Need some Ruger LCP ammo? Â According 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. Â I expect we will see a variety of Ruger LCP ammo loads in the near future.
There are a number of smaller ammunition manufacturers who are producing .380 ACP ammo and I imagine they are testing the loads in the LCP. Â They might not market the loads as “Ruger LCP ammo,” but I suspect that they are definitely testing it since it is such a popular handgun. Â After all, if your ammo doesn’t work in one of the most popular concealed carry pistols, why would anyone buy it?
Update – November 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.
36 replies on “Ruger LCP Ammo”
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.
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
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.
(my conspericy) is the reason for 380 ammo shortage is the uped #of ar-15. the shell plate for a 223 and 380 is one in the same.(for loaders) so they droped the 380 to mass(mass) produce the 223.
The owners manual says its not for +P ammo for a reason. Don’t blame the gun or the ammo for what it clearly states. FYI .22 shorts will fall out of the barrel also.