Best 380 Ammo: Tested & Reviewed
The .380 ACP is one of the more fascinating pistol cartridges out there.
It’s been used around the world by police forces, militaries, and concealed carriers alike. Depending on where you are, you might hear it called 9mm Short, 9mm Kurz, 9mm Corto, 9mm Browning… the list goes on. It’s basically the Mr. Worldwide of handgun rounds.
Over the years, the .380’s popularity has gone up and down, but today it holds a strong place in the concealed carry market. And with that popularity comes a flood of choices.
So, which one should you trust?
In this guide, I’ve rounded up the best .380 ammo options available today — covering loads for self-defense, training, and good old-fashioned range fun.
The History of the .380
Like most things that stand the test of time in the gun world, the .380 ACP owes its existence to John Moses Browning.
Introduced in 1908, the cartridge made its debut in the Colt 1908 Pocket Hammerless, an updated version of the earlier 1903 model, which fired the .32 ACP.
At the time, .32 ACP ruled the compact pistol space. But the .380 ACP was a clear step forward. It delivered more power without overwhelming the straight blowback pistols that dominated the era. The round struck a balance: more punch, manageable recoil, and compatibility with small handguns. It became an instant hit.
Eventually, though, the .380’s popularity faded. By the 1970s, it had largely dropped out of the spotlight — until the concealed carry boom of the late ’90s and early 2000s brought it roaring back.
New pocket pistols like the KelTec P3AT, Ruger LCP, and S&W Bodyguard hit the market, and the .380 ACP once again had a role to play. But that pocket-sized renaissance didn’t last forever. Recoil was snappy, ammo stayed more expensive than 9mm, and the rise of single-stack and micro-compact 9mms pushed .380 pistols back into the shadows.
Now, we’re seeing yet another revival.
Modern .380 ACP pistols like the S&W M&P Shield EZ, Beretta 80X Cheetah, and Ruger Security-380 offer soft recoil, larger frames, and higher capacities — making them far more comfortable to shoot than their pocket-sized predecessors.
Once again, the .380 ACP has carved out a space for itself. And whether you’re running a tiny carry pistol or a full-featured soft shooter, this guide to the best .380 ammo includes picks that should serve every type of gun and shooter.
How We Chose the Best 380 Ammo
I test a lot of guns — including a recent roundup of the best .380 pistols — but I’ll admit, my revolver shooting has lagged behind. Mainly because I’ve never taken the time to really train with wheel guns the way I should.
That changed recently when I reviewed a .380 ACP revolver.
I wanted to give that gun a fair shake, which meant lots of range time, both to properly evaluate it and to get more practice behind a revolver. So I did my homework, revisited past experience, and ordered a wide selection of .380 ACP loads.
This list is the result of that effort.
Some picks are ideal for full-sized handguns. Others are better suited for compact carry guns. A few are perfect for training, and one is just here because it’s plain fun to shoot.
If you’re getting ready to hit the range and need to stock up, this list of the best .380 ammo has you covered.
Gun University’s Choices of the Best .380 ACP Ammo
Best .380 ACP Ammo
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Spec Comparison of the Best .380 ACP Ammo
Below is a table of the specifications for the best .380 ACP Ammo.
| Ammo | Type | Weight (Grains) | Velocity (FPS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady Critical Defense 90 Grain Low Recoil | JHP | 90 | 1,000 |
| Remington Ultimate Defense 102 Grain BJHP | JHP | 102 | 940 |
| Federal Personal Defense 90 Grain Hydra Shok Low Recoil | JHP | 90 | 1,000 |
| JHP | 90 | 975 | |
| Federal American Eagle 95 grain FMJ | FMJ | 95 | 980 |
| PMC Bronze 90 Grain FMJ | FMJ | 90 | 910 |
| Streak Non-Incendiary Tracers | FMJ | 100 | 890 |
Best .380 ACP Ammo
Here is our list for the best .380 ACP Ammo:
- Best Defensive Ammo for Pocket .380s: Hornady Critical Defense 90 Grain Low Recoil
- Best Defensive Ammo For Mid Size .380s: Remington Ultimate Defense 102 Grain BJHP
- Best Low Recoil Defensive .380 Ammo: Federal Personal Defense 90 Grain Hydra Shok Low Recoil
- Best Budget 380 APC Defensive Ammo: Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 90 Grain JHP
- Best .380 Training Ammo: Federal American Eagle 95 Grain FMJ
- Best .380 Plinking Ammo: PMC Bronze 90 Grain FMJ
- Best .380 Tracer Ammo: Streak Non-Incendiary Tracers
Best .380 ACP Ammo – Reviews
1 Hornady Critical Defense 380 ACP 90 Grain : Best Defensive Ammo for Pocket .380s
Hornady Critical Defense 90 Grain Low Recoil Specs
- Projectile Type JHP
- Bullet Weight 90 Grains
- Velocity 1,000 FPS
Hornady Critical Defense 90 Grain Low Recoil Review
So you’re still carrying a pocket .380 ACP? Why not? They are super small, very convenient, and literally fit in your pocket. They might not be the best fighting guns, but they could be enough for the average self-defense encounter. Because of their very lightweight and very short barrels, you have to be fairly selective about what ammo you use. This leads us to the Hornady Critical Defense lineup.
This load packs a 90-grain jacketed hollow point round that moves at a reported 1,000 feet per second. Admittedly, that’s likely measured from a longer barrel. From a pocket .380 ACP, it’s likely moving a little slower, but it’s still fast enough to both penetrate and expand reliably. The Critical Defense projectile penetrates beyond the recommended 12 inches in ballistic gel and still can expand when fired through thick denim.
That red polymer plug isn’t just to look cool. It’s specifically designed to prevent the projectile cavity from filling with clothing and preventing expansion. The FTX projectile helps ensure excellent expansion from most small guns. Plus, the recoil isn’t so harsh that it feels like your hand is getting a good slap with every shot.
The Hornady 90-grain Critical Defense load is a premium defensive load. The cartridge is super reliable, ignites with ease, and cycles without a problem. Basically, it’s the total defensive package for small pocket pistols.
Hornady Critical Defense 90 Grain Low Recoil Pros and Cons
- Excellent penetration
- Great expansion
- Controllable recoil
- Costs a dollar a round
Hornady Critical Defense 90 Grain Low Recoil Deals
Best Defensive Ammo for Pocket .380s
Hornady Critical Defense 90 Grain Low
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2 Remington Ultimate Defense 380 ACP 102 Grain BJHP : Best Defensive Ammo For Mid Size .380s
Remington Ultimate Defense 102 Grain BJHP Specs
- Type JHP
- Weight 102 Grains
- Velocity 940 FPS
Remington Ultimate Defense 102 Grain BJHP Review
If you’ve moved to a larger-than-pocket pistol .380 ACP, then it’s wise to consider that size when choosing a dedicated defensive cartridge. Those longer barrels can throw heavier bullets at faster velocities, which ensures great expansion and excellent penetration. Guns like the Ruger Security-380 can make the most out of the .380 by choosing a purpose-built, heavy projectile.
The Remington 102-grain bonded jacketed hollow point projectile pushes the .380 ACP about as big and heavy as it can go. The 940 FPS velocity means it’s moving pretty fast for a heavy .380 ACP, and that works well with the larger-than-pocket-sized .380 ACPs. The heavier bullet aids in excellent penetration and great expansion. In testing, the projectile can expand up to nearly .45 of an inch. The bullet also does well through heavy clothing barriers.
From a mid-size gun, the recoil is fairly light, especially with the short recoil systems most of these guns use. Remington defensive ammo makes a point of using special primers and propellants to reduce muzzle flash. The cases are nickel-plated cases that resist corrosion, which is nice when a gun and ammo type are carried for extended periods of time. This ensures reliable feeding regardless of whether the ammo is old.
Remington Ultimate Defense 102 Grain BJHP Pros and Cons
- Heavy projectile
- Excellent expansion
- Low flash design
- More than a dollar a round
Remington Ultimate Defense 102 Grain BJHP Deals
Best Defensive Ammo For Mid Size .380s
Remington Ultimate Defense 102 Grain BJHP
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3 Federal Personal Defense 380 ACP 90 Grain Hydra Shok Low Recoil : Best Low Recoil Defensive .380 Ammo
Federal Personal Defense 90 Grain Hydra Shok Low Recoil Specs
- Type JHP
- Weight 90 Grains
- Velocity 1,000 FPS
Federal Personal Defense 90 Grain Hydra Shok Low Recoil Review
If you’re carrying a pocket pistol and want less punch to the hand, or maybe you really want to minimize recoil as much as possible from your EZ series pistol, then I have the round for you. The Federal Hydra Shock 90-grain personal defense low recoil load will minimize recoil while still providing a capable defensive option for your .380 ACP handgun.
The classic Hydra Shok projectile is at play, which means this jacketed hollow point expands around a set pyramid in the base of the bullet. This helps encourage excellent penetration while the round expands and grows inside the target. With this particular load expand, it will depend on your gun.
The cartridge has an advertised speed of 1,000 feet per second, but the test barrel length is 3.42 inches. That’s longer than most pocket pistols. A mid-size handgun can reach that velocity, which will grant you excellent expansion and penetration. From a smaller pistol, your expansion will be limited, but it can reach an adequate level of penetration. Penetration and shot placement are more important than expansion.
If you need something that won’t beat your hand up, then this offers you an adequate defensive loading without the sting of your average .380 ACP cartridge.
Federal Personal Defense 90 Grain Hydra Shok Low Recoil Pros and Cons
- Low recoil
- Good penetration
- Proven projectile design
- Expansion depends on barrel length
Federal Personal Defense 90 Grain Hydra Shok Low Recoil Deals
Best Low Recoil Defensive .380 Ammo
Federal Personal Defense 90 Grain Hydra Shok Low Recoil
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4 Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 380 ACP 90 Grain JHP : Best Budget 380 APC Defensive Ammo
Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 90 Grain JHP Specs
- Type JHP
- Weight 90 Grains
- Velocity 975 FPS
Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 90 Grain JHP Review
So far, every round I’ve listed has cost at least a dollar a round. That’s pricey. While defensive ammo isn’t something most people shoot often, it is something that should be shot occasionally. If you never shoot your defensive ammo, you’ll have no idea how it performs. The Fiocchi Defense Dynamics line of .380 ACP gives you an affordable option for training and carrying.
At right around 50 cents per round, the Defense Dynamics ammo won’t break the bank. It’s only a little more expensive than standard FMJ rounds. The Defense Dynamics rounds give you a pretty standard defensive round. It’s a 90-grain JHP round with a plain brass case. There is no nickel-plated casing or polymer plug in the projectile. It’s as standard as it gets.
This doesn’t mean you can’t get good effects on the target. Testing has shown that the Defense Dynamics rounds expand to about .45 caliber and consistently penetrate 12.5 to 14 inches through ballistic gel. These cartridges deliver adequate terminal performance, but admittedly, it’s nothing special or exceptional. It might not penetrate the deepest or expand the most, but it does an adequate amount of both while not breaking the bank.
Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 90 Grain JHP Pros and Cons
- Affordable
- Adequate penetration and expansion
- Is not exceptional in any category
Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 90 Grain JHP Deals
Best Budget 380 APC Defensive Ammo
Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 90 Grain JHP
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5 Federal American Eagle 380 ACP 95 Grain FMJ : Best .380 Training Ammo
Federal American Eagle 95 Grain FMJ Specs
- Type FMJ
- Weight 95 Grains
- Velocity 980 FPS
Federal American Eagle 95 Grain FMJ Review
It is important to train with your defensive handgun in a realistic manner. You should use your normal carry method, holster, clothing, etc. The only weak point is ammo. Shooting defensive ammo gets expensive, so we often look for a cheaper, full metal jacket to fit the bill. When training, you should aim for a cartridge that mimics your defensive ammo, and since there are tons of .380 ACP defensive rounds, we had to aim at one that mimics most of their traits.
The American Eagle 95 grain FMJs from Federal are that ammo. They throw a 95-grain projectile at 980 feet per second. This mimics the typical .380 ACP defensive load and provides the same muzzle flip and recoil you’re used to. This makes it easy to transition between cheaper target ammo and more capable defensive ammo while maintaining the effectiveness of your training.
The American Eagle line from Federal is well known for its high quality. The round will feed, fire, and eject reliably from any modern .380 ACP. It won’t provide any difficulties in the training process. It’s also very common and easy to find at most ammo retailers, which makes it easy to shoot and train consistently. Heck, it’s even fairly clean, so you don’t have to be obsessive with cleaning your weapon, and you can take high-volume classes without worry.
Federal American Eagle 95 Grain FMJ Pros and Cons
- Affordable
- Replicates most defensive loadings
- Easy to find
- Reloadable
- Snappy recoil
Federal American Eagle 95 Grain FMJ Deals
Best .380 Training Ammo
Federal American Eagle 380 ACP 95 Grain FMJ
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6 PMC Bronze 380 ACP 90 Grain FMJ : Best .380 Plinking Ammo
PMC Bronze 90 Grain FMJ Specs
- Type FMJ
- Weight 90 Grains
- Velocity 910 FPS
PMC Bronze 90 Grain FMJ Review
PMC Bronze is one of those classic cheap rounds that’s perfect for informal shooting or training. You don’t always need to do with the harsh recoil of a full-powered round from the pocket .380 ACP. In a medium-sized gun, this stuff feels smooth and easy. The PMC Bronze ammo doesn’t try to push the .380 ACP to its maximum capacity.
The light 90-grain round is only pushed to 910 feet per second. This creates a fairly pleasant round that’s not super snappy or painful in the hand. It’s a light recoiling option that’s also cheap and perfect for just a day at the range. Sometimes, you just want to shoot for fun, and that’s where the PMC Bronze comes in.
There are cheaper rounds, but this ammo uses reliable brass cases with jacketed projectiles. These rounds feed smoothly and easily in all quality .380s. It’s basic ammo that does basic ammo things with noticeably lower recoil than most.
PMC Bronze 90 Grain FMJ Pros and Cons
- Affordable
- Low recoiling
- Reliable
- Range ammo only
PMC Bronze 90 Grain FMJ Deals
Best .380 Plinking Ammo
PMC Bronze 380 ACP 90 Grain FMJ
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7 Streak Non-Incendiary Tracers 380 ACP 100 Grain : Best .380 Tracer Ammo
Streak Non-Incendiary Tracers Specs
- Type FMJ
- Weight 100 Grains
- Velocity 890 FPS
Streak Non-Incendiary Tracers Review
Tracer ammunition is something typically employed by military forces. When a typical tracer is fired, an incendiary compound burns, leaving a trail the shooter can visually follow. Tracer ammunition can be used to mark targets, adjust the fire of machine guns, and more. It’s also just fun to watch! It turns low-light shooting into a Star Wars-like scene. The problem is that tracer ammo is incendiary and likes to start fires.
I’ve set lots and lots of fires with tracers from machine guns while I was in the Marine Corps. A company called Streak saw the potential for the fun of tracers for low-light shooting, but eliminated the risk of starting a forest fire. The Streak brand of tracers is pistol rounds that fly at subsonic speeds with a luminescent coating that allows you to follow them in the dark. They won’t set fires and can be used indoors without issue.
It’s a ton of fun. There could be some legitimate practical training usage for these rounds, but for me, they are just fun. I don’t own a shoot house or night vision, so I just enjoy seeing the rounds fly through the air. It’s a just-for-fun type of ammo. These are 100-grain rounds moving at only 890 feet per second. They feature brass jackets and fire from brass cases. They function reliably and give you that glow-in-the-dark goodness. No, they won’t make your gun glow in the dark, either.
Streak Non-Incendiary Tracers Pros and Cons
- Affordable tracer round
- They glow in the dark!
- Seriously, they glow!
- Expensive
Streak Non-Incendiary Tracers Deals
Best .380 Tracer Ammo
Streak Non-Incendiary Tracers 380 ACP 100 Grain
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The Little Cartridge That Can
Every few decades, the .380 ACP seems to get a second wind, and it’s still going strong. Over a century old and still in demand, it’s proven to be one of the most adaptable handgun rounds out there. Whether it’s pocket pistols, concealed carry, or even something quirky like a Hi-Point carbine, the .380 ACP keeps showing up in new and interesting ways.
And that’s a good thing.
More options mean more choices for shooters. And when it comes to .380 ACP ammo, there’s no shortage of variety. Whether you’re looking for self-defense loads, range ammo, or something in between, you’ve got plenty to pick from.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you zero in on the best 380 ammo for your gun and your goals.
About Travis Pike
Travis Pike is a former Marine Machine Gunner and a lifelong firearms enthusiast. Now that his days of working a 240B like Charlie Parker on the sax are over, he's a regular guy who likes to shoot, write, and find ways to combine the two. He is a "simplicisist" when it comes to talking about himself in the 3rd person and a self-professed tactical hipster. Hit him up on Instagram with story ideas.
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The problem I have with the .380 is when you look at the numbers, there is no real benefit over the .38 Long Colt, the weapon that got too many American GIs killed back in the turn of the 20th Century in the Philippines. Only a few of those cartridges exceed the MV of the .38 LC and I am not aware of any of them exceeding the ME. Almost all the ammo companies test their ammo in pistols with 4″ barrels. I have seen very few people who carry a .380 with more than a 3″ barrel, meaning that the MV and ME will not come up to the level of the .38 LC, which was more dangerous to the men who carried it than to the one they shot.
I was an Army medic more than 50 years ago, doing SAR/Recon someplace overseas. I have seen more GSWs than most of the general population. From there, I became an RN and spent more than 30 years working in busy metro ERs and saw even more GSWs. I saw very few fatalities, none come to mind, who were shot with a .380, even head shots. More than a few who were shot with the .380 were able to injure or kill the person who shot them before they were found by the police and delivered to our ER, where we saved them and they went to prison on homicide charges. The local cops referred to the .25 ACP, .32 ACP, .380 ACP as “The Last Bad Choice of Dead People Everywhere” because none of them felt that they were efficacious as a self defense weapon. Most felt these calibers had a less than 50% chance of stopping an attack, and a high probability of pissing the assailant enough to kill or severely injure the shooter. If the shootee kills the shooter, it is not a good choice.