Need some Ruger LCP ammo? 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. 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 really hate to say this, but the Ruger LCP that I own is a piece of crap!
I have posted before(2 years ago)concerning the Ruger LCP 380. It has been returned to Ruger 2 times in the past 2 years. Presently, it is sitting in my safe with a $175 Crimson Laser attached to it. This is where the LCP .380 will stay. I purchased a Sig Sauer 238/.380,w/ laser last month. This Sig 238/.380(I own 3 other Sigs)has been a pleasure to carry and fire.
Thanks for the update, Michael. I recently reviewed the LCP and wasn’t impressed by it. I had high hopes for it, and it has a place for some folks, but I’ll stick to my S&W 642. I’ve heard some really good things about the 238 from others also.
-Richard
I purchased a new lcp last month and have fired about 150 round through it.The only problems I have had were that on 3 or 4 occasions the last round in the magazine would fail to eject properly after it was fired. Any ideas what would cause this problem
I recently purchased a Ruger LCP from my local dealer. It is the NRA special because I was into camo
before cammo was cool. I am an avid reloader. I put every load I could find for the 380 through this pistol.
Perfect. no falures of any kind. Then I deliberatly went below the starting loads. At .2 grains low I experienced one failure ro eject out of 100 rounds. In my opinon there is no purpose in going above SAMMI pressures. Also as much as I love this little gun there is no purpose to the sights it comes with. Get Crimson Trace Laser sight and you will have an excellent carry and self defence weapon.