I took my Taurus PT738 (380) out this weekend for casual target/function check. This is what I will throw in my pocket when I’m out with my wife who is not as mobile as she used to be.

Based on guidance from some of internet cowboys, I load HPs (Winchester PDX1) with a FMJ on top. I have 2 mags.

The stupid part is that the FMJ is a generic I pulled out of my ammo pile.

The scary part is that my first trigger pull produced a “click”, followed by 2 more attempts, also producing clicks. The FMJ failed to fire. (FMJ in second mag shot fine) Once I cleared that round, the JHPs loaded and shot fine. First-round FMJ may be superfluous and I won’t do that any more.

I should have known better. Quality/known source ammo is a really minor cost to ensure no unhappy surprises.

That would be an uneasy feeling; however, it may be simply due to the hardness of the primers used in the ammo. A lot of times that is the issue, as striker fired guns sometimes struggle with thick cupped primers. Try ammo loaded with Winchester or Remington primers if you can find it.

Please explain the thought about loading a FMJ as the 1st round.

Idea is better penetration, may stop whatever is going on.

If you don’t carry a round in the chamber (not my idea), then feeding is supposedly better as you pull the slide on the draw (read somewhere empty chamber is Israeli carry mode but I just read too much junk to remember where).

It's amazing how many 380 bullets don't expand because the bullets are made for 9mm velocity or expand too quickly and under penetrate. You should watch Ammo Quest on youtube, there is only one bullet brand that reliably expands in test gel to FBI specs.

https://youtu.be/LczfeWK9lHw

What I use in my .380's..

I did a little googlefu and couldn't find these for sale anywhere as loaded cartridges. You have a lead on them?

Underwood and Midway Usa usually have them in stock.


https://www.midwayusa.com/380-acp/br?Brand=Underwood%20Ammunition&cid=21653


underwoodammo.com

I gave a member some 68gr's to try as his Gun won't feed HP's...

https://youtu.be/dFZQKmG4UeE

Thanks Marco!

Mouse guns food:
https://youtu.be/0l2zei45gaE