Let's stir the pot 45 vs 9mm vs mystery caliber

[FrogHunter]

 

[kbriar]

how 'bout that .380 at the end of the video!
backyard ballistics test: Hornady Critical Defense + P3AT + 3" wet phone book = conical hole 1.5" on the back side

 

[BHJ]

Too cheap for a fresh gel block. Wonder how accurate the results really were

 

[inkdaddy]

A 9mm will kill your body...........A 45 acp will kill your soul....!!

 

[Hayata]

What was up with the "bounce back" on the .380?

 

[kbriar]

it dare not upset the natural order by passing the 9
(bounce back)

 

[Hayata]

it dare not upset the natural order by passing the 9 (bounce back)

Oh, it passed the 9mm - TWICE.

Gave it the ol' Nelson "Ha-ha!" and pointed as it went by.

 

[FrogHunter]

how 'bout that .380 at the end of the video!
backyard ballistics test: Hornady Critical Defense + P3AT + 3" wet phone book = conical hole 1.5" on the back side

That 380 surprised the hell out of me.

 

[clockerman]

Thank you; now the Smith Bodyguard can come back out of the safe.

 

[protective measures]

You may note that there was no clothing or internal bone or cartilage in front of or inside the gel i.e. a shirt, jacket, or rib bones/ cartilage, as would usually be present in a human.

The .380 is better than it was, but still lacks a "magic bullet/ hammer of Thor".
It has very marginal power to consistently expand & reach the preferred FBI recommended penetration depth of 12"-18".

It is a compromise cartridge for when the shooter can't (or just won't) carry anything larger.
In most cases, it is better than harsh words or a sharp stick.
One in your pocket or waistband is better than a larger gun left at home or in the vehicle but it is not magic just like no pistol round is.