.380 ACP Federal 90-grain Hydra-Shok JHP

by
posted on January 24, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
90-grain-hydra.jpg

Regardless of your experience, when it comes to the terminal performance of defensive handgun ammunition, few seem to agree on the ideal bullet, penetration depth or expansion characteristics. This dilemma is not necessarily a bad thing; after all, mindset, shot placement, tactics and the mental state of your attacker are likely to matter more than anything to do with the bullet.

I tend to lean toward bullets that expand wide and penetrate between 8 and 14 inches, because this seems to provide the best balance of penetration and tissue destruction. Federal's 90-grain Hydra-Shok load for the .380 ACP falls within this window. It will drive to almost a foot in 10-percent ordnance gelatin and expand to more than 1.5 times its original diameter.

Load Handgun MV (fps) PEN (inches) EXP (inches) RW (grains)
.380 ACP Federal 90-grain Hydra-Shok JHP Diamondback DB380 (2.8-inch barrel) 891 11.5 0.59 89

Latest

Ruger LCP Max Thumb Safety
Ruger LCP Max Thumb Safety

First Look: Ruger LCP Max With Thumb Safety

Add a little more peace of mind to a popular pocket pistol.

I Carry: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1 9mm Pistol in a Galco Holster

In this special Independence Day episode of "I Carry," we have the new Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1 pistol carried in a Galco Concealable 2.0 Belt Holster along with a Galco SB& Fancy Stitched Belt and Double Magazine Carrier.

First Look: Viktos Counteract 15 CCW Backpack

Built from the ground up for everyday carry.

Ruger Acquires Anderson Manufacturing

Ruger will integrate Anderson’s capabilities into its broader operations.

Review: Sunshine Safety Emergency Medical Gear

Because there's more than one way to be your own first responder.

First Look: CMMG Zeroed Suppressors

CMMG extends the Zeroed line of accessories into the world of suppressors.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.