Handgun Ammo Question.

[Steve K (IA)]

My wife and I are buying a couple of handguns.  Been 35 years since I've had one and about 14 years for my wife...we both had .357 Magnum revolvers. (I've had rifles since my 8th birthday)

We've decided on Ruger.  LC380 for her and SR9 for me.  I've read and heard that most ammo will go through a Ruger without a problem.  Looking for experienced suggestions. Is there a particular brand ammo to stay away from?  Less $'s is best  .

Found 9mm Blazer Brass on sale at Brownells for $11.00.  What do you all say?

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've been using this with no problems.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/2900360402/winchester-usa-ammunition-380-acp-95-grain-full-metal-jacket

[Serk]

I've fed everything from the cheapest Russian stuff to the high dollar stuff with no problems in my 380s.

I'm sure you know this, but don't carry FMJ practice ammo for defensive purposes, be sure to get a high quality hollow point for that (I personally am a fan of Hornady Extreme Defense loads for defensive use.)

Those rounds are going go be VERY pricey, but it is important to at least run a few boxes of it through the gun for function checking it.

[Oldfishguy]

Ruger will run all the ammo.

It sounds like you have your mind made up on the pistols, but are you sure you want to run different calibers, especially when they are so close??  Maybe think about the new Ruger LC9s for both of you.  Nice little striker fired carry gun; a little more punch than a 380, but not much.   

[Serk]

Ruger will run all the ammo.

It sounds like you have your mind made up on the pistols, but are you sure you want to run different calibers, especially when they are so close??  Maybe think about the new Ruger LC9s for both of you.  Nice little striker fired carry gun; a little more punch than a 380, but not much.   

I second this as well... 9mm doesn't have much more kick than a 380.

Also give the Springfield Armory XD and XDs a look. (I know, you didn't ask for advice on the guns, just the ammo, but we're experts at offering unsolicited advice here, me especially! )

[JimC]

Without going into the brand names and starting a p***ing match I will only offer the following.

I agree with the other advice about using the same caliber.  And I also would recommend that you go with a 9mm rather than the .380. Today you can get any number of single stack 9mm's that are less than a half inch longer and higher than the .380's, and about the same weight, with better stopping power.

With that said, if your wife wants the .380 and she will carry it vs. leaving the 9mm home, by all means get her the .380.

Jim

[Dave Ritsema]

I have found that most of the .380's are pretty snappy in regards to recoil and the slightly higher mass of most 9mm pistols even out any significant differences, so why not run the larger caliber? When shopping for the spousal unit we tried several choices and she didn't like any of the .380's. Ended up opting for a S&W snubbie in .38 special and an integrated laser. Dead simple, no safeties, point and shoot. Using some Critical Defense LITE and it is more manageable to her than the .380 and still has sufficient punch. To get back on track Ruger makes some darn fine firearms. 

My Springfield XDS in .45  with a CT laser and the aforementioned Hornady rounds are my daily carry and I am very confident of it's capabilities.

[Chrisj CMA]

My wife and I are buying a couple of handguns.  Been 35 years since I've had one and about 14 years for my wife...we both had .357 Magnum revolvers. (I've had rifles since my 8th birthday)

We've decided on Ruger.  LC380 for her and SR9 for me.  I've read and heard that most ammo will go through a Ruger without a problem.  Looking for experienced suggestions. Is there a particular brand ammo to stay away from?  Less $'s is best  .

Found 9mm Blazer Brass on sale at Brownells for $11.00.  What do you all say?

Blazer is usually the cheapest.  I use it all the time but JUST for target practice.  I use PP rounds for personal protection, they cost a tad more but you don't shoot em up you carry them.

[bassman]

.380 ammo tends to run more $$ than 9mm.....agree with
What is stated above about two guns same caiber....,
but that's just my 2 cents that you didn't ask for....

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've fed everything from the cheapest Russian stuff to the high dollar stuff with no problems in my 380s.

I'm sure you know this, but don't carry FMJ practice ammo for defensive purposes, be sure to get a high quality hollow point for that (I personally am a fan of Hornady Extreme Defense loads for defensive use.)

Those rounds are going go be VERY pricey, but it is important to at least run a few boxes of it through the gun for function checking it.

This is what I have.
http://www.luckygunner.com/380-acp-g2-research-rip-62gr-hp-20

[Valkorado]

YouTube, search and research Lehigh Xtreme Defense, available in both mentioned calibers.  Pay close attention to the ballistic gel tests, comparing them to other popular defense ammo.

http://www.lehighdefense.com/pages/xtreme-defense

Take your time with your research.  

Also, for those of you who found the Ruger LCP or the much improved LCP Custom too small for your hand, this makes all the difference in the world.  Helps considerably with recoil also.  Check the reviews.

https://www.amazon.com/Hogue-Handall-Hybrid-Ruger-Sleeve/dp/B004Y8AYGE

[MarkT]

I second what DR says on wheelguns, particularly for inexperienced or lapsed experienced shooters.  I carry two S&W J-frame wheelguns in .357magnum, which can be downloaded to .38 special for lighter recoil and blast.  .38 is nothing to sneeze at.  Dead reliable, simple to operate, always fire and no levers / safeties to learn or heavy slide springs to overcome, no potential feed problems. Small profile, lightweight and easy to conceal in comfort. Mine have Crimson Trace green laser grips - just tighten your grip to activate. Mine are 2" barrel, S&W model 60 for strong side carry (I use IWB hybrid holsters for extreme comfort and concealability) and the S&W model 649 with shrouded hammer for carry in concealment vest - no possibility of snagging the hammer.  The vest carry is underarm crossdraw, like a shoulder holster - great for seated presentation.  The strong side for the rest of the time.  Both guns are backups for the other. Both guns have dbl action or single.  The single has a great trigger, BTW.  Measures at 3.0 lbs by Lyman digital trigger scale, with no creep.  Though in defensive use dbl-action is recommended.  These J-frames are around $600 new w/o a sale; the green lasers (better in daytime) are about $400. I didn't find the 649 locally but ordered it online, Gun Broker I think.  I've had the model 60 for many years.  Both in SS buit available in blue and nickle I think.

[Jess from VA]

I agree two 9s would be better than a 380 and a 9, and better yet if the two 9s (or 380s) are identical models. Ease of care and use and holsters and cleaning, etc is self explanatory.

If you want the smallest/lightest, thinnest, most accurate, and most reliable 9s, get Kahrs (but they'll cost you).

If you both went with 380s, the newer Ruger LCP II is reportedly a great improvement over the first model.

Echoing Serk (but expanding), you buy 1000 rds of decent ball (FMJ) ammo (in 9 or 380) (I'd avoid steel case) at a time for practice.  Then you buy a few boxes (50s or 25s) of top defensive jacketed hollow points (expensive) for carry.... but you must be sure to run a couple mags of it in each gun (even if they are the same gun for both of you) (some slow deliberate fire, some as fast as you can shoot), to be sure this ammo will reliably fire in your carry piece when actually carrying. Some hollow points are wider than others, and the widest can cause feeding problems with some pistols.

You will not find a better way to find any ammo for best prices than in the AMMOSEEK web site.  Especially for the 1000 rounds of ball.  The expensive defensive rounds will be expensive no matter where you get them.

Finally, whatever you buy, put a little oil on them, take both to the range and burn through at least 200 rounds of cheap ball ammo (fast, and slow fire), and then clean them thoroughly, before you ever fire any hollow points, or test your hollow points, or ever carry the gun in self defense.  NO auto pistol should be considered safe and reliable until at least 200 go out the bbl, even though most may be safe right out of the box.

[solo1]

I sure won't get into any discussions here by saying that you should consider other options.

I get all of my ammo from Lucky Gunner and it's all good (I don't buy Russian like Tula or Wolf).  No matter the brand of gun, if it's a semi auto, run at least 200 rounds of practice ammo before going to defensive loads.  I'm a fan of Hornady Critical Defense ammo for carry.  FBI type of penetration and good expansion, low flash, and clean burning.

Only my personal opinion, repeat my personal opinion.  .380 in the extremely small semi' autos like Kel Tec 3AT and the Ruger, are not conducive to long practice due to recoil.  A larger pistol in 9mm makes sense.

I do carry, at times, a model 42 Glock in .380 and it's a pussycat in recoil but it is a marginal round, again IMHO. I should've waited and bought the Model 43 in 9mm.

[da prez]

  Unless I missed it, do not use aluminum casings . Problems swelling from what I heard.
I have the S/W 9 and love it. The 380 is just to small for my hand to shoot with comfort , My 9 is hard to conceal.  I guess I'll just have to carry a 50cal.

                                              da prez

[Psychotic Bovine]

very nice video on Hornady Critical Defense in .380

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H9M6cZGd18

[big d]

I have found that most of the .380's are pretty snappy in regards to recoil and the slightly higher mass of most 9mm pistols even out any significant differences, so why not run the larger caliber? When shopping for the spousal unit we tried several choices and she didn't like any of the .380's. Ended up opting for a S&W snubbie in .38 special and an integrated laser. Dead simple, no safeties, point and shoot. Using some Critical Defense LITE and it is more manageable to her than the .380 and still has sufficient punch. To get back on track Ruger makes some darn fine firearms. 

My Springfield XDS in .45  with a CT laser and the aforementioned Hornady rounds are my daily carry and I am very confident of it's capabilities.

I second the Springfield xds but I have the 4.0 single stack 7 round .45 as my carry on my hip. I just bought a sig p938,   9mm. Has 7 rounds and big enough for my big hands but small enough to even fit in my pocket.

[Steve K (IA)]

We've done a lot of shopping around and asked a bunch of questions.  Originally we thought about a pair of LCP 380's but we want to do recreational shooting beside carry and feel that the little LCP will be worthless except for close in defense.  My wife thought the LC380 had a good feel for a larger gun and most places recommended that 380 for women as having less recoil.  Having the same caliber would make things simpler especially with 9mm ammo costing less than 380.  Maybe I could talk her into an LC9 (same overall size)...she's no wimp. 

[Gavin_Sons]

Here is my take on 380. Years ago 380 were not considered a self defense round. You had to go to 9mm or larger for a proper self defense round. Fast forward 20 years and bullet design, powder, and better engineered pocket pistols have gained 380 merit for personal protection. I have not looked, but I bet balistic tabels from 20 years ago show 9mm at the same or even less than todays 380. I carry a glock 42 380 everywhere. It is small and easy to hide. I rarels carry my full size XDM in 40 or the 357 j frame. I have practiced with this glock more than anything else I own and am very confident in it at 20 yards. Not many pocket pistols will shoot like that.

[Mr Whiskey]

These...through this...
https://youtu.be/K3VfWkWMzOI (check out the expansion at 3:45)
https://youtu.be/Knw-N2EeLQE
Happy Hunting

[Valkorado]

These...through this...
https://youtu.be/K3VfWkWMzOI (check out the expansion at 3:45)
https://youtu.be/Knw-N2EeLQE
Happy Hunting

Same 9mm pistol I own, except mine is matte black.  LOVE it!

[Mr Whiskey]

These...through this...
https://youtu.be/K3VfWkWMzOI (check out the expansion at 3:45)
https://youtu.be/Knw-N2EeLQE
Happy Hunting

Same 9mm pistol I own, except mine is matte black.  LOVE it!

(so's ours, Sootch jus' had the best review vid)
It is a sweet ride (& the sweet price jus' makes it better).
Dependable, reliable, fires anything & everything with no ftf/fte.
Jus' a smidge bulky I admit, but ya got 14 in hand without a reload.
Sugar had trouble with the slide on a Sig, but she shoots this better than I do
I hope she never has to "test" those HST's (& she prefers the 124gr) but if she ever does, I trust 'em (& the Bersa) to get her home to me.

[Jess from VA]

We've done a lot of shopping around and asked a bunch of questions.  Originally we thought about a pair of LCP 380's but we want to do recreational shooting beside carry and feel that the little LCP will be worthless except for close in defense.  My wife thought the LC380 had a good feel for a larger gun and most places recommended that 380 for women as having less recoil.  Having the same caliber would make things simpler especially with 9mm ammo costing less than 380.  Maybe I could talk her into an LC9 (same overall size)...she's no wimp.  

Having done some homework on the type of firearms you are looking for, perhaps a trip down to a local range for rentals would be a good idea for you guys; assuming you have one, and one with a nice selection of rentals.  My local range now has some 3 dozen or more for tryout (unfortunately mostly Glocks, which are proven guns, and preferred by so many current and former LE who were issued them).  

Range ammo can be a bit high (or not, all you need is ball).  Otherwise pick up some at Walmart in 380 and 9, two sets of muffs, some targets (those reactive bright yellow where you hit them are nice) and maybe a staple gun.  

Get one lane and take turns with the same guns.  Take two out, then back in to trade for two more.  Watch each other shoot, and stop and talk about them along the way.  If you spend all day down there and shell out even $200, it's worth it if you come away with informed personal decisions on what to spend much more on for your personal sidearms.

You might decide you are best served with a pair of Glock 19s.  That pistol is a runaway favorite as small, but not too small.  Light, but not too light.  And so on.  It also works and is reliable as hell, and the aftermarket for Glock is huge (apex triggers).  (Or maybe a 19, and a shorty 26 which will shoot 19 mags all day)

There is without question a big difference between a gun you will carry (cause if it turns out to be too big/heavy for your tastes, even if it's pretty small, you won't carry it) and a gun that is fun to shoot at the range.  Almost no pocket auto pistol (or J frame revolver) is really very much fun to shoot at the range; they kick, they don't group very well, their sights and triggers suck, and they're just not conducive to repeat trips to the range to practice for fun (and improvement).  But as soon as you get to medium (up to large) size/weight, you aren't going to want to carry them.  So it's the age old compromise between what will I really carry regularly, and what will I enjoy shooting.  For me, there is no gun that meets both criteria..... I will carry some nicer middle size pistols, but not very often.

So if carry is the main objective, get what is small enough that you will carry it, and learn to live with the compromises.  Then buy different guns for actual fun and competition with yourself.   The worst choice (IMHO) is the one where it is just big enough, it ends up staying at home anyway, but it's still not that much fun at the range either.  

[The emperor has no clothes]

We've done a lot of shopping around and asked a bunch of questions.  Originally we thought about a pair of LCP 380's but we want to do recreational shooting beside carry and feel that the little LCP will be worthless except for close in defense.  My wife thought the LC380 had a good feel for a larger gun and most places recommended that 380 for women as having less recoil.  Having the same caliber would make things simpler especially with 9mm ammo costing less than 380.  Maybe I could talk her into an LC9 (same overall size)...she's no wimp.  

Having done some homework on the type of firearms you are looking for, perhaps a trip down to a local range for rentals would be a good idea for you guys; assuming you have one, and one with a nice selection of rentals.  My local range now has some 3 dozen or more for tryout (unfortunately mostly Glocks, which are proven guns, and preferred by so many current and former LE who were issued them).  

Range ammo can be a bit high (or not, all you need is ball).  Otherwise pick up some at Walmart in 380 and 9, two sets of muffs, some targets (those reactive bright yellow where you hit them are nice) and maybe a staple gun.  

Get one lane and take turns with the same guns.  Take two out, then back in to trade for two more.  Watch each other shoot, and stop and talk about them along the way.  If you spend all day down there and shell out even $200, it's worth it if you come away with informed personal decisions on what to spend much more on for your personal sidearms.

You might decide you are best served with a pair of Glock 19s.  That pistol is a runaway favorite as small, but not too small.  Light, but not too light.  And so on.  It also works and is reliable as hell, and the aftermarket for Glock is huge (apex triggers).  (Or maybe a 19, and a shorty 26 which will shoot 19 mags all day)

There is without question a big difference between a gun you will carry (cause if it turns out to be too big/heavy for your tastes, even if it's pretty small, you won't carry it) and a gun that is fun to shoot at the range.  Almost no pocket auto pistol (or J frame revolver) is really very much fun to shoot at the range; they kick, they don't group very well, their sights and triggers suck, and they're just not conducive to repeat trips to the range to practice for fun (and improvement).  But as soon as you get to medium (up to large) size/weight, you aren't going to want to carry them.  So it's the age old compromise between what will I really carry regularly, and what will I enjoy shooting.  For me, there is no gun that meets both criteria..... I will carry some nicer middle size pistols, but not very often.

So if carry is the main objective, get what is small enough that you will carry it, and learn to live with the compromises.  Then buy different guns for actual fun and competition with yourself.   The worst choice (IMHO) is the one where it is just big enough, it ends up staying at home anyway, but it's still not that much fun at the range either.  

Excellent advice  That was my whole reason for the LCP. I knew it didn't pack a huge punch, but I knew I would carry it.

[Pappy!]

Lesa and I do a TON of shooting. She loves it. Her first gun was a Sig P238, in .380. She doesn't even take it out of the safe anymore. Her hands are tiny yet she manages a 9MM with ease.
We both shoot 9MM for the most part now. Great round with plenty of stopping power in the self defense rounds.
Would definitely get the same caliber for both of you. For inexpensive ammo try these guys.
https://www.freedommunitions.com/
Their ammo is reliable for target shooting and self defense practice. Cost is around .20/round which is pretty good. Free shipping over $199. Trust me, you will go through some ammo.
I take it you are looking at the Ruger LC9S series? If so, those are great guns. I just recommended one for CC and self defense for my cousin Carla. She loves it so far.
Good advice on renting several different guns to try. Also have her hold and work the slide on anything you are considering. Ease of racking the slide varies GREATLY between manufacturers. Kahr and Sig are probably two of the best in this regard.

[MarkT]

Sorry Jess.  Gotta disagree on the J frames.  Both of mine group well, have great triggers, and hit very close to the green laser spot.  Practice with .38 specials, recoil and blast not too bad. Carry with full power .357 HP loads though that's probably overkill. Their compact size makes carry & concealment really easy. I rarely carry bigger autoloaders anymore since these are so convenient.  But when I do it's usually the Glock 23 or 21SF. Both also have Crimson Trace grips.

[Jess from VA]

I thought my post might draw your fire (deservedly).  Steve was asking (only) about autos, and my posts were really about autos, but I did throw the Jframes into it.  They don't have great sights (w/o lasers) and the double action triggers are not very good (if not improved) (compared to say K frames), and thumb cocking one is not something most people ought to do in an emergency (but if you do you get a great trigger)(and if I had the time to line up a shot, I'd thumb rooster mine), and I don't think they're all that fun at the range (beyond close range) (esp with the small grips I use for carry).  So I grouped them in with small autos.  All small handguns (auto or revolver) with short barrels are hard to shoot accurately if you don't hold very steady, and mediocre triggers don't make holding on target any easier.  (though a good number of these small pocket autos have petty mediocre triggers too)

But yeah I have two Jframes, and I'd rather have one on me than a little pocket auto any day (esp the one with the crimson trace).  I love revolvers.  And IMHO they are always a better choice for beginners than any auto.  But I love my K/L frames a lot more than my Js.  But I don't want to carry a K/L frame all the time (heavy), say as compared to my Kahr P9, which is small, but not really a pocket pistol.  And I'd rather have my Kahr than any Jframe (and the Kahr trigger is as close to a double action revolver trigger of any auto pistol made, but very smooth without stacking).  

So I guess this is half a retraction.    

[Mr Whiskey]

I thought my post might draw your fire (deservedly).  Steve was asking (only) about autos, and my posts were really about autos, but I did throw the Jframes into it.  They don't have great sights (w/o lasers) and the double action triggers are not very good (if not improved) (compared to say K frames), and thumb cocking one is not something most people ought to do in an emergency (but if you do you get a great trigger)(and if I had the time to line up a shot, I'd thumb rooster mine), and I don't think they're all that fun at the range (beyond close range) (esp with the small grips I use for carry).  So I grouped them in with small autos.  All small handguns (auto or revolver) with short barrels are hard to shoot accurately if you don't hold very steady, and mediocre triggers don't make holding on target any easier.  (though a good number of these small pocket autos have petty mediocre triggers too)

But yeah I have two Jframes, and I'd rather have one on me than a little pocket auto any day (esp the one with the crimson trace).  I love revolvers.  And IMHO they are always a better choice for beginners than any auto.  But I love my K/L frames a lot more than my Js.  But I don't want to carry a K/L frame all the time (heavy), say as compared to my Kahr P9, which is small, but not really a pocket pistol.  And I'd rather have my Kahr than any Jframe (and the Kahr trigger is as close to a double action revolver trigger of any auto pistol made, but very smooth without stacking).  

So I guess this is half a retraction.    

This...
http://www.ruger.com/products/lcr/specSheets/5450.html
has a much better trigger than a Smith, right outta the box
"Five & Alive"
2¢ worth

[Ramie]

Not a big fan of the ruger's especially on that model of 380 it has a hard trigger pull.  My son has the SR9 but it is a little to big at least for my wife.  One of my favorite weapons is my Bersa Thunder, easy to shoot, easy to carry.

[czuch]

I prefer to just carry a cop around.
When that's not practical, its a 9mm.

[therapist]

Agree with it being important to find both the proper gun and holster.
"Proper" being the one you would be comfortable carrying every day.
I tried everything to find a way to comfortably carry my Glock 19. Different
holsters, belts, nothing felt right. Then I remembered, that back in the 70's,
when I carried every day for my job, I used an ankle holster. So,
dug out the dusty old holster and cleaned up my old S&W Chief special 38
W/2" barrel. It just felt right, again. Yes, I know for self defense, the ankle
holster isn't the best.

[DirtyDan]

Smith & Wesson 357 38 hollow points

That's what I carry

Dan

[Chrisj CMA]

Smith & Wesson 357 38 hollow points

That's what I carry

Dan

Why 38 and not .357.  The recoil is only a slight bit more but the knock down power is huge compared to the 38

[The emperor has no clothes]

Smith & Wesson 357 38 hollow points

That's what I carry

Dan

Why 38 and not .357.  The recoil is only a slight bit more but the knock down power is huge compared to the 38

Doesn't do as much damage to fingers.  (sorry, couldn't resist)

[Serk]

Smith & Wesson 357 38 hollow points

That's what I carry

Dan

Why 38 and not .357.  The recoil is only a slight bit more but the knock down power is huge compared to the 38

He doesn't mention the barrel length that he carries, but in snubbies (2 inch barrel) the FPS difference between a 38+P and a 357 isn't that much, mostly what you're getting from moving up to the 357 is more muzzle blast, light, noise etc from the unburned powder combusting after it exits the barrel, doing nothing but making a light show.

(If it's a full length barrel, no argument the 357 delivers far more power of course, just saying in snubbies)

[MarkT]

If I have to use my J frame snubbies I'm OK with the blast discouraging any perp pals.  I have no problem with the recoil; aim is good with green lasers, and with only 5 shots until I go to the BUG I want all the knockdown and max other effects I can get. My ears are already FUBAR'd thx to Uncle Sugar. So full power magnums it is.

[bagelboy]

I use Blazer Brass all the time in my handguns. Never had a problem! I buy it in bulk from TargetAmmo. They ship right to my door and shipping is free on bulk orders, good luck!

[Serk]

I use Blazer Brass all the time in my handguns. Never had a problem! I buy it in bulk from TargetAmmo. They ship right to my door and shipping is free on bulk orders, good luck!

I'll do ya' one better, for plinking and just general practice, I use the cheapest Russian steel cased stuff I can find, even in my high end guns.

Not the stuff I'd wanna stake my life on but it's worked fine, not caused any issues with my firearms.

It's not reloadable so in a twisted plus I don't have to go digging through the thorns at my shooting area gathering up all the brass either.

[F6Dave]

A few years ago the NRA's Rifleman magazine tested several .380 pistols.  They found that all but one they tested (I think it was a Rohrbaugh) jammed while firing the first few boxes of ammo.  I even heard from a guy at a gun store that one manufacturer now includes 2 springs with their .380s, one for break in, and the other to be used after a few boxes have fired.

The bottom line here is that it is common for .380s to jam when they are new.  You definitely want to give them a thorough break in at the range.

[Jess from VA]

While some makers are clearly better than others, all really small autos are (or should be) suspect, until well broken in and proved to be reliable.  Thus my earlier comment about blowing an absolute minimum 200 through any of them before you can trust them.  All 200 could be right into the ground, or at targets, as you choose.  With modern manufacture and CNC machines and just plain experience, this problem is getting better, but it is not solved.

I don't own a 380, but am so impressed with Kahr pistols, I took a long look at thiers (their tiniest pistol), and guess what?  A bunch of them (like maybe 30%) are not working right out of the box, and have to go back for tweaking.  The objective reviewers are saying that if you buy a new one, you'll just have to take your chances.  So I still don't own a 380 (and I do not want a middle size or double stack 380).  I got enough middle size.

Not one other Kahr has ever had these problems. 



On the other hand, you'll virtually never have a problem with one of these.