Home defense

[El_Cid]

@Mr.Anderson

Do you have sources for the ballistics/studies on this round?
I’ve seen it said before of the brand/caliber.
Speaking of caliber, it IS a .380… I’m not expecting TOO much. I would like to obviously maximize it’s lethality. It was either the Liberty round or a FMJ. I figured the Liberty round would be a better round. But I have both, currently.
And, just for the record, when I said “good looking hollow point” I mean, as it SEEMED to me that the bullet should make a nice wound. Not that it is pretty… which, it is too, but that’s not what I mean.

The problem is that the way a JHP looks is not going to be indicative of how it will perform. If you research it you’ll find the Liberty ammo is widely considered a marketing gimmick. Also the trend has been towards heavier bullets for some time now. Going lighter than the “light” loads is not going to get you the penetration you need. That goes even more so for .380. Most folks will tell you that FMJ is your best option if you must use .380. Even more will suggest avoiding the caliber.

Here are a couple good starting points.
9/40/357/45: https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?4337-Service-Caliber-Handgun-Duty-and-Self-Defense-Ammo

.380: https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?4336-BUG-s-380-ACP-vs-38-Sp

Back on topic - guys the OP already stated his dad has a shotgun. I suspect that’s why he is asking about just handguns.

[Mr.Anderson]

El Cid

I agree about the caliber. Plus its one more type of ammo added to the list that I have to have on hand.
It was for my wife.
For example, I loaded up my new SIG sp2022 the day I got it and let her hold it like she’d use it. It was too big and too heavy for her.

Thanx for the links. I’ll read them ASAP

[buckshot1220]

@WillBrink

Don’t overlook the used market. Most people want new toys and put very few rnds through a gun and sell them, and a used M&P FS 9mm for example would be had around that price. Personally, I’d take a used quality handgun over poor quality new gun if money was a major issue in the decision making.

^This. I’d take a used/trade-in Glock Gen 3 19/17 over anything available new for $350.

[Watrdawg]

@RHINOWSO

4" 38/357 Smith or Ruger. Loaded with 38SPLs

Easy to load, easy manual of arms, easy to maintain, doubles as a club.

Useful for non-gun people who want a gun.

This hits the nail on the head!