Iowegan

With the announcement of Ruger's new 380 LCP, I thought I would run some stats just for grins.

There are two popular factory bullet styles for a 380 Auto, an 88-90 gr JHP rated @ 1000 fps and a 95 gr FMJ, rated at 955 fps, both from a 3.75" barrel.

Here's the data for a Ruger LCP with a 2.75" barrel:

88-90 gr JHP, Muzzle velocity = 850 fps, 144 ft lbs muzzle energy, and 10.9 lb-f/s momentum.

95 gr FMJ, Muzzle velocity = 860 fps, 156 ft lbs muzzle energy, and 11.7 lb-f/s momentum.

FYI, an average 9mm pistol with a 115 gr bullet will have 1150 fps MV, 341 ft lbs ME, and 19 lb-f/s momentum. Considering the number that counts the most for self defense is momentum, the little LCP is more than half as powerful as one of the new SR9s. Not bad considering the size of the package.

deputy125

This little ruger sure has captured attention. Will not be a primary for me should i get one---but perhaps a BUG for a BUG.

One thing for sure if and when i do get one it will be loaded with fmj only. Seen shootings where the 380 sure is lacking in penetration---seen too many people walking and talking after being shot with a 380.

For someone who has to carry very small and light---life is full of compromises for some---but better than nothing.

Iowegan

deputy125, I have a Colt Govt Mod with a 3.25" barrel in 380 that I've carried on occasions as a BUG. It's not my idea of a serious self defense weapon, but it does have enough spunk to get you out of a bad situation. I haven't shot the darn thing in several years so today I dug out a couple boxes of FMJs and will see what it will do. As I recall, a 15 yd group was about the size of a dinner plate .... closer is better.

Bountyhunter

Thanks for the info and input Iowegan.

mwl1955

Buffalo Bore Ammunition has a .380 +P 100gr. Hard-Cast FN @ 1125 fps for 280 ft. lbs. Check it out at http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#380. They have a nice write up on it. May not be a bad little back-up round.

Wizard

I like my Sig P230, but, it is definately NOT a pocket gun. The little Ruger looks very interesting for a bug.....

REB

Is this calculated or measured velocity?

Iowegan

The data in my post was from calculated data, factory data, and actual chronograph data in my own Colt 380.

88-90 gr bullet, 1000 fps from a 3.75" barrel. Factory data.
88 gr JHP 900 fps from my Colt 3.25". Actual chronograph data
88-90 gr bullet 850 fps from a Ruger LCP 2.75" barrel. Calculated using QuickLOAD.

95 gr FMJ, 955 fps from a 3.75" barrel. Factory data.
95 gr FMJ, 917 fps from my 3.25" Colt. Actual chronograph data.
95 gr FMJ, 860 fps from a Ruger LCP 2.75" barrel. Calculated using QuickLOAD.

I don't know what barrel length the Buffalo Bore ammo was tested with. I'm betting the velocity will drop at least 100-150 fps in a Ruger LCP.

Bountyhunter

It's going to be my main carry. I know a lot of people think it's to small, but I'm not one of them. I'm also hoping it comes with 2 mags. I think all the other Rugers do.

Iowegan

I think they only come with one magazine and a soft case. Hopefully, Ruger will get in gear and offer extra magazines at a reasonable price. I'm no huge fan of the 380 but I can sure see toting one of these as a BUG.

I may have to part with my little 25 ACP and get a LCP.

Bauer 25 ACP, 6 shot, 2" barrel, 10 oz

Bountyhunter

I had a .25 ACP once a long time ago. I'd rather be armed with a small rock. More accurate, more velocity, and more foot pounds of energy. That's my experience with a .25 ACP.

hideit

i'd get rid of that 25 too

i have a baby browning for collection purposes - NIB

Iowegan

I was just joking about the 25 ACP. I wouldn't think of using it as a carry gun nor would I consider selling it. The Bauer is an exact copy of the Baby Browning only in stainless and is excellent quality. I keep mine for show-and-tell only. It's fun to dig it out and show someone not familiar with hand guns, then drag out a 44 Mag 7.5" barrel Super Blackhawk. Despite being fairly worthless as a carry gun, they do have considerable collector value. Mine is NIB and came with a Bauer rug. I have a genuine Baby Browning holster too. I've seen them bring $300 without the holster.

sheepdog

Speaking of Brownings...my first Browning was the .380---the old, small one with a grip safety and manual safety...I never used the manual 'cause I'm lefty...I'd love to have that back now, but when the new '68 Gun Law-friendly model came out with the adj. sights and thumb-rest stocks, the original ones might as well have all been shipped to China...haven't seen ONE in 40 years.....they fit well in a shirt pocket with a flap....

Wuchak

As more pocket .380's get sold the other ammo makers will have an incentive to join Buffalo Bore and Double Tap and put out .380+p loads. I don't even think there is a SAAMI spec for the .380+p yet. Hopefully they'll define one soon.