Hi-Point .380

Question
I just purchased a Hi-Point .380 and have not had to chance to get out to the range just yet. The dealer told me not to use hollow point bullets in that particular gun as they would jam. I also have a Jimenez .380, but the hollow points will load easily into the magazine of the Hi-Point but not into the Jimenez. Should I use only non-hollow points in both or only in the Jimenez .380? Am I causing any potential damage in the Hi-Point .380 by loading hollow points in that guns magazine?

Answer
Mark,

To answer your questions: The shape of the projectiles have no bearing on the magazine. If they will not load into the magazine, I suspect that the magazine is not quite up to SAAMI specifications for sizing.

Provided the proper caliber is used, hollowpoint ammunition will not damage an otherwise sound gun. Not all guns are created equal, however, and the low quality of these two guns are not conducive to reliability.

If the gun is for self-defense, the .380 cartridge is marginal at best, rendered less effective by not being able to use modern expanding ammunition.

Some unsolicited advice: I would sell the JA and HP, which would give you almost enough to purchase a reliable pistol. Even one of the Taurus pistols would be a vast improvement in reliability and quality over either of these two. Used CZ's and even used Glocks can be had for around the $350 if you look.

The HP is pretty well-made for what it is, but not reliable. The JA - well, I see a "pile" of what is left of one of them from time to time simply because someone actually shot it.

Good luck to you.