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The popularity of sub-compact .380 ACP semi-auto handguns rivals and possibly exceeds that of AR style rifles. This is one reason .380 ACP ammunition of any type has been hard to find anywhere. Some .380 ACP loads are well suited to personal protection, others are not. Hornady's Critical Defense load for the .380 shows moderate penetration and expansion. More importantly, it will expand just as well even after passing through heavy clothing. The test results shown are for bare gelatin but tests in gelatin covered with clothing were almost identical.
Shooting Results| Load | IV (fps) | PEN (inches) | ED (inch) | RW (grains) |
| .380 ACP Hornady 90-grain Critical Defense | 928 | 9.2 | .42 | 89 1/2 |
