The Bersa Thunder 380 has become an extremely popular concealed carry self defense weapon since being introduced by Bersa in the late 1990s. Most people will opt for something a bit larger for home defense such as a 9mm or a 40 cal but the 380 packs a punch. The all metal frame of the Thunder 380 gives it a great feel, you get many of the features of the Walther PPK and these guns are around $300 new with a lifetime warranty (to the original owner). A good plinking cartridge for this gun is American Eagle 380 ACP Ammo 95 Grain Full Metal Jacket by Federal Ammunition. We have had consistent reports of this being a good round for this specific gun at the range. As for the best self defense round, it depends on who you ask. Going completely based off of customer feedback, many Bersa Thunder 380 owners are very happy with Hornady Ammunition' s American Gunner 380 ACP Auto Ammo 90 Grain. Some owners give different reports on how the Thunder 380 feeds JHPs, and some insist the most reliable JHP ammo is the CorBon DPX. Others have tried Remington's or Magtech's 380 ACP JHP ammo and it worked out great for them, so they stay with it. While reports vary there is no doubt that the Thunder 380 is a reliable self defense pistol that cycles and feeds reliably. We carry almost all of the above mentioned rounds over here: 380 ACP Auto Ammo. Be sure to share your experience with each ammo and specific gun it was used in after you test it out.