New .380 ACP Ammunition Tailored For the Ruger LCP
ByAccording to Michael Bane’s blog, a major ammunition manufacturer will bring a new .380 loading to the market that is specifically designed for the Ruger LCP. This is exciting, as two current problems exist with the current crop of ammunition and the LCP.
The first problem is the .380 ACP cartridge is an underpowered chambering. Generally, the .380 loads are weaker than what is available for the .38 Special. For self defense, you need all the bang you can get.
The second problem is I have been getting some reports that the LCP is ammunition sensitive. Some popular cartridges are not feeding properly. This, of course, is a HUGE problem if it extends to the entire line of LCP’s and not just a few examples. One of the reports was posted as feedback here (scroll all the way down).
Time will tell who brings what to the market. However, Bane has a lot of good contacts and I expect this information is very reliable.
*** Update 11/15/2008 ***
Hornady has introduced a new line of ammunition: Critical Defense. The Hornady Critical Defense ammunition is designed for self defense from small handguns like the Ruger LCP. I’m not sure this is the ammunition that Bane was hinting at, but it certainly fits. More information about the Critical Defense ammo can be found here.
*************************
15 Comments
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:09 am
I’ve had my Ruger LCP for several months now firing about 600 rounds through it. I had a FTF problem at first. This was identical to the FTF problem I had with my Kel-Tec PF-9. For both pistols my gunsmith polished the feed ramp and I’ve not had a failure since. I’ve run cheap and pricey ammo through it, HP and FMJ. This little jewel does just what I ask of it; conceals and fires on demand. During summer months wearing shorts, t-shirt and sandles the LCP easily conceals in my pocket. With an Uncle Mike’s pocket holster you completely hide the silhouette and protects clothing and thigh from rubbing. Naturally as the weather cools the LCP is put away for its big brothers; 9mm, .357 mag, and ultimately my .45 when heavy coats are worn.
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Ramon,
Thanks for the feedback! Now, maybe we can get Ruger to just polish the feed ramps before they leave the factory?
September 4th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I had serious issues with the Ruger LCP FTF when firing the Cor-Bon PowRBall 70 1210.3 it consistently jams. I like the feel of this little gun but a not willling at this time to stake my life on this weapon miss firing would someone recommend a good defensive round for this weapon.
September 5th, 2008 at 12:12 am
I’ve gotten a lot of feedback on the LCPs and the ammo it likes. The -best- source on ammo and these guns is over at the ProArms Podcast. Massad Ayoob and several others all had the chance to run several of the LCP through their paces. Some interesting information about what ammo worked for them came out. It is worth checking out.
February 15th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Could find nothing at ProArms Podcast regarding Ayoob and others with information about what ammunition worked best for them in the Ruger LCP
February 17th, 2009 at 8:40 am
Joe,
Check out episode 007 at Pro Arms. I believe it was that episode they discussed which ammo worked and did not work for them in the LCP.
–Richard
March 22nd, 2009 at 4:30 am
The major problem with .380 ammo is: AVAILABILITY!
I work in a popular retail gun store and from where I stand, 380 ammo is scarce as hens’ teeth.
April 6th, 2009 at 3:42 am
I just bought 125 rounds of the .380 Hornady Critical Defense Ammo. I will see how it loads into my LCP and my brother’s this week. At current prices of $2.50 a bullet I sure hope it loads fine!
May 1st, 2009 at 7:46 am
I have owned my LCP for about a month now and have experienced none of the feeding problems others describe. I have loaded and fired Hornaday Critical Defense 90 Gr FTX, Winchester 95 GR FMJ target and Blackhills 90 GR JHP ammo with no problems. The biggest problem I have is finding ammo. The designer stuff seems to be available at $1 to $2 a round everywhere but resonably priced target ammo is only to be found at the guns shows at premium prices. I have yet to hear any explanation (besides the government is buying it, and other conspiracy theories) for this other than too much demand. I really like this gun for concealed carry but would feel more comfortable if I could afford to shoot it more often. I am almost to the point of loading my own!
May 11th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Nice idea, Carl, but you will find that loading supplies are even harder to find than the 380 ammo, unfortunately.
October 12th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
I have had my LCP for 1 month now and the only problem i had with it was the 1st round. once i set the second round in it worked like a charm
October 28th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
There is more than one reason that ammo is in short supply. First is the election of Obama and liberal control of congress. People remember the gun bans of the Clinton era. All ammo is or has been in short supply in the past year. The .380 ammo was hit harder because it has never been a popular round so there wasn’t much manufactured or on hand. Add to that the introduction of the Ruger LCP and other small very concealable guns in .380acp and you run out of ammo. I thought about getting a LCP, but the waiting list was so long that I opted to stay with my model 85 Bersa. I have a couple boxes of .380 ammo for it and it’s not that hard to conceal plus it hold 10 round per mag + 1 in the pipe. On the bright side some supplier are getting .380 ammo in stock again and many more are expecting to have some between Nov and Jan. I found some FMJ online this week for $180 for 500 round. How long before those who foolishly payed $40-$50 for 50 rounds realize they should have just waited. It’s just like gas someone says shortage and all the fools run out and buy as much as they can get driving the supply down and the price up.
November 11th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
I have had my Ruger LCP 380 for 6 months. I had serious FTF problems with a box (50) Corbon 380 HP +P 95 grain. It failled to feed at least 50-60% of the time. I have some 4 year old Federal Classic 380 90 grain I purchased in bulk. I have put 150 rounds of this through the LCP with no failures. The Federal is a less expensive load, and is FMJ.
November 11th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Thanks for posting Michael. Your experience is the perfect example of why everyone should test their carry guns with several hundred rounds of their carry ammo. Some guns don’t like some ammo that is otherwise very good. Thanks again for posting.
–Richard
November 18th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
I also have had FTF in the LCP. Called Ruger had it sent in. They “repaired” by replacing the inner and outer springs,also replaced the extractor. They also noted they fired 24 rounds with no failures. I figured they had the problem licked. Tried to chamber a Winchester SXT hp. Didn’t even clear the feed ramp. Called them the very next day after getting it back. They said they fired Black Hills hp’s. Now I am looking for this elusive load and hope it works. Because this was to be my carry pistol. I will give it one try with the Black Hills and if that doesn’t work I will have no choice but to start looking for another carry pistol I can count on.