.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

Christensen Arms Modern Precision Pistol
Christensen Arms Modern Precision Pistol

First Look: Christensen Arms Modern Precision Pistol

A lightweight and compact version of the Modern Precision Rifle.

Change The Fight

Violent criminals rely on surprise when ambushing their victims, but with surprises of your own, you can flip the script and prevail.

First Look: Mission First Tactical Cypher 3.0 L Sling Bag

A stylish way to keep your gear close to you at all times.

First Look: New Scope Mounts From Warne

Cantilever mounts and Tikka rifle mounts are now available.

Special Deals on Self-Defense Loads in July

Federal, Remington and Speer are all offering lower prices this month.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.