+P AMMO TEST🙏Is .380 ACP Not Enough for Self Defense❓ Underwood Xtreme Defender +P & XTP +P! 

These videos are really getting old. Same shit over and over come up with something new already.

DUDE! You're getting 9mm performance with 380! Underwood loads things crazy hot.

I used to carry some kind of hollowpoint in my Ruger LCP 2. After trying a few of my own gel tests I eventually settled on Underwood extreme defense. For a short barreled 380 that seems to work amazingly well. It’s nice to not have to worry about expansion with that load.

The xtp is probably the best performing 380 hollow point test I've seen

Thanks to Edward for the contribution of ammo to test. It's obvious that +P is overrated and over priced. Nice shooting Sam! ♠️🎩🎯🎱🇺🇲🏁🇺🇦🔱🌻💮🌸🌼🏴‍☠️🏹

Missed the notification but I'm here. The XTP tends to not expand through denim from micros, while the Extreme Defenders still do the same thing because they don't rely on expansion. Also in your testing here, you can see the permanent cavities are more impressive. For these two reasons and also reducing carry weight, I keep the Extreme Defenders in my .380.

Exact trying I was looking for! Ty!

Thanks

I enjoy your videos and tests. Have been for a long time. Very informative in my opinion. One of my favorite channels, keep up the good work.

Good review . thanks.

Glad to see this test. I use the Underwood Defender standard pressure in my Sig P365 380.

Great vids👍

For me the main reason for solid copper monoliths in 380 is because getting expansion out of lead projectiles, other than HSTs is hit or miss. Great test. 👍🇺🇸👊

I like these videos because the tests are consistent from each video. If you dont like them then don't watch! I found them informative and interesting.

Your videos are great. I look forward to them. I loke your commentaty at the end.

Thanks for testing. I’ve been waiting on this one! These are the best 380 bullets from the test and information I can find! I have the precision one + p XTPs. I don’t think they are as hot as the underwood.

This is timely as suddenly there's a surge of these somewhat larger 380's coming onto the market. The EZ which has already been around, now the Ruger Security .380, this new Girsan with the flip top barrel, the new Beretta release, etc, etc. Thanks for the video.

Sam what I LIKE about the S&W .380 EZ is that it has a LOCKED BREECH! Most .380 and 9mm Makarov Pistols are blow back. As a result they can not only be snappy to shoot BUT with higher pressures a shooter might be "pushing it"! Never the less standard .380 can be quite capable ASSUMING shot placement. I do reject most hollow points in these calibers. Frankly I think a good flat nose ball round is the way to go.

Glad to see this test because all my 380’s I carry with only extreme defenders ( standard pressure)or XTP’s ( Hornaday’s version) I don’t even buy any other defensive .380 rounds, they seem to put the .380 at least on par with 9mm

I carry a .380. I use extreme penetrator Deep. I enjoy the .380 and .38 (856 Defender, my carry revolver) tests. Keep 'em coming!

These tests never get old because technology keeps advancing and changing.

Nice to know there is some good 380 ammo out there. I have never used it for carry, sold my PPK/S years ago, and may never own another 380. Bit it is good info to have. Some people, due to arthritis or other physical limitations, might be well served by a midsize 380 like the EZ, Beretta 84/85, the new Ruger, etc. A few years ago, doing some training with a colleague and his wife, i found that the older Beretta 84 he brought along did quite well. Smooth snd accuraye like most Berettas, modest recoil and enjoyable to shoot. I even liked the smooth walnut grips (i usually expect checkering or stippling). I would go with the XTP. It relies on proven technology and some velocity (which the XTP design seems to need). The penetrators may have some value for animal defense, etc, but there are better cartridges for that, starting with the 357. Great test

Another great test! I was surprised at the velocities and penetration for a 380. As you've proven, 380 under penetrates more often then not. I was cheering for the Lehigh bullets but the long range accuracy killed it. I've watched ALL of your videos and appreciate your efforts and commentary.

Interesting

I carry that UW +P XTP in my Beretta 84, in large part because it has proven to be one of the most accurate loads I’ve tried in my pistol.

Good video as usual! Paul Harrell has often said, “I don’t care for hyper ammunition.” I think this video kinda proves the point that with a .380, they “hyper” stuff is just more “hype,” while that XTP load seemed to perform better after hitting bone and clothing.

Great info. The UW 90 gr +P would be my choice.

Thanks for your video. I carry a kel tec p3AT as my summer time carry gun fits nicely and securely in my pocket. I carry Grizzly Mfg. 90 gr. HP P+ which are rated at 1200 FPS. I shot 1 magazine prior to carrying them and you do feel the recoil in a pistol that weighs on 11.4 ounces fully loaded with 7 rounds ( 6 in mag +1 in chamber). I'm confident in carrying these and even in its short barrel I'm getting over 1,000 FPS. I know its not a 9mm parabellum but for a small gun there is lots of firepower, and I always have it with me as well. So light and compact I have to check now and then to see if I still have it...

Your videos are very helpful. No way I could afford to test ammo like this. I prefer Underwood Extreme Defenders for my S&W EZ 380, or Bersa Thunder, one of which I carry daily. RockOn.StayFree.

I was very interested in seeing the velocities from that length of barrel; the Underwoods look to have delivered as specified. They make some excellent ammunition.

I really like the 380 tests because it is hard to find ammo in that caliber that both penetrates and expands. While I have a 9mm CZ 75 PCR, it's not my EDC because it is too heavy and bulky. My EDC is the Ruger LCP Max and its short barrel makes ammo selection critical. I like the Underwood Xtreme Penetrator and Defender in winter because they will penetrate heavy clothing.

I love the hoody with Pauls friend Wildey.

I carry Underwood exclusively!! I use 90 jhp +p and 90 grain hardcast +p. 2 jhps then a hardcast round! G42 loves them!!😂

Another great video. I have an LCP2 loaded with Underwood Extreme Penetrator ammo, or JHP, or FMJ. As the JHP gives the least amount of penetration, I carry these the least, & you guessed it, the Underwood most. I feel these are the best as they deliver penetration without over penetrating, while being barrier blind. Anytime I'm in a position to shoot outdoors, I'll swap it out for my much larger & heavier P365, which is much more accurate at any distance. When carrying the LCP, I have to feel for it occasionally to make sure it's still there as you literally don't feel the pistol or the weight of it either. In contrast I always know I'm carrying the P365!

Yes hollowpoints are crazy accurate. The first time I used my Glock 23 I had 3 boxes of fmj’s, a box of AAC xtp’s, 2 boxes of civil defense, and a box of 180 gr HST. All were 50 boxes except the civil defense. When I had gone through the FMJ’s first, then I went to the civil defense and they felt asininely accurate compared to the FMJ’s. Then went to the cheap AAC xtp’s and same amazing accuracy. The HST’s were better than the FMJ’s but felt ever so slightly less accurate than the civil defense and XTP’s, which surprised me.

Great video Sam. Would you say, subjectively speaking, that going to +P is hard to justify if you are looking for a lower recoil gun compared to 9mm Luger?

Very good testing and great explanation about the solid copper Lehigh bullet as well ! I agree unless I'm at close range trying to defeat a barrier I dont want those solid copper Lehigh bullets. They arent accurate at any kind of distance so why bother? If you want barrier defeating, get the Hornady "Critical Duty" and you will get that, plus the penetration of 14-16" in gel, after the barrier! Lehigh defense is the actual manufacturer of the Extreme Defender/Penetrator copper bullets. Underwood does some amazingly high FPS +P loadings of them, as well as other manufacturers bullets. Now we see that the +P loading is really not a good performer of those solid copper Lehigh's. I will carry Gold dots, or Hornady "Critical Defense" or HST "Deep" hollowpoints for everyday CCW self protection. If I dont have the cash for big brand name self defense bullets then Remington green & white box, hollowpoints are nearly as effective from what I have seen as well. Great info this test gave us. 😊

Great video. I’m always interested in ammo test.

Very good video thank you I recently received some underwood xtp 90 gr +p haven't had a chance to shoot it yet I have two 380 glock42 and walther pk380 I think the xtp is going to do good on both. Thanks again

👍😊 I’m sending this to my sister , it’s her tool.

Well said at the end Sam...clear gel tears easy, bodies don't, fluids rebound in microseconds people are dumb. XTP+P MDF results 14" Pen .471 Exp=2.44 cu in Tissue Crush similar to the better .38 plus P loads from 2" snubs. In a heavier longer barrel pistol like a Cheetah clone if you can fire a full box make sure reliable these make .380 NOT SUCK (cheap 9mm jhp about 3" cu in of Tissue Crush fyi, best 4"). Maybe a Bersa/Glock 42 would still meet expansion threshold but a 2.8" LCP they may not and recoil is probably too much for most & slide velocity more likely to cause jams. Would love @Paul Harrell to test the Underwood 90 grain .380 XTP+P from different barrel lengths on the meat target. At least from a long barrel/heavier pistol IF RELIABLE these seem to be the winner for .380! Paul I'd like to send you those 9mm 124+p hexvent winchesters to test too please say from p365 & 92.

Pretty impressive performance from all the rounds, especially the XTP

Filmed 4/29/23

The defenders preform well i had trouble with them feeding in my glock 42

I think all of those would sting. I wouldn't fire any of them out of a 380 that didn't use a locked breach rather than straight blowback.

Re-watching @Paul Harrell tests .380 in short & long barrels...in longer barrels Sam the Winchester 95 jhp 3 of 4 expanded where as none in short barrel. W EZ now instead of lcp those may be worth testing...also in longer barrel HST got further penetration with full expansion more power drove them deeper. Check out the Girsan 14T New Beretta 86 clone. I'm tempted just because sexy and good choice for disabled/elderly/new women shooters I think w Tip up Barrel loading with hammer already down safe to carry DA/SA style

Seen a lot of tests of 380 ammo. Now I just carry winchester white box flat nose in my lcp2. At least it will reach in there and touch something with a 50/50 shot at a tumble. I will pick up a box of federal hydroshock deep once in a while, those aren't too bad. Just nearly impossible to find.

Penetration in clear gel is usually less than calibrated FBI gel. FYI.

Could you do a new hard barrier penetration test with different loads. I love those tests. Awesome job Sam!!

Wow, did you see the plus P in the dimmer block that the bullet first went through before it went to the clear block wow that was some devastating dumping of energy into the darker block upfront

Comrade test 9x18! Makarov! Seriously thanks for what you do!

Missouri Bullet Company sells a 380 ACP Bullet “ For Secret Agent Use Only “. It is a round ball Bullet in the 95 ish grain size. If you can buy them… It would be interesting to see the performance of a Secret Agent boolit.

Well on the topic of shooting a wild boar lol they do well. They do different damage than a jhp , but a similar amount. Depends on the clambering as well. Out of a .350 legend the 90 grain XD is gnarly. The 9mm does about the same damage as a traditional jhp but at rifle velocity the absolutely shred tissue. I loaded some of the 68 grain bullets into .350 legend as well but haven't shot anything with them yet. They are hitting 3100 fps though so that's kinda insane. I'm willing to bet that they will be devastating after seeing what they did to a block of organic 10% ballistic gel. Looked like someone pulled a spinning grappling hook through the block.

Shootingthebull410 channel, has a .380 performance test and the XTP bullets did the best.

Guy and Gals do a 'street load' ball, hollow, ball, hollow etc.

👍

I carry at times a Ruger LCP Max Loaded with Winchester White box FNFMJ And my Ruger Security 380 standard pressure UW XTP But I feel just as comfortable with WB FNFMJ Id like to see UW 100gr Hard cast tested

From other tests that I’ve seen it appears that the +p makes a substantial difference in the short barrel of the LCP Max and similar short barreled pistols. The longer barreled pistols seem to give a lot of different 380 ammo just the increase in speed it needs to perform just good enough. But for me the size of the bigger 380 pistols is too big for my deep concealment needs so I use the +p to get any ballistic advantage possible from the cartridge. Before making the switch I was using flat nose FMJ. My current load is definitely an improvement.

The Leigh bullets could be experiencing spin drift at that distance. They are intentionally designed to have a lot of drag, hence why they are just barely tapping the plate at 75 yards. Im guessing they have lost a lot of forward momentum at that range, but still have a relatively high rotational velocity. Like a frisbee, at first it goes relatively straight and as it runs out of forward momentum it begins to drift left or right depending on which way it was spun. Bullets experiencing the same phenomenon except it is normal not a factor until relatively long ranges. An other name for this phenomenon is the Magnus effect.

I'm looking at LOTS of different loads and bullets for my wife's Shield EZ. So far its just been FMJ's of various brands. I've avoided any +P loads as there aren't any actual standards for them. Most of the HP rounds don't go fast enough for good expansion and the penetration isn't good. I was hoping for better results with the Underwood fluted rounds.

Interesting you find the 90 gr extreme defenders to kick harder, and so hard out of that pistol. Because I have shot plenty of both the 68 gr +p extreme defenders and the item 152 90 gr +p JHP, and I found the 67 gr +p extreme defenders to kick significantly harder than the 90 gr +p JHP’s, out of an LCP, with no malfunctions BTW :P I’ve never had a single malfunction with my LCP and I’ve taken it to the range at least 12 times and put hundreds of rounds through it, including at least sixty 68 gr +p extreme defenders and fourty 90 gr +p jhp’s, as well as fourty critical defense and fourty sig v crowns. Never one malfunction, ever. I actualt qualified for my CWP with my LCP because I had no ammo for my Glock 23 yet lol. I had ordered some online but it did not get delivered in time. And I got 23/25 shots with it.

The .380 is good for head shots as it can be extremely accurate with a heavy gun such as my Bersa Thunder Plus that has a 15 round mag. If this Old Man(73) can hit head shots at 25 feet then so can all you younger men,or women. Shots to the throat are deadly also. Body shots not so much. Thanks for going to all the effort showing us how ammo works in gel.

My Heart is maybe 4-5 inches inside my chest. A simple tap or nick on it is enough to make it palpitate and possibly stop. Check out what this thing does at about 4-5 inches inside.

I'm enjoying the .380 testing as I'm carrying one due to the warmer weather, etc. I am under the impression that FMJ MIGHT be the best option for this cartridge. Seems like if and when it tumbles (based on my limited testing) you get better performance than you see with hollow points

Like it or not the .380 has put lots of people in the ground.

I have to ride my thumb over the safety lever on my ez 380.

I would still like to see what the spent cartridge cases look like, in particular the primers and case head. I am very dubious of how safe Underwood and Buffalo Bore ammunition really is. I Jane experience with the old SuperVel and Corbon ammo and can say with certainty that many of their offerings were unsafe. I suspect this is the same situation.

Buffalo Bore May be another choice if the firearm can handle the pressure .

Had an Shield, had to send it back to the factory and still malfunctioned, so on to Ruger, thinking of the Ruger Security or maybe just step up to .45.

i seen this before, although i reload ive been checking the extreme standard defender standard for my 380 pistols. I'm highly interested and expressed. papa.

Thanks for that comparison. I agree, the +P looked like it was just too much for the gun.

Wonder if any of Remington's Golden Sabre or HTP offerings would do well in .380....

It’s known the Leighi version is not as fast as UW. On MAC he found the same results you’re showing of UW vs LH. MAC felt like the UW 380 +P 90gr had the same exact results as the 9mm. I’d be willing for you to compare the 380 90gr +P vs 9mm 90gr +P in UW but how do I use pateron to do that??

Is it lethal?

Don't the EZ Shields have a "no safty" option?

Hello Sexy Sam... it's been awhile since I've been on RU-vid. Good to seeya still on here. Be Safe Always

BROTHER IN LAW CARRIES A 380 LIKE THIS ONE -- WHILE THE NEW AMMO DOES SEEM TO MAKE IT A REALLY VIABLE OPTION -- JUST DOESNT FEEL LIKE QUITE ENOUGH GUN TO ME STILL -- I'M STICKING TO MY 3in 357 -- 140gr XTP RELOADS - I CALL IT MY STOOGE CANNON

.380 vs .380 2 different guns? Lcp vs mp

I believe S&W advises no + P ammo in the 380 EZ ... Inspect it well next time you clean it. I don't know their reasoning, but suspect the light recoil spring puts a lot strain on the slide stops along the frame rails.

Any Underwood ammo would be ok.

That's why I'm not a fan of thumb safeties.

You can shoot +P through sheild EZ?

Something doesn't seem right. Another RU-vidr (Tools&Targets) was getting over 1200 FPS with the Defender out of a 2.75 LCP Max barrel. Another inch of barrel should increase the FPS noticeably.

Massad Ayoob seems to think the .380 isnt that great for stopping threats. The .380 was phased out from most service weapons. That's basically enough to tell me to pass on em.

RoaR

Xtp's are some high performance ball ammo lol

For users of blowback .380s: Do not use these high pressure ammos! Wrecking a sexy little Beretta Cheetah for the sake of novelty ammo testing would be a tragedy!

A lot of energy spent making good videos. Sam you have the testing down. You are really good at doing consistent tests. But .... If you don't use the short barrel, you are giving me and many others precisely nothing. SMH.

Yup, many times +P is marketed who suffer from short P syndrome. Like my cousin half-a-man, would always buy the biggest car he could. Needed to sit on the yellow pages to see over the steering wheel.

There is no SAAMI spec for a +P in .380. No way would I carry such ammo. I was considering the standard pressure flying screwdriver ammo for use in my LCP Max, but hitting the target takes precedence over terminal ballistics. I will stick with Hornady Critical Defense. Thanks for the testing.

Prepare yourself to keep shooting with marginal guns.

I did my research before I bought the .380 EZ, everyone said buy the one without the thumb safety. They all said the ones with the thumb safety have issues of the safety popping up into the safe position while they are firing. I guess it was a huge issue.

Some people carry 22mag for self defense, so 380 should be fine. Maybe not the best choice, but it's better than a knife or mace.

298 fpe for .380 is fucking absurd. And so is the damage. Maybe .380 is better than 9mm haha. I guess I’m smart for owning .40, .380, and two 9mm’s haha. The 9mm’s are really my wife’s, and OG APX and the Sig P365 XL rose comp 9mm And for sure the +p extreme defenders in an LCP genuinely hurts your fingers (Buffalo Bore said its fine to shoot +p occasionally in it, and olenty of RU-vidrs have.) but dam that shit kicks 🦵 lol