJ..but I don't believe thats really correct.
In a .380...you need to make sure of flawless feeding if used as a self defense weapon. The flatter nose may be an issue.
FMJ just means that the core is completely enclosed by a jacket (copper or guilding metal) of some sort. Plated bullets may also be called FMJ..but I don't believe thats really correct.
In a .380...you need to make sure of flawless feeding if used as a self defense weapon. The flatter nose may be an issue.
#4
10-26-10, 05:01 AM
Group Moderator
Take a look at your boxes of ammo. The bullet weight is probably different. I've seen many bullets, especially for .40 S&W that use a flat nose bullet in heavier bullet weights.
As Gunguy mentioned, the round nose bullets feed better in most guns. Since most .380's are small pocket defense guns and most defense bullets are hollow points with about the same shape as your flat nosed bullets, you may also have feeding problems with your defense ammo. Whichever ammo you choose thoroughly test it to make sure it reliably functions in your gun. I know defense ammo is ridiculously expensive but you need to shoot enough of it through the gun to insure that it works reliably.
If your gun is new I would go to the range and shoot several hundred rounds of less expensive target ammo to break in your new gun. Then clean it and start testing your premium defense ammo.
As Gunguy mentioned, the round nose bullets feed better in most guns. Since most .380's are small pocket defense guns and most defense bullets are hollow points with about the same shape as your flat nosed bullets, you may also have feeding problems with your defense ammo. Whichever ammo you choose thoroughly test it to make sure it reliably functions in your gun. I know defense ammo is ridiculously expensive but you need to shoot enough of it through the gun to insure that it works reliably.
If your gun is new I would go to the range and shoot several hundred rounds of less expensive target ammo to break in your new gun. Then clean it and start testing your premium defense ammo.
