Question about using a .380 as a trail gun - The Firearms Forum

Mosin_Nagant_Fan · 01-13-2008, 02:31 PM

Most all of you know I own a FEG AP9 (alloy frame) in .380. I'm gonna try and hike this summer (getting planes on equipment, but that's a separate issue) and am wondering if a Walther PPK/S would feel any different then a AP9 when using a 102grain 380 round. I'm not sure if the PPK/S is alloy framed or not; from sellers sites they do not specify if they are or aren't.

I realize a .380 isn't the best round for hiking but I like they recoil (with the 95grain ammo) and my follow-up shots are pretty consistent with the first round.

I'm asking this because of the heavier round might be a bit much with the alloy ammo.

Bindernut · 01-13-2008, 03:56 PM

I dunno about the alloy frame issue. The PPK/S is steel frame to my knowledge.
I assume you're talking about the Golden Saber 102gr HP? Or ???
The Rem GS load should be just fine out of your AP9.
I would shy away from any of the +P 380 loads though...not sure if there are any loaded with the Rem GS bullet.

Are you thinking small game or defense against two-legged critters? (or both?)
I still drag my .380 Mak around as my primary fishing buddy, and it's loaded with either 95gr or 100gr cast bullets. Both weights are great on bunnies, skunk, racoon, etc...hard-hitting but doesn't ruin too much meat if you're planning supper. And they're more accurate than jacketed loads out of my pistol. YMMV.
There are a couple companies out there loading the 115gr LRN in the 380 too. I've tried 115s in mine but didn't find the accuracy I was looking for. Might be worth a try.

Mosin_Nagant_Fan · 01-13-2008, 04:08 PM

More or less both (and snakes). I think it's the Golden Saber, I know it's made by Remington. Thanks for the feedback, I just wasn't sure if the frame could take the stress since it was made with 95grain in mind.

Bindernut · 01-13-2008, 04:25 PM

I never did try the 102gr GS load. The 95gr SXT would also be a good performer, so would Hornady's 90gr XTP.

Just for giggles, I would try to round up some lead ammo for it though too. I was surprised at how accurate they are out of my Mak compared to jacketed bullets. (3-4" at 15yds for jacketed, but I can get down under 2" with lead). MIght help if you're dealing with those little targets.

01-13-2008, 02:31 PM	#1
Mosin_Nagant_Fan Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Montgomery, AL Posts: 1,832	Question about using a .380 as a trail gun Most all of you know I own a FEG AP9 (alloy frame) in .380. I'm gonna try and hike this summer (getting planes on equipment, but that's a separate issue) and am wondering if a Walther PPK/S would feel any different then a AP9 when using a 102grain 380 round. I'm not sure if the PPK/S is alloy framed or not; from sellers sites they do not specify if they are or aren't. I realize a .380 isn't the best round for hiking but I like they recoil (with the 95grain ammo) and my follow-up shots are pretty consistent with the first round. I'm asking this because of the heavier round might be a bit much with the alloy ammo. __________________ Long Gun Collection: M38 Mosin-Nagant Carbine Russian 1950 SKS Winchester 1300 20Ga Western Field Single-Shot 16Ga Sears Ranger .22S-L-LR Bolt-Action Rifle Marlin 795 Semi-Auto (Brother's) Handgun Collection: Springfield Armory XD9 Service -->

01-13-2008, 03:56 PM	#2
Bindernut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: ND, USA Posts: 2,433	Re: Question about using a .380 as a trail gun I dunno about the alloy frame issue. The PPK/S is steel frame to my knowledge. I assume you're talking about the Golden Saber 102gr HP? Or ??? The Rem GS load should be just fine out of your AP9. I would shy away from any of the +P 380 loads though...not sure if there are any loaded with the Rem GS bullet. Are you thinking small game or defense against two-legged critters? (or both?) I still drag my .380 Mak around as my primary fishing buddy, and it's loaded with either 95gr or 100gr cast bullets. Both weights are great on bunnies, skunk, racoon, etc...hard-hitting but doesn't ruin too much meat if you're planning supper. And they're more accurate than jacketed loads out of my pistol. YMMV. There are a couple companies out there loading the 115gr LRN in the 380 too. I've tried 115s in mine but didn't find the accuracy I was looking for. Might be worth a try.

01-13-2008, 04:08 PM	#3
Mosin_Nagant_Fan Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Montgomery, AL Posts: 1,832	Re: Question about using a .380 as a trail gun More or less both (and snakes). I think it's the Golden Saber, I know it's made by Remington. Thanks for the feedback, I just wasn't sure if the frame could take the stress since it was made with 95grain in mind. __________________ Long Gun Collection: M38 Mosin-Nagant Carbine Russian 1950 SKS Winchester 1300 20Ga Western Field Single-Shot 16Ga Sears Ranger .22S-L-LR Bolt-Action Rifle Marlin 795 Semi-Auto (Brother's) Handgun Collection: Springfield Armory XD9 Service

01-13-2008, 04:25 PM	#4
Bindernut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: ND, USA Posts: 2,433	Re: Question about using a .380 as a trail gun I never did try the 102gr GS load. The 95gr SXT would also be a good performer, so would Hornady's 90gr XTP. Just for giggles, I would try to round up some lead ammo for it though too. I was surprised at how accurate they are out of my Mak compared to jacketed bullets. (3-4" at 15yds for jacketed, but I can get down under 2" with lead). MIght help if you're dealing with those little targets.