Underwood loads their .380 Auto +P with a 90gr Hornady XTP hollow point at 1,200 fps, generating 288 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. That velocity figure is about 200 fps faster than most standard-pressure .380 loads and puts this round closer to 9mm Luger territory in terms of raw energy. The nickel-plated brass case adds corrosion resistance and smoother feeding in the tight chambers common to pocket-sized .380 pistols.

The Hornady XTP bullet has decades of track record in self-defense use. It expands through a controlled process where the jacket peels back in sections, creating a wider wound channel without fragmenting. At 1,200 fps, the XTP gets enough velocity to open reliably even from short barrels. This is where the +P pressure matters most. Standard .380 loads often struggle to push JHPs fast enough for consistent expansion, especially from 2.8-inch barrels. The extra 200 fps solves that problem.

This load is for .380 carriers who want to squeeze maximum performance from the platform. You need to verify your pistol is rated for +P ammunition before using it. Guns like the Glock 42, Beretta 84, and Walther PK380 handle +P well. Smaller blowback designs like the original Ruger LCP may not be rated for sustained +P use. If your gun can handle it, this round turns a .380 from a last-resort backup into a more capable defensive option with real expansion and penetration at self-defense distances.