I'm trying to understand how to think about the difference between these with regard to wounding mechanism and penetration.
Wondering how something like the Underwood +P XP out of a G42, or a S&W EZ, compares to the classic .38 wadcutter/snubby combo? As I understand it, 38 wadcutters work passably well because of a modest amount of cutting/tearing ability as the wounding mechanism versus just crushing tissue out of the way like a ball round. I don't know exactly how to think about the fluted Penetrator. Do the flutes on the 380 XP bullet induce some modest amount of cutting as a wounding mechanism? If so, is it near the level of a wadcutter? Do they help to "bite" on rounded surfaces instead of skidding off like FMJ can?
My only sub-9mm centerfire handgun is a .327 LCR. I load that with Federal .32 H&R Mag JHP. Looking for a lighter weight, flatter alternative, as I have often been running over 40 miles per week lately. I'm thinking 16 oz loaded is the maximum. 380 would also be much cheaper and easier to source, and I honestly find it a little challenging to switch back and forth between the snubby and autoloaders with regard to index on press out. There is less continuity of training here for me.
Also interested in the larger 380 guns as a possibility for my older/smaller people with low tolerance for recoil and blast. It seems like the slightly hotter loads may do something to address functional problems in guns like the EZ, G42 and 365-380.