Need some Ruger LCP ammo? Â According to Michael Bane’s blog, a major ammunition manufacturer will bring a new .380 loading to the market that is specifically designed for the Ruger LCP. This is exciting, as two current problems exist with the current crop of ammunition and the LCP.
The first problem is the .380 ACP cartridge is an underpowered chambering. Generally, the .380 loads are weaker than what is available for the .38 Special. For self-defense, you need all the bang you can get.
The second problem is I have been getting some reports that the LCP is ammunition sensitive. Some popular cartridges are not feeding properly. This, of course, is a HUGE problem if it extends to the entire line of LCP’s and not just a few examples. One of the reports was posted as feedback here (scroll all the way down).
Time will tell who brings what to the market. However, Bane has a lot of good contacts and I expect this information is very reliable. Â I expect we will see a variety of Ruger LCP ammo loads in the near future.
There are a number of smaller ammunition manufacturers who are producing .380 ACP ammo and I imagine they are testing the loads in the LCP. Â They might not market the loads as “Ruger LCP ammo,” but I suspect that they are definitely testing it since it is such a popular handgun. Â After all, if your ammo doesn’t work in one of the most popular concealed carry pistols, why would anyone buy it?
Update – November 2008:  Hornady has introduced a new line of ammunition: Critical Defense. The Hornady Critical Defense ammunition is designed for self-defense from small handguns like the Ruger LCP. I’m not sure this is the ammunition that Bane was hinting at, but it certainly fits. More information about the Critical Defense ammo can be found here.
36 replies on “Ruger LCP Ammo”
I have two LCP’s both 374 series, the earlier build version will take anything, the later one will not tolerate Federal FMJ, I think it was ~09 grain. There is a noticeable difference between between the ejector arm, the newer guns arm is larger and it leaves a nick on the Federal rim at about 2 o’clock. The other ball ammo I used cycled fine, S+B and PPU, with little or no marking. This was a problem with the original 371 series guns which Ruger supposedly fixed
Last Friday, while shooting Fiocchi FMJ’s my LCP blew the rod and springs out the front of the slide just below the muzzle!!! I contacted Ruger yesterday and received a pre-paid FedEx label and the gun was returned today!
I fired a total of 80 rounds of FMJ, and about 18 rds of SilverTip through the gun – it was purchased new.
I purchased a lcp and picked it up at the range on mon. 11-8-10.I shot 62 rounds of 90 grain pmc fmj ammo and the slide and springs flew forward on the ground. It was reassembled and shot but I need to know if their is a defect.I well be contacting ruger soon.
After cleaning, be careful that the springs are properly installed on the guide rod. One end of the outer spring is slightly larger than the other and must be facing the muzzle. If backwards, the spring will overlap the guide rod end where it connects to the barrel “half-moon” notch. The guide rod end will not seat securly in the notch. This may cause the problem with ejecting springs and guide rods.