ACP sufficient for personal self defense?
There’s a book’s worth of discussion to that question. The main complaint against .380 ACP is insufficient penetration. The Unites States FBI cites a 12″ (305mm) minimum, and while this is deeper than many people are thick, it will account for interposing limbs and whatnot. Most .380 ACP cartridges provide 8″ to 12″ (200 – 305mm) of penetration, and this website has a page devoted to ballistic performance here. In the end, .380 ACP is certifiably lethal and –more to the point– capable of producing timely incapacitation of an assailant if you place it where it counts. This is ultimately true of most handgun cartridges –they will do their job if you do yours. The reduced muzzle flip of blowback .380 pistols helps you keep the muzzle on target for more rapid rate of effective fire. With a little practice, the Thunder 380 can be used to deliver double, or even triple-taps on-target at 30 feet (9 meters) distance, all in well under a second from the first shot.
