Sig Sauer 365 Ammo Review
At Harsh Outdoors, we’re always on the lookout for gear that enhances our outdoor adventures and self-defense tactics—kind of like stumbling upon a hidden stash of snacks during a long hike! Enter the SIG Sauer 365 Elite Performance Ammunition, launched in 2018 and specifically designed for concealed-carry guns. We couldn’t wait to give it a try (or, as we like to say, a bang)!
The SIG 365 Elite Performance line is tailored for short-barreled pistols, like the P365 micro-compact. With its 3.1-inch barrel, these compact guns sometimes face challenges with velocity and bullet expansion—think of it like trying to sprint a marathon in flip-flops. But SIG has engineered this ammo to perform optimally in shorter barrels, ensuring you can still pack a serious punch without adding unnecessary weight.
This ammunition comes in two flavors: a 115-grain V-Crown JHP for self-defense (because who doesn’t want a crown when facing down a threat?) and a 115-grain FMJ for practice. Both rounds utilize a clean-burning powder that completely combusts before the bullet exits the barrel—like that friend who mysteriously disappears when it’s time to do the dishes. These rounds travel at about 1,050 fps from the P365, delivering a respectable 282 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. While they may be a tad slower than typical 9mm rounds, that trade-off is appreciated: less recoil means less chance of your morning coffee flying everywhere when you pull the trigger!
One standout feature of the 365 series is that SIG engineered the FMJ and V-Crown JHP to feel identical when fired. This means you can practice with the FMJ and know precisely how your defensive rounds will behave, making your training more intuitive. It’s like savoring your favorite dessert without the calories—what’s not to love?
To put the 365 ammo through its paces, we tested it with a Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0, featuring a 3.6-inch barrel. The results? The 365 FMJ and V-Crown clocked in at 1,124 and 1,111 fps, respectively—just a smidge above what’s reported for the P365. We shot a 10-round group at 25 yards, achieving 7.6 inches with the FMJ and 7.0 inches with the V-Crown. Not bad for a short barrel, right? It’s like watching a toddler score a goal—it’s not perfect, but it’s impressively cute!
We also tested the expansion of the 365 V-Crown by firing rounds into plastic water jugs. The bullets penetrated three jugs and bounced off the fourth, expanding beautifully to about 0.625 and 0.633 inches. The standard V-Crown had a slight edge in expansion at 0.642 inches, but we’re not here to split hairs—just jugs! Plus, every bullet retained a perfect 100% weight, proving they pack a serious punch upon impact. No soggy, half-hearted shots here!
When comparing recoil, the 365 version felt noticeably softer, allowing for quicker follow-up shots—essential in any defensive scenario. After all, in a tight spot, you want to be more Bruce Lee than Bambi on ice!
Now, let’s talk about the development behind this ammo. The 365 lineup, which includes both the V-Crown hollow point and a ballistically matched practice load, is designed for micro 9s with barrels shorter than 4 inches, regardless of make or model. The V-Crown defensive hollow point features the same jacketed lead-core bullets used in SIG Sauer's Elite Performance ammunition, with a muzzle velocity of 1,050 fps for 282 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. SIG’s proprietary powder burns completely, minimizing muzzle flash and recoil, so you can keep your composure (and your coffee) intact.
SIG Sauer’s tagline for the 365 ammunition is “Train Like You Carry,” and they’ve certainly delivered. The practice round is ballistically matched to the hollow-point load, providing the same reduced recoil and point of impact. You can practice without sacrificing performance—think of it as having your cake and eating it too!
In summary, if you own a compact pistol and are searching for ammunition that maximizes performance while minimizing recoil, the SIG 365 Elite Performance Ammunition is a worthy contender. It delivers the reliability and stopping power of SIG's standard V-Crown but is perfectly tailored for those who prefer to carry lighter—like your favorite camping hammock, but with a little more bang!
Stay safe out there, and may your gear always perform as expected (or at least better than that one camping trip where you forgot the tent)! visit our online store at shop.harshoutdoors.com