If you are ever invited to a cookout at Mr. Harrell’s home. There will be several caveats. First, the meat will have holes. Second, the ribs may be shattered. Third, the fruit salad may be obliterated. Enjoy.

.380 is a convenient gun to have, but not necessarily the most effective. But it fills the role of rule #1 in gun fights, have a gun. Preferably a rifle and 10 of your friends with rifles. The gas station down the street kinda frowns upon me bringing 10 friends with rifles in the store just for a beer and a slim jim.... so my .380 fits the situation well.

I love this guy. He's like the Bob Ross of guns.

Let’s nominate this guy for an Emmy!

I always look forward to these videos. Great work.

Once again Paul Harrell demonstrates his fantastic firearms education ability. One of the best firearms content creators on KZfaq right now. I'm early so there aren't tons of comments yet, but I'm curious about how many people will comment saying .380 is a horrible self defense caliber anyway. I challenge them to stand in front of someone armed with a .380 and let themselves be shot with it. Then we can ask them "How'd we do?" and wait for their answer. *(I'm being a wise ass and am in now way serious about this type of comment in any way shape or form.)*

I've carried a .380acp for 20yrs. This series is extremely important to me

Is it bad that i respond quicker to a paul harrell video quicker than my wife asking me a question?

Paul Harrell videos are always a treat, because even though the topics are the same as other channels, with Paul we have the privilege of watching even mundane topics from the perspective of an expert, which always makes for great entertainment. We can trust that even the little pieces of information we are getting are things that we can take to heart. Not having to weigh out the BS from the facts like you have to do with most channels, makes a Paul Harrell video always a pleasant experience.

Bear with cricket noise you hear in the background.

I feel like a Paul Harrell crack addict. I wake up Thursday and I check for a new vid. Get showered for work then check for a new vid. Take first break at work and check for a new vid. At this point if I don't see a new vid I start to feel a slight sense on anxiety. Take lunch and check for a new vid. If still no new vid then i start to get a mild case of the shakes. Take afternoon break at work and check for a new vid. Shakes get worse. Start getting desperate. Sneak in extra peeks at phone to check for new vids. Start watching past Paul Harrell vids trying to fill the void. Leave work and check for new vid. If no new vid I tell myself "It's ok. Paul has a life too plus he gave you two vids last time so technically the math works out." Get home and check for a new vid. If no new vid I throw myself down on the floor kicking and screaming like a toddler. Then notification comes through. A tear fills my eye and I think "I love Thursdays!"

I recall Clint Smith saying something to the effect that pistols put holes in people, rifles put holes through people, and shotguns, with the proper load at the proper distance, will physically remove part of a person's anatomy and throw it on the floor.

It is odd that I came here to gush about what a great creator Paul is, regardless of the fact that I haven't owned a firearm in a couple of decades. Not being a "gun-nut", I felt that my comment would be more powerful to the non gun-owner crowd. Well, imagine my surprise that there are hundreds of others that feel exactly the same about Paul, whether they own guns or not. I guess facts and honesty are popular now. Who would have thought? I don't really know that much about guns, and I'm guessing that the "you be the judge" thing is probably a meme with his viewers, but sometimes it's just the honest conclusion. As for personal protection, some like this or that caliber (and the ever popular revolver VS auto debate), but what I didn't know is that if I like a .380 auto for concealed carry, the ammo makes a big difference, and what the "best" ammo is, depends on the barrel length too. I do now, and it is fascinating. Even with a scientific or technology lens, and completely discounting guns, Paul presents a no-nonsense bunch of facts without being clownish or hyperbolic or having a stick up his ass. As I watch more and more of his videos, I am ever more impressed with his methodology and simple presentation. Clearly this man is a wealth of information on the subject of guns in general, and he must spend LOTS of hours researching the minutia and details. Oddly, I find myself clicking on his videos first when I look at my long-ass sub list each day. [I have waaay too much time on my hands] Paul, The "I do wear safety glasses", "I'm what you would call a professional" and "don't try this at home" lines are hilarious. You can just feel the boredom and annoyance with that BS drip from your speech (unconsciously) as it would from any of us. I'm sure that you get the obligatory "you didn't show the chrono numbers on the video" comments also. Tubers will be tubers Paul, just keep making videos man, you truly have a gift for it and you underestimate the impact they have with real people from all walks of life.

Changing my .380 to federal hst because of this video. Thank you

My wife carries a 380 for protection. I really appreciate these demonstrations.

Thank you Paul.I am 50 yrs old and have literally been shooting since I was a kid( my first 22 lr at 10). Yet I learn something every time I watch one of your videos. I especially appreciate your " real world" demonstrations over pure theory.Many assumptions of mine have been either reinforced or shown to be incorrect,either way the info is invaluable.Thanks again.

Shot an elk two years ago. Walked up on the elk and it was still breathing and wheezing (double lung shot). Trying to do the ethical thing, I shot the thing in the forehead with my .380 lcp chambered with hornady critical defense. Bullet cleaned house all the way through and came out its neck. 380 is all I need for self defense.

I think the .380 demonstrations are especially valuable; your ammunition choice in this caliber is critical. Thank you for the rigorous testing and please make more videos about the .380 in the future!

Paul Harrell and Hickok45: the best two firearms education video creators on the net. Always very informative videos without all the macho bs seen on most other firearms related videos. Would like both those guys along on a shooting session on my range anytime. About .380 ammo selection: I feed my Ruger LCP whatever ammo feeds reliably every time every pull of the trigger. Since it is strictly a self-defense handgun with situations less than 7 yards or so; matters not to me 'degree of expansion' or tissue damage or what have you: the most important aspect to me is every round fires every pull of the trigger. Great video!

Thank you very much. Finally a "great" trust worthy video of the Federal HST 99 grain 380 round in a short and or longer barrel. HST in all my pistols.

My wife and I carry only Federal HST in our S&W EZs. Thank you for confirming our choice.

Because it fit my hand the best so far, I have a Browning 1911-380 with a 4.25" barrel. It is narrow and easy to conceal, but big enough to be comfortable.

Finally a commercial that is not 5 minutes long. As always hit the like button before watching the video because they are always great.

Always happy to see you upload a new one! I enjoy your videos very much. You are an excellent communicator!

Ty Paul. Love the 380 test,as my always on me backup is an MnP bodyguard. Your test always give me great confidence about my learnt knowledge.

Best gun channel on KZfaq period. I have been carrying 380 p238 for 4 years everyday. I’m good w it because it just fits me like a wallet or watch.

I really appreciate you taking the time to impart this knowledge to us! Thanks, Paul!

Been watching your videos for a long time and you’re always my go to for my firearm decisions. Thanks for your good work.

Woohoo....paul put up a new video!! Thank you for another great video paul.

I have two 380's (1-2.75" and 1-3.5") that I carry in differant situations. Use the HST 99gr in both because of the results Paul just illustrated. I've carried 380's for 35 years either as a back up or concealed light carry. Is it the optimum defensive round, no. Can I effectively place rounds on target and more importantly actually carry it all the time. Damn skippy! Ammo selection in lighter calibers is critical, 380, 38spl ect... Proficiency is very important as well. Actually having your side arm on your person when the SHTF as apposed to leaving it behind. That makes any other arguement void.

My favorite and the most unique firearms channel. Thank you Paul. You do a great job.

Far and away, the best gun channel on You Tube! Thank you, Paul, for the information you present.

I’m glad I started supporting this guy on Patreon; he puts a lot of time, money, and knowledge into these very educational videos, and I want him to be able to continue his work.

When he reaches for the gun/ammo pack in his jacket, i smile a little every time :)

This is by far the best ammo/gun review I've ever watched, and trust me I seen alot. Well done sir! Well done.

really like your videos....no BS and a certain amount of humor.....PLUS excellent common sense info!! Keep it up :)

Who in the HELL is down voting this righteously awesome informational video?

Thank you for making every Thursday awesome Paul!

I really look forward to your videos Paul. You are extremely knowledgeable and explain things in terms that are simple to understand. They are always thorough. Thanks for all of your hard work and professionalism.

Thanks Paul, great presentation on .380 Amazingly you managed to not repeat things you’ve already covered in previous videos.......reason # 899,999 that your presentations are awesome!

My SIG P230 in .380 is comfortable to carry and very accurate within standard confrontational ranges and beyond. I don't like the heel mag release, but it never releases accidentally. I wish it was a bit smaller, but it is more concealable and lighter than my current full-sized auto and wheel ownings. I have also never found an auto more reliable with EVERY type of ammo every loaded into her. Also, *"I like this gun!"* She really is beautiful to behold and a joy to the hand. I may one day find an auto-9 that I like and trust to the same extent (I'm not a striker-fired guy, so that limits things), but until then, my .380 will be paired with Hornady Critical Defense (my current flavor) or some other wunderkind round and A LOT of prayer that she be allowed to remain holstered except for practice and for fun. If the need every arises to use her, however; I will certainly be more likely to fail than the pistol. Regardless of your caliber; quality equipment, quality ammo, and quality training create your best chance of survival.

Thank you for always showing the projectiles after they are fired at the targets. It really helps.

You're channel is the only one I'm subscribed to! Very good and solid info. The federal HST looks very promising! Thanks for the video.

Thanks for making the 380 ammunition selection video.

Well this started out to be a bad day. New Paul Harrell video and the day has better already.

Best channel hands down on KZfaq. Thanks Paul!!

Paul, I only recently encountered your videos. I wish I had seen them 7+ years ago. You are a master. Thank you for your knowledge and skills. In the medical community, we often make dark jokes about the way nice people die of horrible diseases and suffer. Assholes love forever. Pancreatic cancer is not good. I wish that you may go gently into that good night p, despite the poem, you are a good man, and I wish you comfort and peace.

Thank you! That was informative and relevant to the man with a Bersa Thunder 380 (bought as a first firearm from a friend at church who needed money to buy a sail boat).

My mother keeps a 380 highpoint by her bed, my brother has gone on that the high point sucks and she guna get hurt and the 380 is to weak & she is guna get hurt ect ect. She shoots it twice a year and other than that its on her night stand I clean &oil it when she comes to shoot with me shes had it for years and we have never a non user malfunction with it ( my mother tends to short stroke her first round after firing more than a mag) Point is she handles the 380 comfortably and the highpoint cost her 180 $ bullets put in the right spot dont matter how big

Every time i consider buying a gun, I find a few vids by you covering the subject from angles i find very informative and germane to my final decision. Thank you for this and many other vids.

Knowledge is power thanks for sharing your knowledge Paul! You have a way of demonstrating things that just makes real world sense. As always, great stuff. =D

I carry an LCP II Custom and I love it, so this was helpful!!

Great Video! Ammo selection is a constantly developing topic due to an ever changing combination of variables, especially with 380. So your video is well appreciated, as always.

Great info, I carry a 380 Bersa from time to time and I have questioned it's ability to get the job done. After seeing this I feel a lot better and plan on running several different kinds of ammo to see what works best for me. Thanks Paul!

Enjoy your videos, you just never miss a beat and are relaxingly easy to follow!

This is one of the most interesting and revealing videos Paul has done, in my estimation. It really drives home the differences in ammunition and their dependence on bullet weight and velocity. I don't have a .380 but it would be interesting to see the results from some solid copper "hyper ammo" like Barnes TAC-XP. It's supposed to be high velocity and since it doesn't have a jacket it shouldn't fragment. Also, it's supposed to be a reliably opening bullet without the tendency to plug up like the Fiocci bullets did in this test (that was very enlightening).

I really like these 380 ACP Meat target test,keep them coming ! I would like to see a Meat test on the Federal 380 Hydrashok Low recoil load.

Always so thorough! Keeps the vids coming, great job!

Outstanding presentation, Paul. (The editing is perfect.)

Federal HST comes out like a champ again. I only use Federal HST or Hornady Critical Defense in my carry guns. Both rounds are amazing. Both are nickle plated with sealed primers (sweat and rain resistant comes in handy for carry guns).

I'm a simple man. I see Paul Harrell, I click Paul Harrell.

Thanks mr. Harrell for your very informative vids. Realy appreciate them. Greets from the Netherlands!

Thanks for the awesome info Paul. As always, two thumbs up for the greatest gun video guy!

I don't even like .380 but your content is so rich!

I have tested a lot of .380 ammo in my LCP, and was surprised that the best overall performer is the basic Win White Box JHP, much better than anything that is hyper ammo or of new design.

Well spoken educator with good sense of humor. Thank you Paul.

Love the meat target. I find it much more informative than gel tests. Keep it up!

Today the temperatures reached 110+ where I live so I carried a Ruger LCP loaded with Federal HST in a front pocket. Gun choice changes with weather and clothing but, I like the HST as my #1 choice in most cases.

I should really stop going to work. It made me 10 minutes late for the latest PH video 10 minute mafia :(

Excellent video. Great testing and very good post-test analysis. Great stuff.

Love Paul Harrell's videos. Entertaining and informative, with no superfluous graphics or noise, just compelling scientific trials and demonstrations presented with the unbiased math. Even Mr. Harrell's commentary is appreciated as it comes from an informed perspective no matter how dry the delivery. I may not have any interest in 380 ACP, however, this expo was enlightening as to how utterly ineffective it is for cricket control.

"Pork chop pectorals" alone is worth a thumbs up 🤣

I'm right down the road from you Paul Harrell visiting family in Summerville.

excellent test. you have certainly taught me something about the round choice I will be using in my own 380 for now on. Thank you.

Nothing like a good Paul Harrell video. I even watch the ones I'm not really interested in. Great video's !

Again I use Speer Gold Dot 90 Grain .380 hollow point ammunition... What's good for the goose is good for the gander, plus the fact that I can get that widely available locally and that's all I carry in every single carry gun I own...

Maybe Paul could have young David Hogg on as a guest *expert* one day. That kid sure does seem to know a lot!

Your just awesome Paul! Thank you for making these videos.

I like my Sig P238 .380 2.75” barrel with Federal HST for summer carry. I switch to a Sig 1911 Compact 9mm 3.3” barrel with Federal HST for the other 8 months of the year. From the dozens of ammo videos I have watched on KZfaq , I have switched to Federal HST completely. Thanks Paul for again confirming my choices and also thanks for your informative videos!

This is why I carry Underwood Extreme Defense in my Bodyguard .380 . All hollow point ammo has either a lack of penetration or lack of expansion in a gun this small. The extreme defense usually gets about 13 to 14 inches of penetration in gel and does about the same damage as a hollow point. Paul tested the Extreme Penetrator in .380 and it did well. I would love to see a test of the Underwood Extreme Defense.

Shot a charging 150lb boar with a glock 42 with HST and damn near took a whole mag with a +2 extension. I was fishing on a friend's ranch and out of nowhere i heard a grunt from behind while i was sitting in a chair my back facing woods. I whipped around and barely had time to pull out my gun and i put one right between the eyes at about 7 yards. It bucked that off like nothing and kept going. I sidestepped his charge and put several rounds right behind his front leg (that's where the vitals are) and it acted like i had shot it with a shotgun slug. After it dropped, i said why the hell did the headshot not work? It had went in perfectly and deflected down through the chin. Of course i took the hog and cut him up for the freezer and found all the bullets lodged in the back ribs just as the meat target showed. I've since switched from a glock 42 to a glock 29 and have had ZERO issues dropping large 250lb feral hogs in the EXACT situation I've just described.

buying hst ammo from now on. your videos are more informative than any "gun guy" i ever met

Yet another great video and detailed info. Thanks Mr. Harrell

"Meat Target" T-shirts!

That Was Great 👍🏼 Thanks Paul This is Why I Carry a 1911 5” inch Gvt Model Colt in 45acp 😊😊😊

I’ve been looking for numbers to be crunched on my Beretta 85, I think this will do! Thanks for another solid video Paul.

You are clearly the personal firearm 'Mad Scientist'--I say that with the utmost respectable intentions. As always, thank you so much for posting another very informative and helpful video!

"Barrel length is something to take into consideration " ........thats what she said

Extreme defender all the way

Thank you for another great video. Excellent way to start my weekend !!!

Great test Paul....very detailed & thorough.

Finally!

From a few years of hand loading, I've found Hornady's claim on the XTP bullet of expanding from 600 to 1600 FPS. Not entirely accurate. I've found, no matter which caliber, XTP's will expand through water with no less than 800 to 850 FPS. Even then, it's not 100%. If you can push The XTP round faster, do so.

As always, I'm loving how much information you pack in paul. 380 being as "underpowered" as it is, its great to get good stats on what I'm loading up before I leave the house. I only beg you can do this same presentation with 25acp. I alternate between 380 and 25 and I have all the same questions about the latter that you covered for the former. Keep up the good work man, if I could subscribe twice I would!!

Paul ... you are a doing a great job doing this videos, Thank you

I don't care what you carry, just carry. For me. Majority of the time. .45acp.

I have owned, carried and shot many handguns in my 50 plus years. In my experience, 380's have had the highest malfunction rate than all other centerfire auto's. With hp's and ball ammo. That is the reason I pass on this caliber for defense. I don't think this caliber is underpowered like some do. I do think ball ammo is best for defense in the 380. I don't believe the hp's give sufficient penetration in most situations. Just my two cents on this subject.

Sir, I just found your channel, I do not know why it took me so long. Amazing content, Thank you Nathan

Well done on this topic. Keep up the great work!

How about Hornady's Critical Defense & Sig Elite in 380 in the next video?