pertinax said:
Flat-nosed projectiles cause far more tissue destruction than round-nosed bullets (except when the RNs tumble), and they are much more likely to travel straight through animals, and to not tumble. This is well-known in the big-game hunting community (I mean BIG game-- Cape Buff and up), but maybe not so well known to others. Still, it's demonstrably true.
I have read some on the effects of flat-nose solid points on big game. I personally have no opinion on it (for big game) at this time. I have heard the argument for a flat meplat on .380 and .32 bullets, and I don't buy it. I have yet to see any evidence that bears out that it does
anything different than round nose FMJ, so if you have some I would be interested in seeing it. Without direct evidence, I think it is a dangerously broad assumption to apply terminal ballistics lessons from a .458WinMag or .600NE on a rhino to a .380ACP to a crackhead.
Not that it really matters anyway, as standard flat-meplat FMJ is available in FMJ ammo loaded to velocities that will likely provide well more than the commonly sought 12"-14" of penetration in gelatin. And WWB is about the least expensive stuff you can get, not that I would carry it, even if it worked in my P-3AT (many 1G didn't like WWB, for those who are wondering).
pertinax said:
I like the Buffalo Bore lead bullets, and they are what I carry. No ammo can make a .380 into a cannon-- but the BB ammo makes the right compromises, in my opinion.
All the more reason to carefully consider your ammo choice. I see no desirable features gained by using this round, except perhaps the low-flash powder which is available elsewhere. I do see extra expense, high recoil, high wear on the gun, leading of the barrel, no expansion, and increased risk of hitting something beyond your target.
pertinax said:
Previously, I carried Golden Sabers. They would expand in water in my tests. But .380s are marginal in power, so I decided I'd take laser-straight penetration over some chance of expansion. Your mileage may vary.
They consistently expand from a P-3AT in every test I have seen, including (apparently) the ones you put on yourself. As for laser straight penetration, I think it is wishful thinking. Even in gelatin, .45ACP will not do that. Add in bones, air cavities, connective tissue, and organs...
pertinax said:
Regarding the speed of follow up shots-- you are right. No two ways about it-- the BB ammo kicks harder than anything else I've tried. My grip is generally compromised on each shot, and I have to re-seat the gun in my hand. This is something to consider before carrying the BB ammo.
BB is low-flash too, compared to some other brands.
Not good, you might want to try a grip sleeve if you are going to carry it. BB is good ammo, and I am not knocking the brand. I just don't like the HCL load. They make a Gold Dot that is quite impressive, IMO. It is still very hot, but the extra velocity for the JHP is worth it, provided it can be controlled. The tests I have seen haven't pushed it past the Golden Saber or DPX however, but I would like to see more before making a judgment on it.
