How do I choose a bullet for personal protection with .380?

Hornady Critical Defense almost always opens, as does Win PDX1.

Depending on which gun it is may decide for you. Just buy in small lots and shoot it- make damn sure what ever you are carrying will cycle in your gun.

Some of these smaller pocket guns are extremely picky on ammo. If you have a LCP, TCP, or a Kahr...better not carry any ammo you have not shot through your gun. Keltecs 3AT seems more forgiving.

Really- any ammo that will cycle in your gun is okay. JHP's will generally have a better chance of creating a larger wound channel than FMJ.....but- do not rule out FMJ.

I carry Remington 88 gr HTP because it works okay and if you order it online....you can get it for about $18/50 box delivered.

I bought a .380 handgun a couple of months ago. Just trying to get a feel for what type of practice bullets I should use and which one for protection? I am not looking to be Dirty Harry, just want to be able to stop someone that is trying to hurt me or my family.

Find out if your gun is +P rated. Then select one or several popular brands of 380 JHP ammo, test out several and see which your gun likes bests. Practice with standard pressure cartridges ( they can be FMJ for general practice but some guns are picky with hollow points so shooting a box or two to see if it cycles reliable wouldn't hurt) and carry +P rated ones for defense. The brands I like are Remington Golden Sabers, Winchester PDX1, and Speer Gol Dot.

Just buy one of the defense rounds, such as critical defense. There are many, just ask the clerk to show you something for self defense. Ask at a sporting goods store or a gun store, not Wal Mart.