I carry my .380 when my .45 or 9MM would be too hard to conceal adequately. What I have read is that the .380 can penetrate with hardball or expand with hollow points but is too weak to do both. So in the summer, I use hollow points and in the winter, I use hardball. I would rather not carry the .380 at all if I can avoid it. Whatever I carry, I also carry a spare mag. Two mags with the .380.