Sierra Bullets 380 Auto 90 grain JHP Pistol Ammunition A8100–24 Review

The Sierra Bullets 380 Auto 90 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A8100–24 47% Off: First Use to Final Thoughts

The Sierra Bullets 380 Auto 90 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A8100–24 47% Off offers a compelling combination of affordability and performance, especially for high-volume practice. Marketed as a “Sports Master” line, it aims to bridge the gap between expensive self-defense rounds and basic target ammunition, offering decent ballistic performance without breaking the bank. The appeal of a jacketed hollow point at this price point certainly piqued my interest, particularly with the attractive discount.

I was looking for reliable, yet economical ammunition for my Walther PPK/S. Finding rounds that cycle reliably in a blowback pistol like the PPK/S can be tricky, and I wanted something with a bit more punch than standard FMJ rounds for potential defensive use.

My initial impression upon receiving the Sierra Bullets 380 Auto 90 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A8100–24 47% Off was positive. The brass casings looked clean, and the JHP bullets were consistently seated; this gave me confidence in the quality control.

Compared to similar offerings like Federal American Eagle or Winchester White Box in .380 Auto, the Sierra rounds stood out because of their JHP bullet type at a similar price point. While the Federals and Winchesters are reliable, they typically use FMJ projectiles, which lack the expansion capabilities of a JHP. I was hoping the Sierra Bullets would provide a good balance of performance and affordability.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The price was right, the bullet type was desirable, and the brass looked good; however, the proof would be in the shooting. I was eager to see how they performed in my PPK/S and whether they lived up to the promise of “terminal performance in line with general purpose hunting bullets.”

Real-World Testing: Putting Sierra Bullets 380 Auto 90 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A8100–24 47% Off to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Sierra Bullets 380 Auto 90 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A8100–24 47% Off at an indoor shooting range. I used my Walther PPK/S, a pistol known for being somewhat picky about ammunition, and a Sig Sauer P238, a smaller, more modern .380.

The performance was generally good, with a few hiccups. In the PPK/S, I experienced one failure to feed in the first 20 rounds, but the Sig P238 cycled flawlessly. I suspect the blowback action of the PPK/S might be more sensitive to slight variations in pressure.

The range environment was well-lit and controlled, but I did notice that the ammunition produced slightly more felt recoil than standard FMJ rounds. This wasn’t excessive, but it was noticeable, likely due to the bullet design and potentially a slightly hotter load. After the initial rounds, there were no more malfunctions and the pistol cycled reliably.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and approximately 200 rounds fired across both pistols, the Sierra Bullets 380 Auto 90 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A8100–24 47% Off proved to be reasonably reliable. The PPK/S still experienced an occasional hiccup (1-2 malfunctions per 100 rounds), but the Sig P238 remained completely reliable.

The brass casings held up well and showed no signs of excessive pressure or unusual wear. Cleaning my pistols after each session was straightforward, with no excessive fouling or residue from the ammunition.

Compared to my previous experience with Winchester White Box and Federal American Eagle, the Sierra Bullets offered similar reliability in the Sig P238. The slight increase in felt recoil and the occasional malfunction in the PPK/S were drawbacks, but the potential for better terminal performance with the JHP bullet made it a worthwhile trade-off. I feel confident using these rounds for target practice with a carry .380.

Breaking Down the Features of Sierra Bullets 380 Auto 90 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A8100–24 47% Off

Specifications

• Caliber: .380 ACP. This is a common pistol caliber known for its compact size and ease of concealment.
• Bullet Weight: 90 grain. This is a standard bullet weight for .380 ACP, offering a good balance of velocity and energy.
• Bullet Type: Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP). The JHP design is intended to expand upon impact, increasing the wound cavity and stopping power.
• Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Brass casings are reloadable and provide reliable feeding and extraction.
• Muzzle Velocity: 990 ft/s. This is a typical muzzle velocity for a 90-grain .380 ACP bullet, providing adequate energy for self-defense.
• Number of Rounds: 20. The box contains 20 rounds, which is a smaller quantity than some bulk packs but suitable for range sessions or carrying as backup ammunition.
• Application: Target Shooting. While designed for target shooting, the JHP bullet makes it viable for self-defense.
• Package Type: Box. Standard packaging for ammunition.

These specifications are significant because they indicate that the Sierra Bullets 380 Auto 90 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A8100–24 47% Off are designed to offer a balance of affordability, reliability, and potential stopping power. The JHP bullet is a key feature, as it differentiates this ammunition from cheaper FMJ options. The brass casing also gives an option to reload, if one chooses to.

Performance & Functionality

The Sierra Bullets 380 Auto 90 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A8100–24 47% Off performed adequately in my testing, offering acceptable accuracy and reliable feeding in the Sig P238. The occasional malfunctions in the PPK/S were a concern, but this may be specific to that particular pistol.

The main strength of this ammunition is its JHP bullet, which is designed for expansion upon impact. However, without ballistic gel testing, it’s difficult to definitively assess the actual expansion performance. The slightly increased recoil could be a drawback for some shooters, but it also suggests a potentially more powerful load.

Overall, the Sierra Bullets met my expectations for range ammunition with the added benefit of a JHP bullet. While not perfect, the performance was acceptable for the price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The Sierra Bullets 380 Auto 90 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A8100–24 47% Off features a standard brass-cased design with a jacketed hollow point bullet. The rounds felt well-made and consistent in size and shape.

The weight was typical for .380 ACP ammunition. The rounds are easy to load into magazines and chamber into pistols. There is no learning curve associated with this ammunition.

Durability & Maintenance

The brass casings appear to be durable and reloadable, assuming proper reloading practices are followed. The ammunition itself should last for many years if stored in a cool, dry place.

The ammunition does not require any specific maintenance. Cleaning your firearm after use is always recommended, regardless of the ammunition used.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Sierra Bullets 380 Auto 90 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A8100–24 47% Off does not come with any accessories. It’s simply ammunition intended to be used in a compatible firearm.

There are no customization options for the ammunition itself, but users can choose to reload the brass casings with different bullets or powder loads to suit their specific needs. This is only recommended for experienced reloaders.

Pros and Cons of Sierra Bullets 380 Auto 90 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A8100–24 47% Off

Who Should Buy Sierra Bullets 380 Auto 90 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A8100–24 47% Off?

The Sierra Bullets 380 Auto 90 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A8100–24 47% Off is perfect for .380 ACP pistol owners who want to practice with JHP ammunition without spending a fortune. It’s also a good option for those who reload their own ammunition and appreciate the value of reloadable brass casings.

This ammunition might not be ideal for shooters who demand absolute reliability in all firearms or those who are particularly sensitive to recoil. Those who have finicky .380s may want to test these first.

A must-have accessory for using this ammunition is a reliable .380 ACP pistol and magazines.

Conclusion on Sierra Bullets 380 Auto 90 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A8100–24 47% Off

The Sierra Bullets 380 Auto 90 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A8100–24 47% Off offers a compelling value proposition for .380 ACP shooters looking for affordable JHP ammunition for practice. While it may not be the most reliable option in all firearms, it provides acceptable performance and the potential for improved terminal ballistics compared to FMJ rounds.

The price is justified, especially with the current discount. I would personally recommend it to those looking for a balance of affordability and performance in their .380 ACP ammunition.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to train with JHP ammunition in your .380, give the Sierra Bullets a try.