Self defense bullets for .380

[12Bravo]

I am getting set up to reload  for .380 and am wondering what would be a good bullet to use for self defense. I am using Hodgdon Universal powder for all of my plinking ammo (.40S&W, 9x18 Makarov, .380).

[LaOtto222]

Wow you have asked a lot here. Everyone has their own theory on what is best. Hopefully it will never get tested. Of course the #1 thing is reliability. I do not care what you are packin' if it jambs, it is worthless. I go under the theory of a fast light bullet. Lots of shock and quicker follow up shots. I do not want a pass through, if I can help it. I pack a 125 grain hollow point in my 357 that is lightly constructed and loaded to medium velocities. I might try a Hornady 90 grain XTP in your 380 auto, but only if it is reliable...no jambs. Buy lots of bullets and shoot it lots to verify that you will have absolute reliability. Even if it jambs once in 200 tries, it is too much. Some guns will only shoot reliably with FMJ bullets. If you are reduced to using those then I would want to get the heaviest one I can to make sure there IS a pass through, if possible. If you can not get it to shoot 100% reliable with any thing, then you need to make it that way or get something different. Just my 2 cents.

[OR-E-Gun Bill]

Here's an article from Chuck Hawks that might give you some ideas:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/ammo_by_anonymous.htm

I've used it to make some decisions for my ammo and/or bullet selections for my handguns that might (hopefully never) be used in self-defense.

Bill

[cwlongshot]

Just something else to ponder, do you really want to carry hand-loads in a defensive handgun?

 I mean, god forbid you need to use it, but to add that burden to your eminent court case is more chances than I would be willing to take.

 There are MANY great factory loads out there, I would advise you buy a couple and go to the range. Whatever gives you 100% reliability and adequate accuracy is a good choice.

 CW

[Evil Dog]

I certainly agree.... wouldn't even consider carrying reloads.  Sure as I am sitting here you will end up in court with the relatives of the recently deceased suing for "wrongful death".  The lawyer for the other side will do his best to portray you as the evil wicked person hunched over a reloading bench in the basement gleefully assembling ammunition with no other use in mind save for killing someone.  Carry only factory ammunition... preferably that which comes labeled on the package as "Personal Defense" or some such.