Standard or +P — does the extra pressure actually make the Underwood XTP expand more reliably out of a pocket pistol? We ran both loads head-to-head in clear ballistic gel out of the S&W Bodyguard 2.0, and the results aren’t as clean-cut as you’d expect.
This is part of our ongoing .380 ACP series, where we’re testing every major JHP load out of the Bodyguard 2.0 to find what actually expands reliably from a short barrel. Today: Underwood 90gr XTP standard pressure vs Underwood 90gr XTP +P — same bullet, different pressure, very different behavior.
A few test notes: we’re running clear ballistic gel without the medium density fiber board today. Clear gel tends to exaggerate penetration slightly and under-expand bullets compared to organic gelatin — so results here are conservative. If it expands here, it’ll expand in organic gel too.
We also tackle the .380 +P controversy — is it actually safe in your Bodyguard 2.0? We cover what manufacturers say and what our real-world experience has been.
Results: penetration ranging from ~12–16 inches, with some rounds expanding perfectly to .045–.047″ and others behaving… unexpectedly. All the details are in the video.
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💬 What .380 load are you running? Drop it in the comments
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#380ACP #UnderwoodAmmo #HornadyXTP #380PlusP #DefensiveAmmo #BallisticGel #PocketPistol #ConcealedCarry #SelfDefense #AmmoTest #BodyguardACP #SmithAndWesson #TriggerBarPhilosopher #Firearms #CarryAmmo #380Carry #GelTest #JHP #AmmoExpansion #CCW
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380 XTP is my preferred carry in my BG 1. It won't feed at all in my new 2.0……it got sent back today !
It wouldn't feed FMJ or FTX either !
Nice video!
Thank you
I carry every day my BG 2.0 with Underwood Plat. standard volosity, screw tip. Over a thousand rounds with different types of ammo with 0 challenges.
Damn. Just bought two boxes of the standard based on all your previous tests.
What gives with the inconsistency of the XTP expansion? 'Luv to hear from Underwood about it. Meanwhile, it cycles in my b-guard 2.0, unlike monolithic or Hornaday Critical, so, I'll keep using it. Moreover, I agree it shoots significantly more accurately than 115g target stuff, another bonus. Otherwise, dunno, +P seems too hot for my tastes and my wife wouldn't like it either. If the b-guard wasn't so easy to carry, all this tedium in .380 self-defense ammo sometimes has me contemplating my 'ol S&W Shield 9mm….
I've tested both as for velocity and had good averages, 976 vs. 1057. I think the +P is the better round, but accuracy does come into play. I'll need to bring them both the range again and see how they compare side by side for feel and accuracy. Great stuff as always, wish we saw better consistency with the standard pressure.
Hopefully a lehigh defense round review. I have hornady american but I want a flute bullet. Great review. Plus I’m thinking about getting the Galloway-10. Let see if 90g works especially with +P
I like your channel brother, but you talk a little bit too much before getting on with things. We don’t mind your inputs, but maybe a little less in the beginning of the video.
In the 60+ videos I've watched in this series I've notice a common issue, which is that there seems to be no consistency in whether or how any round expands ,even rounds of the same brand and type. I guess the Hornaday Critical Defense & Federal Hydra Shock Deep have the most consistent results but seems they still have issues. Hope you also test the Fiocchi Blue Guardian Reduced Ricochet Hollow Point. I hear it also has a velocity above 1000 even in the BG2.0. Always look forward to your new testing videos!
my favorite 380 round
I've often said, 1,000fps for 90gr xtp.
Awesome video Trigger Bar, hope you have a great week
Ughh, another Underwood +P video! Every time you do this round the availability of the +P .380 shrinks to nothing.
I love the details, but when you come up with a velocity conclusion, there are some good reasons for it. Great live chat community you have built, miss half the video🤣
Thank you. That Underwood XTP +P definitely seems pretty decent as far as both expansion and penetration. So far, it seems like it's the best choice.
❤️🔥🤘🏼👍🍀🍀👍🤘🏼❤️🔥
Now try the same loads, but with the comped version and see how well performs
I carry the Underwood 380 +P XTP in a Bodyguard 2.0. I averaged 1084 fps with the boxes I bought a few years ago.
Unfortunately, it looks like Underwood has started to download a lot their pistol ammo.
Another top-notch video. Thanks, TBP!
This is why I carry the Underwood XTP+P in 380ACP in my Ruger LCP Max. You get great penetration with good expansion. The best of both worlds in 380. In my Ruger LCP Max, I put in a 15% stronger than OEM guide rod to help out with those +P rounds on recoil.
I have shot 4 boxes of these Underwoods in the +P through my Bodyguard 2.0 Carry Comp. The most accurate of any ammo that I have tried in my gun. The only difference I can see that these +P have made in the gun, it is much easier to rack now. And easier to rack is a good thing! They are my daily carry in my Bodyguard in a pocket carry Muddy River Tactical holster.
Good stuff
Well…I've said it a few times already, and I'll say it again 😅 …. I'll stick with Selier & Bellot XRG. Many thanks for all of the time, effort, and $$$ that you put into your videos!
👍👍
I skipped to 7:00 and I want to complain about .380 +P. When you got the dead trigger I think the +P blew your gun up.
You've saved folks thousands of dollars doing all the .380 ammo test so we didn't have to. Very grateful for that. Even though I have zero interest in .380 I watch from start to finish because its good info to know.
You will always have the "by the book" nazi's in the comments. Here is my advice to them: If your gun can't shoot +P maybe you should of spent more money on a gun that can, assuming you want to shoot +P. If you don't want to shoot +P, great, leave people alone that do. If you're scared of damaging your gun, don't do it. It's pretty simple.
Myself I shoot +P+I+S+S+H+O+T+ and I have never experienced radiation sickness, lost an appendage or time traveled as a result of my choices. To each their own.
As always, awesome video and nice shooting!
Would expansion be better if the gel was only say 5 feet away? Maybe not if the speed is still the same.
When he's not pushing the upper limits on 380acp performance, he's pushing heavy weights around. Looking good bud.
Thank you for the great video! What fabric layers did you use?
Appreciate your very informative videos. Can you add some tests using your BG 2.0 carry comp since its barrel is slightly longer and is the pistol we carry. Thanks
XTPs tend to be some of my least favorite hollow points due to its need for 11-1200 fps to achieve reliable expansion and the limited expansion it achieves even then. That said in these weak cartridges the limited expansion allows you to get at least close to good penetration, unlike reliable expanders like the HST and Golden saber.