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What Round for the P3AT?
5/13/2009 1:21:50 AM
OK guys, I just picked up my P3AT and am going to the range to break her in tomorrow before I carry her. Now, I am torn between going with:
A high quality FMJ:Penetration and Shot Placement.
or
Hornady Critical Defense: Seems to offer expansion and penetration
What would you guys suggest? I am open to any other brands you guys feel are good for ccw. Thanks guys!
A high quality FMJ:Penetration and Shot Placement.
or
Hornady Critical Defense: Seems to offer expansion and penetration
What would you guys suggest? I am open to any other brands you guys feel are good for ccw. Thanks guys!
5/13/2009 9:07:34 AM
A stock P3AT without a polished feedramp may be finnicky. I broke mine in with a few hundred rounds of hardball. Now I carry 90gr low recoil Hydra-Shoks. The recoil is a factor with the P3AT, due to it's design, that's why I use low recoil rounds for faster follow-ups.
380 is scarce around here so CTers shoot what we can find and hoard
.
380 is scarce around here so CTers shoot what we can find and hoard
.5/13/2009 11:49:53 AM
break it in with FMJ, then run your HPs thru it...
of course that assumes you can find any ammo
of course that assumes you can find any ammo
5/13/2009 3:14:05 PM
Based upon this link: Golden Loki P3AT ballistic gellatin Test I decided I'm going to try Corbon's 80 grain DPX load in 380 ACP for my P3AT. This stuff is really something. Don was getting expansion to over 64 caliber with 956 fps avg velocity and 10.9" of penetration on 2-layer denim-covered 10% gelatin, which is plenty adequate for defensive purposes. MOST IMPORTANTLY, all this data (velocity, expansion, penetration, etc) was shot with a Kel-tec P3AT so it's not like ammo-manufactuer data that was shot out of a 5" 380 test barrel.
I emailed and he said he only tested 10 rounds but they all ran perfect through the gun, which had a fluff & buff that he did. Another guy on midwayusa.com's review of the product says they run well through his gun.
I ordered 2 boxes the other day direct from Corbon...1 box to test...1 box for carry ammo. Corbon claims 3 weeks until it'll be available. I hope that's not like the 2 weeks I keep hearing for everything AR-related that turns out to be 2 months.
Cor-bon factory price is $29 per 20 rounds, about $1.50/round. The same stuff is on gunbroker right now for $75 for 40 rounds, $1.88/round, only a 25% markup which is fairly reasonable compared to the rediculous prices 380 is going for these days.
No other defensive ammo compares in reliable expansion and has data to show reliability in P3ATs.
FYI, Don at www.goldenloki.com is great for a fluff and buff job. I sent him my slide, barrel, recoil assembly, and assembly pin and he turned it around all polished up in only 2 days for $25. It really looks good. I'll update after I shoot the gun...hopefully next few days.
-David
Edgewood, NM
I emailed and he said he only tested 10 rounds but they all ran perfect through the gun, which had a fluff & buff that he did. Another guy on midwayusa.com's review of the product says they run well through his gun.
I ordered 2 boxes the other day direct from Corbon...1 box to test...1 box for carry ammo. Corbon claims 3 weeks until it'll be available. I hope that's not like the 2 weeks I keep hearing for everything AR-related that turns out to be 2 months.
Cor-bon factory price is $29 per 20 rounds, about $1.50/round. The same stuff is on gunbroker right now for $75 for 40 rounds, $1.88/round, only a 25% markup which is fairly reasonable compared to the rediculous prices 380 is going for these days.
No other defensive ammo compares in reliable expansion and has data to show reliability in P3ATs.
FYI, Don at www.goldenloki.com is great for a fluff and buff job. I sent him my slide, barrel, recoil assembly, and assembly pin and he turned it around all polished up in only 2 days for $25. It really looks good. I'll update after I shoot the gun...hopefully next few days.
-David
Edgewood, NM
5/13/2009 8:52:14 PM
I polished my feedramp to a mirror then ran 100 rounds of Blazer brass through magazine after magazine back to back. Zero malfuntions. Then I ran a magazine of Hornady Critical Defense through it. Zero malfunctions. I feel pretty damn secure in carrying it and using it in a personal defense situation. I carry the Hordnady Critical Defense.
5/14/2009 2:58:05 PM
I always carried 102gr golden sabers, ran flawless in my gun and I never did a fluff and buff.
5/14/2009 7:11:43 PM
yup golden sabers are great for the p3at's. Their smooth rounded profile allows them to feed much like FMJ and they are a nice HOT load for theses little wrist snappers to ensure good expansion.
-Jon
-Jon
5/14/2009 11:04:49 PM
What about 90gr Gold Dots?
5/15/2009 10:45:09 AM
Originally Posted By alphajaguars:
What about 90gr Gold Dots?
What about 90gr Gold Dots?
See link above. Has test data on Gold Dots out of a P3AT as well.
-David
5/16/2009 11:13:57 AM
Originally Posted By nmmi9100:
Based upon this link: Golden Loki P3AT ballistic gellatin Test I decided I'm going to try Corbon's 80 grain DPX load in 380 ACP for my P3AT. This stuff is really something. Don was getting expansion to over 64 caliber with 956 fps avg velocity and 10.9" of penetration on 2-layer denim-covered 10% gelatin, which is plenty adequate for defensive purposes. MOST IMPORTANTLY, all this data (velocity, expansion, penetration, etc) was shot with a Kel-tec P3AT so it's not like ammo-manufactuer data that was shot out of a 5" 380 test barrel.
I emailed and he said he only tested 10 rounds but they all ran perfect through the gun, which had a fluff & buff that he did. Another guy on midwayusa.com's review of the product says they run well through his gun.
I ordered 2 boxes the other day direct from Corbon...1 box to test...1 box for carry ammo. Corbon claims 3 weeks until it'll be available. I hope that's not like the 2 weeks I keep hearing for everything AR-related that turns out to be 2 months.
Cor-bon factory price is $29 per 20 rounds, about $1.50/round. The same stuff is on gunbroker right now for $75 for 40 rounds, $1.88/round, only a 25% markup which is fairly reasonable compared to the rediculous prices 380 is going for these days.
No other defensive ammo compares in reliable expansion and has data to show reliability in P3ATs.
FYI, Don at www.goldenloki.com is great for a fluff and buff job. I sent him my slide, barrel, recoil assembly, and assembly pin and he turned it around all polished up in only 2 days for $25. It really looks good. I'll update after I shoot the gun...hopefully next few days.
-David
Edgewood, NM
Based upon this link: Golden Loki P3AT ballistic gellatin Test I decided I'm going to try Corbon's 80 grain DPX load in 380 ACP for my P3AT. This stuff is really something. Don was getting expansion to over 64 caliber with 956 fps avg velocity and 10.9" of penetration on 2-layer denim-covered 10% gelatin, which is plenty adequate for defensive purposes. MOST IMPORTANTLY, all this data (velocity, expansion, penetration, etc) was shot with a Kel-tec P3AT so it's not like ammo-manufactuer data that was shot out of a 5" 380 test barrel.
I emailed and he said he only tested 10 rounds but they all ran perfect through the gun, which had a fluff & buff that he did. Another guy on midwayusa.com's review of the product says they run well through his gun.
I ordered 2 boxes the other day direct from Corbon...1 box to test...1 box for carry ammo. Corbon claims 3 weeks until it'll be available. I hope that's not like the 2 weeks I keep hearing for everything AR-related that turns out to be 2 months.
Cor-bon factory price is $29 per 20 rounds, about $1.50/round. The same stuff is on gunbroker right now for $75 for 40 rounds, $1.88/round, only a 25% markup which is fairly reasonable compared to the rediculous prices 380 is going for these days.
No other defensive ammo compares in reliable expansion and has data to show reliability in P3ATs.
FYI, Don at www.goldenloki.com is great for a fluff and buff job. I sent him my slide, barrel, recoil assembly, and assembly pin and he turned it around all polished up in only 2 days for $25. It really looks good. I'll update after I shoot the gun...hopefully next few days.
-David
Edgewood, NM
Wow, thanks for the info. I will try to get my hands on some of that 80 grain Cor-bon.
5/19/2009 3:26:22 AM
Originally Posted By alphajaguars:
What about 90gr Gold Dots?
What about 90gr Gold Dots?
Gold Dots are my carry round of choice in the P-3AT. They get fair, consistent expansion, while still penetrating 10-13 inches. I've also found them to be more accurate than other rounds. Guns can vary on what they like though.
Lots of guys like the Golden Sabers for the weight though. And they are less expensive and easier to find than the Gold Dots.
GoldenLoki's lack of expansion with this round is disturbing though.
5/20/2009 3:29:46 AM
When I sent my p3at back to kel-tec because of failures to fire. They destroyed it and sent me a new one with same serial number. However I received a letter that stated not to use +p ammo in this pistol, along with other to do and not to do. Is this true or just them trying to make the pistol last longer without any malfunctions?? Also isn't the DPX loads +p? I use pow-r-ball now for self defense but am looking for another round.
5/20/2009 10:48:34 AM
Originally Posted By chris1824:
When I sent my p3at back to kel-tec because of failures to fire. They destroyed it and sent me a new one with same serial number. However I received a letter that stated not to use +p ammo in this pistol, along with other to do and not to do. Is this true or just them trying to make the pistol last longer without any malfunctions?? Also isn't the DPX loads +p? I use pow-r-ball now for self defense but am looking for another round.
When I sent my p3at back to kel-tec because of failures to fire. They destroyed it and sent me a new one with same serial number. However I received a letter that stated not to use +p ammo in this pistol, along with other to do and not to do. Is this true or just them trying to make the pistol last longer without any malfunctions?? Also isn't the DPX loads +p? I use pow-r-ball now for self defense but am looking for another round.
No such thing as +P for 380. +P only exists, to my knowledge, for 9mm, 38 Special, and 45 ACP although a few manufacturers use it to designate hotter than normal loads, +P is only officially recognized for the three above calibers.
The Corbon 380 DPX load is within SAAMI specs...I'm sure it's near max SAAMI Spec but it's not beyond the limits.
-David
Edgewood, NM
5/20/2009 12:20:39 PM
I run Hornady Critical Defense in my P3AT. I've done my own "fluff & buff", have'nt had any malfunctions with any FMJ ammo, Gold Dots or Critical Defense.
5/20/2009 12:27:02 PM
Thanks for the replies, yea I think your right about 380 not having +p. I was doing more research on my powrball rounds and they don't say they are +p.
fullauto4u how do you like the critical defense? I have been looking for that ammo all around town, but no luck yet. O well because I shoot fine with the powrball ammo and still like that round, just looking for a change.
fullauto4u how do you like the critical defense? I have been looking for that ammo all around town, but no luck yet. O well because I shoot fine with the powrball ammo and still like that round, just looking for a change.
5/20/2009 11:27:16 PM
Originally Posted By nmmi9100:
No such thing as +P for 380. +P only exists, to my knowledge, for 9mm, 38 Special, and 45 ACP although a few manufacturers use it to designate hotter than normal loads, +P is only officially recognized for the three above calibers.
The Corbon 380 DPX load is within SAAMI specs...I'm sure it's near max SAAMI Spec but it's not beyond the limits.
-David
Edgewood, NM
Originally Posted By chris1824:
When I sent my p3at back to kel-tec because of failures to fire. They destroyed it and sent me a new one with same serial number. However I received a letter that stated not to use +p ammo in this pistol, along with other to do and not to do. Is this true or just them trying to make the pistol last longer without any malfunctions?? Also isn't the DPX loads +p? I use pow-r-ball now for self defense but am looking for another round.
When I sent my p3at back to kel-tec because of failures to fire. They destroyed it and sent me a new one with same serial number. However I received a letter that stated not to use +p ammo in this pistol, along with other to do and not to do. Is this true or just them trying to make the pistol last longer without any malfunctions?? Also isn't the DPX loads +p? I use pow-r-ball now for self defense but am looking for another round.
No such thing as +P for 380. +P only exists, to my knowledge, for 9mm, 38 Special, and 45 ACP although a few manufacturers use it to designate hotter than normal loads, +P is only officially recognized for the three above calibers.
The Corbon 380 DPX load is within SAAMI specs...I'm sure it's near max SAAMI Spec but it's not beyond the limits.
-David
Edgewood, NM
I disagree. There is no standard for 380 +P. Just like there is no standard for 9x19 +P+. It might be a liitle above spec or a lot above spec. But there is 380 ammo loaded to higher than SAAMI specs.
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=129
5/21/2009 12:29:52 AM
Originally Posted By Aloxite:
I disagree. There is no standard for 380 +P. Just like there is no standard for 9x19 +P+. It might be a liitle above spec or a lot above spec. But there is 380 ammo loaded to higher than SAAMI specs.
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=129
Originally Posted By nmmi9100:
No such thing as +P for 380. +P only exists, to my knowledge, for 9mm, 38 Special, and 45 ACP although a few manufacturers use it to designate hotter than normal loads, +P is only officially recognized for the three above calibers.
The Corbon 380 DPX load is within SAAMI specs...I'm sure it's near max SAAMI Spec but it's not beyond the limits.
-David
Edgewood, NM
Originally Posted By chris1824:
When I sent my p3at back to kel-tec because of failures to fire. They destroyed it and sent me a new one with same serial number. However I received a letter that stated not to use +p ammo in this pistol, along with other to do and not to do. Is this true or just them trying to make the pistol last longer without any malfunctions?? Also isn't the DPX loads +p? I use pow-r-ball now for self defense but am looking for another round.
When I sent my p3at back to kel-tec because of failures to fire. They destroyed it and sent me a new one with same serial number. However I received a letter that stated not to use +p ammo in this pistol, along with other to do and not to do. Is this true or just them trying to make the pistol last longer without any malfunctions?? Also isn't the DPX loads +p? I use pow-r-ball now for self defense but am looking for another round.
No such thing as +P for 380. +P only exists, to my knowledge, for 9mm, 38 Special, and 45 ACP although a few manufacturers use it to designate hotter than normal loads, +P is only officially recognized for the three above calibers.
The Corbon 380 DPX load is within SAAMI specs...I'm sure it's near max SAAMI Spec but it's not beyond the limits.
-David
Edgewood, NM
I disagree. There is no standard for 380 +P. Just like there is no standard for 9x19 +P+. It might be a liitle above spec or a lot above spec. But there is 380 ammo loaded to higher than SAAMI specs.
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=129
Good post and good to know!!
5/21/2009 12:50:56 AM
Originally Posted By Aloxite:
I disagree. There is no standard for 380 +P. Just like there is no standard for 9x19 +P+. It might be a liitle above spec or a lot above spec. But there is 380 ammo loaded to higher than SAAMI specs.
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=129
Originally Posted By nmmi9100:
No such thing as +P for 380. +P only exists, to my knowledge, for 9mm, 38 Special, and 45 ACP although a few manufacturers use it to designate hotter than normal loads, +P is only officially recognized for the three above calibers.
The Corbon 380 DPX load is within SAAMI specs...I'm sure it's near max SAAMI Spec but it's not beyond the limits.
-David
Edgewood, NM
Originally Posted By chris1824:
When I sent my p3at back to kel-tec because of failures to fire. They destroyed it and sent me a new one with same serial number. However I received a letter that stated not to use +p ammo in this pistol, along with other to do and not to do. Is this true or just them trying to make the pistol last longer without any malfunctions?? Also isn't the DPX loads +p? I use pow-r-ball now for self defense but am looking for another round.
When I sent my p3at back to kel-tec because of failures to fire. They destroyed it and sent me a new one with same serial number. However I received a letter that stated not to use +p ammo in this pistol, along with other to do and not to do. Is this true or just them trying to make the pistol last longer without any malfunctions?? Also isn't the DPX loads +p? I use pow-r-ball now for self defense but am looking for another round.
No such thing as +P for 380. +P only exists, to my knowledge, for 9mm, 38 Special, and 45 ACP although a few manufacturers use it to designate hotter than normal loads, +P is only officially recognized for the three above calibers.
The Corbon 380 DPX load is within SAAMI specs...I'm sure it's near max SAAMI Spec but it's not beyond the limits.
-David
Edgewood, NM
I disagree. There is no standard for 380 +P. Just like there is no standard for 9x19 +P+. It might be a liitle above spec or a lot above spec. But there is 380 ammo loaded to higher than SAAMI specs.
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=129
Hey, bud, I never said there weren't folks out there loading shit hotter than SAAMI spec. Just that there isn't a +P standard for anything but 9mm, 38 Spl, & 45 ACP. Semi-custom loaders like Buffalo Bore, etc can load what they feel is safe for specific guns. But the fact remains, there is NO SUCH THING AS A SAAMI-recognized 380 ACP +P.
Did you read my post above "although a few manufacturers use it to designate hotter than normal loads, +P is only officially recognized for the three above calibers."
-David
Edgewood, NM
5/21/2009 11:26:49 AM
Sorry about that David. You are correct. I guess I shouldn't post after a 12 hour day at work.
Someone in a different thread has said that the numbers that Golden Loki is getting seem high. I picked up a box of the 90 grain Corbon 380. Hopefully I can get a chance to get out and run a couple of rounds through the crono. I'm curious now.
Someone in a different thread has said that the numbers that Golden Loki is getting seem high. I picked up a box of the 90 grain Corbon 380. Hopefully I can get a chance to get out and run a couple of rounds through the crono. I'm curious now.
5/23/2009 2:01:06 AM
another vote for the Corbon DPX, I really like that round. Feeds well, shoots a nice flat trajectory out to 35 or so feet (from a LCP) with a tiny group (50 cent peice group at 25 feet is my best with that gun/ammo combo using Crimson Trace and two handed grip)
I currently trying the Hornady Critical Defense, but haven't used any yet. I won't use up my current defense ammo supply until I've secured another batch.... I did that once and ended up only having ONE round of DPX for defense carry for 2-3 weeks while I pounded the pavement looking for more ammo.
I currently trying the Hornady Critical Defense, but haven't used any yet. I won't use up my current defense ammo supply until I've secured another batch.... I did that once and ended up only having ONE round of DPX for defense carry for 2-3 weeks while I pounded the pavement looking for more ammo.
6/20/2009 4:05:02 PM
Originally Posted By nmmi9100:
tc can load what they feel is safe for specific guns. But the fact remains, there is NO SUCH THING AS A SAAMI-recognized 380 ACP +P.
Did you read my post above "although a few manufacturers use it to designate hotter than normal loads, +P is only officially recognized for the three above calibers."
-David
Edgewood, NM
tc can load what they feel is safe for specific guns. But the fact remains, there is NO SUCH THING AS A SAAMI-recognized 380 ACP +P.
Did you read my post above "although a few manufacturers use it to designate hotter than normal loads, +P is only officially recognized for the three above calibers."
-David
Edgewood, NM
This is not exactly correct, close though. SAAMI recognises +P loads in 5 calibers
.38 S&W Special +P
.45 acp +P
9x19mm +P
You missed .257 Roberts +P, which is a rifle round
And .38 ACP +P (almost always called .38 Super, but it is a +P version of the old .38 ACP round, and .38 ACP +P is still a correct designation)
The main point, that there is no SAAMI designation of +P in other calibers is dead on. If someone is selling a +P in any but the 5 calibers above, they are selling ammo that does not meet SAAMI specifications.
6/20/2009 9:43:08 PM
Never have seen a box of 38 ACP +P. Always 38 SUPER. I think 38 ACP +P is an obsolete designator. But then maybe you are right. I know you are right on the 257 Roberts +P. But discussing bottleneck rifle cartridges here in the Handgun Forum didn't make much sense.
Thanks for the technical contribution.
-David
Edgewood, NM
Thanks for the technical contribution.
-David
Edgewood, NM
6/24/2009 11:15:20 PM
See page 3 of the KEL-TEC P-3AT manual.
"The P-3AT pistol is designed and chambered for the 380 Auto cartridge. Do not use any other ammunition. The P-3AT will accept +P ammunition, however not with continuous use."
"The P-3AT pistol is designed and chambered for the 380 Auto cartridge. Do not use any other ammunition. The P-3AT will accept +P ammunition, however not with continuous use."
6/25/2009 4:50:46 PM
Originally Posted By PCG8R:
See page 3 of the KEL-TEC P-3AT manual.
"The P-3AT pistol is designed and chambered for the 380 Auto cartridge. Do not use any other ammunition. The P-3AT will accept +P ammunition, however not with continuous use."
See page 3 of the KEL-TEC P-3AT manual.
"The P-3AT pistol is designed and chambered for the 380 Auto cartridge. Do not use any other ammunition. The P-3AT will accept +P ammunition, however not with continuous use."
Yep. And Kel-tec is wrong. There is no such thing as 380 ACP +P.
-David
Edgewood, NM
6/26/2009 3:42:05 AM
Originally Posted By nmmi9100:
Yep. And Kel-tec is wrong. There is no such thing as 380 ACP +P.
-David
Edgewood, NM
Originally Posted By PCG8R:
See page 3 of the KEL-TEC P-3AT manual.
"The P-3AT pistol is designed and chambered for the 380 Auto cartridge. Do not use any other ammunition. The P-3AT will accept +P ammunition, however not with continuous use."
See page 3 of the KEL-TEC P-3AT manual.
"The P-3AT pistol is designed and chambered for the 380 Auto cartridge. Do not use any other ammunition. The P-3AT will accept +P ammunition, however not with continuous use."
Yep. And Kel-tec is wrong. There is no such thing as 380 ACP +P.
-David
Edgewood, NM
Not sure if I am wrong or these websites are wrong but I found some 380 ACP +p
http://www.buffalobore.com/
https://www.ammoalley.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=Ammo&Product_Code=3809020&Category_Code=CORBON
same Corbon ammo but another website
https://www.rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=3809020
Feel free to let me know if I am in the wrong, just things I've found online
6/26/2009 4:42:41 PM
Originally Posted By chris1824:
Not sure if I am wrong or these websites are wrong but I found some 380 ACP +p
http://www.buffalobore.com/
https://www.ammoalley.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=Ammo&Product_Code=3809020&Category_Code=CORBON
same Corbon ammo but another website
https://www.rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=3809020
Feel free to let me know if I am in the wrong, just things I've found online
Originally Posted By nmmi9100:
Yep. And Kel-tec is wrong. There is no such thing as 380 ACP +P.
-David
Edgewood, NM
Originally Posted By PCG8R:
See page 3 of the KEL-TEC P-3AT manual.
"The P-3AT pistol is designed and chambered for the 380 Auto cartridge. Do not use any other ammunition. The P-3AT will accept +P ammunition, however not with continuous use."
See page 3 of the KEL-TEC P-3AT manual.
"The P-3AT pistol is designed and chambered for the 380 Auto cartridge. Do not use any other ammunition. The P-3AT will accept +P ammunition, however not with continuous use."
Yep. And Kel-tec is wrong. There is no such thing as 380 ACP +P.
-David
Edgewood, NM
Not sure if I am wrong or these websites are wrong but I found some 380 ACP +p
http://www.buffalobore.com/
https://www.ammoalley.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=Ammo&Product_Code=3809020&Category_Code=CORBON
same Corbon ammo but another website
https://www.rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=3809020
Feel free to let me know if I am in the wrong, just things I've found online
Those companies are wrong. They are loading an OVERPRESSURE 380 ACP as there is no SAAMI standard for 380 ACP +P.
+P is a very specific standard for loading CERTAIN cartridges at a higher pressure than normal. SPECIFIC limits of higher pressure are prescribed by SAAMI for +P designated rounds, most commonly 9mm Luger, 45 ACP, and 38 Special. As another gentlemen mentioned, +P standards exist for 257 Roberts and 38 ACP, aka 38 Super in its +P incarnation.
The reason they are putting that on their products is to denote that their ammo is loaded hotter than spec OR to connotate that it is higher velocity than normal. I wouldn't think about using some OVERPRESSURE ammo in a tiny gun like a P3AT.
And if somewhere is advertising Corbon 380 ACP DPX as +P, they are incorrect. Corbon loads this stuff to SAAMI spec.
-David
Edgewood, NM
6/26/2009 7:28:35 PM
Got ya. I appreciate the info.
6/29/2009 5:30:12 PM
How'd the breakin go?
I would have spent most of my $ on FMJ for break in, then also 4 boxes of gold dot's after running the fmj and hoped for no failures and carry the gold dot. I currently carry gold dot or Fed. hst. reduced recoil, w/ no hiccups.
I would have spent most of my $ on FMJ for break in, then also 4 boxes of gold dot's after running the fmj and hoped for no failures and carry the gold dot. I currently carry gold dot or Fed. hst. reduced recoil, w/ no hiccups.
7/3/2009 12:38:34 AM
I'm using Gold Dot in mine. I can shot a 5 shot group in the head at 15' you can cover with the width of your palm.
7/5/2009 9:17:07 PM
glassers blues work well 
7/7/2009 10:17:31 AM
Im going with the Hornady Critical Defense. Seems to get good reviews and it gets decent penetration and expansion for a .380.
7/18/2009 8:00:44 PM
I finally got my NM CCW this past week so I decided to see if my Corbon DPX rounds would run though the Kel-tec P3AT. I shot 20 rounds and they ran 100%!
So far with this gun (all rounds fired after GoldenLoki.com fluff & buff):
100 rounds of Magtech ball...1 Class 1 malf, failure to feed all the way...bumped slide to clear malf. This was round 35 +/- of the gun's life.
50 rounds of buddy's plated lead reloads...1 Class 1 malf, failure to feed all the way...bumped slide to clear malf.
75 rounds of Winchester Ball...0 malfs
14 rounds of Speer Golddots...0 malfs
20 rounds of Corbon DPX...0 malfs
After shooting all this stuff, i've found that the Magtech is really inconsistent in ejection. Some brass will go 2 feet. Some will go 30 feet. Charges are inconsistent. And man is this stuff filthy.
The Winchester all ends up in one pile, about 5 feet in diameter, as do the Gold Dots and the Corbons, although obviously, all land in different piles. Clearly these rounds have more consistent charges. The Winchester is the dirtiest of the 3, although not as dirty as Magtech.
-David
Edgewood, NM
So far with this gun (all rounds fired after GoldenLoki.com fluff & buff):
100 rounds of Magtech ball...1 Class 1 malf, failure to feed all the way...bumped slide to clear malf. This was round 35 +/- of the gun's life.
50 rounds of buddy's plated lead reloads...1 Class 1 malf, failure to feed all the way...bumped slide to clear malf.
75 rounds of Winchester Ball...0 malfs
14 rounds of Speer Golddots...0 malfs
20 rounds of Corbon DPX...0 malfs
After shooting all this stuff, i've found that the Magtech is really inconsistent in ejection. Some brass will go 2 feet. Some will go 30 feet. Charges are inconsistent. And man is this stuff filthy.
The Winchester all ends up in one pile, about 5 feet in diameter, as do the Gold Dots and the Corbons, although obviously, all land in different piles. Clearly these rounds have more consistent charges. The Winchester is the dirtiest of the 3, although not as dirty as Magtech.
-David
Edgewood, NM
7/22/2009 11:08:14 PM
Do these eat LRN rounds? My local shop had 50 LRNs and 25 hollowpoints; bought it all. I'm hoping it will work fine, because I've never fired the gun before (bought in February, and this is the first 380 I've found around here at all).
7/22/2009 11:50:53 PM
Originally Posted By icebrain:
Do these eat LRN rounds? My local shop had 50 LRNs and 25 hollowpoints; bought it all. I'm hoping it will work fine, because I've never fired the gun before (bought in February, and this is the first 380 I've found around here at all).
Do these eat LRN rounds? My local shop had 50 LRNs and 25 hollowpoints; bought it all. I'm hoping it will work fine, because I've never fired the gun before (bought in February, and this is the first 380 I've found around here at all).
Try them. My gun only malfed once on copper-plated LRN rounds (handloads). You shoot what you've got, these days.
-David
7/24/2009 5:08:01 PM
Originally Posted By nmmi9100:
Try them. My gun only malfed once on copper-plated LRN rounds (handloads). You shoot what you've got, these days.
-David
Originally Posted By icebrain:
Do these eat LRN rounds? My local shop had 50 LRNs and 25 hollowpoints; bought it all. I'm hoping it will work fine, because I've never fired the gun before (bought in February, and this is the first 380 I've found around here at all).
Do these eat LRN rounds? My local shop had 50 LRNs and 25 hollowpoints; bought it all. I'm hoping it will work fine, because I've never fired the gun before (bought in February, and this is the first 380 I've found around here at all).
Try them. My gun only malfed once on copper-plated LRN rounds (handloads). You shoot what you've got, these days.
-David
To answer my own question... using Georgia Arms LRN, it feeds and shoots just fine (or at least, as good as I shoot any other handgun
). No malfunctions.8/11/2009 11:02:49 PM
I have read several range reports on ammo for the .380 pistols and the geletin tests show that for the most part majority of the Hp .380 ammo has lttle expansion. So I carry with FMJ not to worried about over penetration with this caliber. anyone have any test results to show this isn't the case.
8/12/2009 12:58:35 PM
Originally Posted By akuser-47:
I have read several range reports on ammo for the .380 pistols and the geletin tests show that for the most part majority of the Hp .380 ammo has lttle expansion. So I carry with FMJ not to worried about over penetration with this caliber. anyone have any test results to show this isn't the case.
I have read several range reports on ammo for the .380 pistols and the geletin tests show that for the most part majority of the Hp .380 ammo has lttle expansion. So I carry with FMJ not to worried about over penetration with this caliber. anyone have any test results to show this isn't the case.
www.goldenloki.com. The link is hot earlier in the thread. Great expansion (0.64") with Corbon DPX out of a P3AT.
-David
Edgewood, NM
8/12/2009 1:07:10 PM
Originally Posted By AddictedToGuns:
OK guys, I just picked up my P3AT and am going to the range to break her in tomorrow before I carry her. Now, I am torn between going with:
A high quality FMJ:Penetration and Shot Placement.
or
Hornady Critical Defense: Seems to offer expansion and penetration
What would you guys suggest? I am open to any other brands you guys feel are good for ccw. Thanks guys!
OK guys, I just picked up my P3AT and am going to the range to break her in tomorrow before I carry her. Now, I am torn between going with:
A high quality FMJ:Penetration and Shot Placement.
or
Hornady Critical Defense: Seems to offer expansion and penetration
What would you guys suggest? I am open to any other brands you guys feel are good for ccw. Thanks guys!
Run 100rnds of the cheapest ammo you can get through it...just to break it in a little. My P3AT would give me a FTE every mag or so, no matter what ammo I ran through it. Good luck with it.
9/19/2009 8:12:12 PM
DPX for the .380 round. It's what the Doctor ordered.
Don't believe me? Go ask him.
Don't believe me? Go ask him.
9/30/2009 4:58:36 PM
I carried dpx in my keltech untill I tested them out of it. They feed and function properly. In my wetpack testing they were very poor in penatration and only a few pedals would peel back. most 380 jhp ammo suffers from poor penatration. The 380 fmj has no problems with penatration, I now tend to carry flat nose fmj if im carrying 380. wich doesnt happen very often.
9/30/2009 5:07:16 PM
Originally Posted By kevin44mag:
I carried dpx in my keltech untill I tested them out of it. They feed and function properly. In my wetpack testing they were very poor in penatration and only a few pedals would peel back. most 380 jhp ammo suffers from poor penatration. The 380 fmj has no problems with penatration, I now tend to carry flat nose fmj if im carrying 380. wich doesnt happen very often.
I carried dpx in my keltech untill I tested them out of it. They feed and function properly. In my wetpack testing they were very poor in penatration and only a few pedals would peel back. most 380 jhp ammo suffers from poor penatration. The 380 fmj has no problems with penatration, I now tend to carry flat nose fmj if im carrying 380. wich doesnt happen very often.
Just depends which you believe is a better indicator of performance:
Calibrated ordnance gelatin covered with two layers of denim
or
Packed wet newspaper.
I'm going with calibrated ordnance gelatin. Never seen any bad guys made out of wet newspaper.
-David
Edgewood, NM
