I am very leary of Hydra-Shock ammunition in any pistol caliber due to the “Special Comment Regarding the Use of Hydra-Shok Ammunition” Fackler MD, Martin L., IWBA Wound Ballistics Review, Volume 1 Number 4, page 38, wherein Dr. Fackler writes:
“Because of the effect of the erect post which strikes tissue during bullet penetration before the expanded portion of the bullet, the permanent cavity made by the Hydra-Shok bullets is smaller than bullets of equal expanded diameter which do not have the post.
This phenomena has been shown by high speed photographic studies and should be recognized intuitively by anyone with an inquisitive mind who truly understands bullet penetration mechanics. The post causes a temporary cavity: this means that the expanded part of the bullet strikes tissue that has already been driven aside somewhat. This bullet will penetrate slightly deeper because a CIRCULAR AREA OF THE BULLET AROUND THE BASE OF THE POST DOES NOT STRIKE TISSUE during the majority of the bullet’s penetrative path.”
Dr.Fackler also states it can result in overpenetration (or adequate penetration in a 380 with an expanding JHP) which may be desirable in a 380, but the resulting smaller wound diameter MAY also be of concern for those wanting expansion from a 380. In this caliber the Hydra-Shok is a bit of a conundrum, as on one hand we need penetration, while also wanting expansion, and it would seem reasonable that someone choosing a jacketed hollowpoint would do so with the expectation of achieving good expansion. On the other hand, variability in 380 loads in general may make this a moot point in regards to Hydra-Shock ammunition.
I have not seen any gel tests using properly prepared and controlled ballistic gel that would give us definitive results with this bullet from a 380. Hopefully Dr. Roberts will wade in here for a definitive answer. Until such time, I will not use Hydra-Shok in any pistol caliber, including 380. This includes the latest deep penetrating Hydra-Shok since it still has the post, albeit much wider than the original.