Fiocchi's 95-grain FMJ is the fastest brass-cased load in its comparison set: 960 fps, 194 ft-lbs and a power factor of 91. From a 25-yard zero it is 2.1 inches low at 50 yards and 15.4 inches low at 100, and it has already slowed to 863 fps by 50. That is close-range pistol territory whichever .380 load you pick, so the reason to look at this one is where it sits on energy and recoil against the others.

CCI Blazer Brass 95 is 15 fps slower and lands within 3 percent on recoil energy in the same pistol. Armscor 95 gives up 40 fps and 15 ft-lbs, with about 7 percent less recoil energy than the Fiocchi. Ammo Inc Signature 100 goes the other direction on bullet weight: its 100-grain TMC leaves 70 fps slower at 890 fps, yet the heavier bullet keeps its recoil energy within 3 percent of the Fiocchi. So the Fiocchi is the hardest-hitting of the four at the muzzle while the recoil spread across the whole group is only about 7 percent, which is not a difference you will feel between magazines.

This is the practice load to buy when you want the most energy a standard-pressure .380 ball round gives without leaving the reloadable brass group. It also comes closest of the four to a carry load: Winchester PDX1 Defender 95 leaves 40 fps faster at 1,000 fps with 211 ft-lbs and about 7 percent more recoil energy, so the Fiocchi is a fair rehearsal for it. If you want the softest session for a new shooter or a very small pistol, Armscor 95 at 920 fps is the pick, and if your indoor range wants an enclosed bullet, Ammo Inc Signature 100 is the TMC option at 176 ft-lbs.