Kahr CW.380 XTP or Hydrashock?

[kwh]

After much searching dealing with actual tests results of both ideal expansion and penetration in ballistic gel with and without 2-4 layers of denim based on FBI standards, only two bullets passed in short barrels pistols such as the Kahr P .380. The XTP 90 gr. bullet used in 1) Hornady Custom, 2) Fiocchi Extrema , 3)HPR and 4) Precision One and the Federal HydraShock bullet. My question is, in the opinion of those with Kahr .380 experience should I start with the XTP or the HydraShock first? Is one bullet more likely to have less FTF's than the other?

[Barth]

I've read that the LAPD approves 380 Auto 90 gr FTX® Critical Defense - Hornady for their officers BUGs.

[booger switch]

The simple answer is to buy both and see what your gun likes. If they both function, then flip a coin. Both are great choices.

[kcarmo4]

I found this video really helpful. At the very least, a lot of good info for anyone carrying a .380

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/201...ate-380-round/

[kwh]

Thanks. Did well in tests by MouseGun but the FTX failed some of the penetration tests by Shootingthe Bull410.

[monkeyboy]

buffalo bore

[wyntrout]

Buffalo Bore +P 90-grain Gold Dots(bonded) or the same bullet by Underwood in their +P load at a slightly higher velocity. The first is used in my Avatar picture.

Wynn

[Barth]

Buffalo Bore +P 90-grain Gold Dots(bonded) or the same bullet by Underwood in their +P load at a slightly higher velocity. The first is used in my Avatar picture.

Wynn

+1
I personally don't own a .380.
And really feel .38/9mm is minimum caliber for Self Defense.
But If I were for some reason required to carry such a small caliber gun.
BB +P has some of the most impressive ballistics I've seen in .380.

[booger switch]

Adding velocity to .380 will increase the rate of expansion, but it will limit penetration. You are better off with a modest slow expander at 800 ft/s than you are with a fast expander at 950 ft/s.

The work done by ShootingtheBull and Ljutic backs this up.

I don't think anything really penetrates better (with expansion) than the XTP offerings or the Hydra Shok. If overpenetration doesn't concern you, I would lean toward the Hydra Shok as they are more likely to act like an FMJ than the XTP.

[SlowBurn]

Here's a video demo that shows the Hornady Critical Defense doing really well in gel tests with and without denim. This guy uses a Kahr P380 where the other testing was with a Ruger LCP. I'm not sure that explains the difference though. I just find the more I look into ammo the less I know.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8hr8X7RLTI#t=25