+P Ammo In A Pocket Pistol? Can You or Should You?

Pocket Pistol +P Ammo: What You Need to Know Before You Carry

Pocket pistols are a favorite choice for concealed carry thanks to their small size, low weight, and easy concealment. Popular models like the Ruger LCP, Smith & Wesson Bodyguard, and Bond Arms Derringers are designed to fit comfortably in a pocket, ankle holster, or small waistband rig. But with that compact size comes a tradeoff—reduced stopping power, especially in lower-pressure calibers like .380 ACP.

That’s where +P ammunition enters the conversation. It’s designed to add power, but with added pressure comes a new set of risks and questions. Is it safe in a small pistol? Will it damage your firearm? Let’s break it all down.

What Is +P Ammo?

+P stands for “overpressure.” These rounds are loaded to a higher pressure than standard ammo in the same caliber, increasing the bullet’s velocity and energy. For example, a standard 9mm round produces around 35,000 psi of pressure, while a 9mm +P round reaches up to 38,500 psi.

That increase can help certain defensive rounds expand and penetrate more effectively, especially when fired from short-barreled pocket pistols that naturally lose velocity.

Why Use +P in a Pocket Pistol?

Pocket pistols usually have 2" to 3" barrels, and that short length causes a drop in bullet speed and performance. +P ammo is meant to offset that by boosting pressure—helping to improve ballistic performance and potentially meet FBI-recommended penetration depths.

You might consider +P ammo if:

• You carry .380 ACP or another “weaker” round and want more impact.

• Your pocket pistol struggles to meet hollow point expansion thresholds.

• You want more peace of mind in a defensive scenario.

Can Your Gun Handle +P Ammo?

Not every firearm is rated for +P ammo. And using it in the wrong pistol could cause dangerous overpressure issues, void your warranty, or simply wear your gun out faster.

.380 ACP Pocket Pistols Rated for +P

Technically, .380 ACP doesn’t have a SAAMI-spec +P variant — but some manufacturers and ammo brands (like Underwood or Buffalo Bore) label hotter .380 loads as +P. Some small pistols can handle these:

1. Ruger LCP Max – Handles hot .380 loads fairly well, though not officially rated for +P. Occasional use recommended.

2. Kahr CW380 – Solid construction allows for defensive +P loads sparingly.

3. Glock 42 – Though not officially +P rated, it tolerates hotter .380 rounds better than many others in its class.

9mm Pocket Pistols Rated for +P

1. Sig Sauer P365 – Officially rated for 9mm +P; one of the most popular micro-compacts.

2. Springfield Hellcat – Also rated for +P 9mm rounds; rugged, excellent for EDC.

3. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus – Slim and compact, designed to handle +P with no issue.

4. Glock 26 – A little chunkier, but still “pocketable” for some, and rated for +P.

5. Beretta APX Carry – Compact and +P capable.

6. Kel-Tec PF-9 – Rated for +P, but due to light weight, recoil can be very snappy.

Quick Notes:

• Always check the owner’s manual before running +P regularly.

• Most pocket pistols are not designed for extended +P use — it's fine for carry, but avoid excessive range sessions with it.

• +P+ ammo is not recommended unless the manufacturer specifically says it is safe (almost none do).

Even if your pistol can handle +P, it’s generally only intended for occasional use, not high-volume range time.

Recoil, Control, and Wear

Here’s the downside: +P ammo creates noticeably stronger recoil—especially in ultra-lightweight pistols.

• Follow-up shots can be slower and less accurate.

• Limp-wristing becomes more likely for less experienced shooters.

• Long-term use can lead to accelerated wear on recoil springs, frames, and slides.

For those new to pocket pistols, it’s often best to practice with standard pressure rounds and only carry +P if your pistol runs it reliably.

Choosing the Right +P Ammo

Not all +P rounds are equal. You’ll want to look for loads that are tuned for short barrels, reliable in your pistol, and offer consistent expansion.

Top +P defensive loads include:

• Buffalo Bore .380 ACP +P 90gr JHP

• Underwood Xtreme Defender .380 +P

• Speer Gold Dot 9mm +P 124gr JHP

• Federal HST 9mm +P 124gr JHP

Always test a full magazine or cylinder of your carry ammo through your firearm. If you experience failures to feed, eject, or fire—ditch that ammo and try another brand or load.

Personal Experience: What I Use

I’ve tested +P ammo in both my Bond Arms Derringer and Ruger LCP II. While the Derringer handles it without breaking a sweat, the LCP gets snappy fast. I personally carry +P in the Derringer when I’m pocket carrying, but stick to standard pressure for range time and when using other pistols not rated for overpressure.

I recommend running a few boxes of +P through your gun to make sure it feeds and fires cleanly—but not making it your go-to for training ammo. Your gun will thank you later.