Bersa Thunder .380 ACP Pistols - The Firearms Forum

Rhuga · 10-25-2011, 11:45 AM

After checking a number of reviews on these pistols. I find that there seems to be arguments as to what ammo to use in them for best effect. And since I do not have an Owners Manual I need to ask dumb questions.

Can they shoot +P ammo also?

Since I will have my life on the line for personnel defense. What is the best ammo for:
1. Stopping Power and penetration
2. Jam free and most dependable operation

Double Deuce · 10-25-2011, 03:10 PM

My wife has one and for the Personal defense we use the Hornady TAP ammo, it has never jammed on that, some of the target brands it has not liked but not had many jams on those either.

reynolds357 · 10-25-2011, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhuga

After checking a number of reviews on these pistols. I find that there seems to be arguments as to what ammo to use in them for best effect. And since I do not have an Owners Manual I need to ask dumb questions.

Can they shoot +P ammo also?

Since I will have my life on the line for personnel defense. What is the best ammo for:
1. Stopping Power and penetration
2. Jam free and most dependable operation

I doubt you will find any owners manual that tells you to shoot plus p ammo in a weapon made by a main line firearms manufacturer. For carry ammo, shoot plus p if you want to. Dont go to the range and shoot it up for practice ammo. It probably would be just fine for 5000 shots, but why shoot it when you dont need it?

graehaven · 10-25-2011, 04:46 PM

Do a google search, the manuals are out there.

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=...LzVkQdVrmC8PUg

I wouldn't use a +P ammo in mine, and don't. I carry Winchester Silver tip Hollow points, and they shoot fine.

Bobitis · 10-25-2011, 06:31 PM

Silvertips in my Astra will open up into a nickel size projectile when shot at wet phone books.

I've never shot +P ammo in a semi auto. Seems like it would be pretty hard on the pistol. I wouldn't hesitate using it in a revolver.

reynolds357 · 10-25-2011, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobitis

Silvertips in my Astra will open up into a nickel size projectile when shot at wet phone books.

I've never shot +P ammo in a semi auto. Seems like it would be pretty hard on the pistol. I wouldn't hesitate using it in a revolver.

Plus P is not really that harsh on the pistol. Presssure on the 9mm luger for example is held down by SAAMI because they have to keep it safe for the old pistols manufactured over 100 years ago. There is no reason whatsoever that a modern 9mm should not operate at the same pressure a modern .40 S&W operates at.

cluznar · 04-25-2012, 12:51 PM

I carry my Bersa Thunder .380 with Corbon Pwrball ammo, have put about 50 rounds of it thru the Bersa with no problems. For practice I just use FMJ Range ammo which shoots with no problem.

Hammerslagger · 04-25-2012, 02:27 PM

Most modern made handguns will take a limited number of shots of "+P" ammo. The extra pressure (+P) ammo will quickly loosen and wear out many guns as compared to shooting regular lower pressure ammo. The benefits of of "+P" handgun ammo are questionable, at best, relative to more quickly stopping a violent attacker.

Here is a link to a FBI Paper that everyone who carries a gun should read.
http://www.firearmstactical.com/pdf/fbi-hwfe.pdf

Premium and "+P" ammo can be somewhat likened to fishing lures at Cabela's, Gander Mountain, Bass-Pro, or other large retailers. Often, many lures do a better job of getting less than knowledgeable fisher-persons to buy then than they do relative to catching fish.

10-25-2011, 11:45 AM	#1
Rhuga Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Henderson, Nevada Posts: 656	Bersa Thunder .380 ACP Pistols After checking a number of reviews on these pistols. I find that there seems to be arguments as to what ammo to use in them for best effect. And since I do not have an Owners Manual I need to ask dumb questions. Can they shoot +P ammo also? Since I will have my life on the line for personnel defense. What is the best ammo for: 1. Stopping Power and penetration 2. Jam free and most dependable operation --> Last edited by Rhuga; 10-25-2011 at 11:53 AM..

10-25-2011, 03:10 PM	#2
Double Deuce V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Utah Posts: 313	Re: Bersa Thunder .380 ACP Pistols My wife has one and for the Personal defense we use the Hornady TAP ammo, it has never jammed on that, some of the target brands it has not liked but not had many jams on those either.

10-25-2011, 04:46 PM	#4
graehaven Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 2,853	Re: Bersa Thunder .380 ACP Pistols Do a google search, the manuals are out there. http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=...LzVkQdVrmC8PUg I wouldn't use a +P ammo in mine, and don't. I carry Winchester Silver tip Hollow points, and they shoot fine. __________________ The beauty of the second amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it." - Thomas Jefferson RESISTANCE IS FEUDAL... PREPARE TO SERVE.

10-25-2011, 06:31 PM	#5
Bobitis Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 6,612	Re: Bersa Thunder .380 ACP Pistols Silvertips in my Astra will open up into a nickel size projectile when shot at wet phone books. I've never shot +P ammo in a semi auto. Seems like it would be pretty hard on the pistol. I wouldn't hesitate using it in a revolver. __________________ ^.^ A point in every direction is the same as having no point at all

04-25-2012, 12:51 PM	#7
cluznar Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 70	Re: Bersa Thunder .380 ACP Pistols I carry my Bersa Thunder .380 with Corbon Pwrball ammo, have put about 50 rounds of it thru the Bersa with no problems. For practice I just use FMJ Range ammo which shoots with no problem.

04-25-2012, 02:27 PM	#8
Hammerslagger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,099	Re: Bersa Thunder .380 ACP Pistols Most modern made handguns will take a limited number of shots of "+P" ammo. The extra pressure (+P) ammo will quickly loosen and wear out many guns as compared to shooting regular lower pressure ammo. The benefits of of "+P" handgun ammo are questionable, at best, relative to more quickly stopping a violent attacker. Here is a link to a FBI Paper that everyone who carries a gun should read. http://www.firearmstactical.com/pdf/fbi-hwfe.pdf Premium and "+P" ammo can be somewhat likened to fishing lures at Cabela's, Gander Mountain, Bass-Pro, or other large retailers. Often, many lures do a better job of getting less than knowledgeable fisher-persons to buy then than they do relative to catching fish.