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Looking for thoughts on selecting different weight bullets

2K views 22 replies 8 participants last post by  zant 
#1 ·
I'm about to place an order with Barnes TAC-XP bullets because they are what is used in the factory SD ammo I currently have loaded in my handguns and I think they are a good choice.

For a home defense round in a 45 acp which would you choose and why? Both are identical TAC-XP bullets except for weight:

Choice #1. 160g charged with 6g of Titegroup shows a max velocity of 1111 fps
Choice #2. 185g charged with 5.2g of Titegroup shows a max velocity of 991 fps

I don't plan on starting out or even reaching max loads, this is just for comparisons sake.

I'm mainly interested in hearing your thoughts on the lighter bullet traveling at a higher velocity versus the heavier bullet traveling at a lower velocity.
 
#2 ·
I like big holes so my .45acps use 230grHP...my computer gun is a Blackhawk with 250gr Deep Curls at 1100fps.I figure if I'm going to use 165-180grs,I'll just use a hi-cap .40.This argument has been going on between "the jello junkies"and the "morgue monsters" for years.I figure whatever you can actually hit the target with on a consistent basis is best.I use 3x5 index cards and bowling pins for self defence training.
 
#4 · (Edited)
I like big holes so my .45acps use 230grHP...my computer gun is a Blackhawk with 250gr Deep Curls at 1100fps.I figure if I'm going to use 165-180grs,I'll just use a hi-cap .40.This argument has been going on between "the jello junkies"and the "morgue monsters" for years.I figure whatever you can actually hit the target with on a consistent basis is best.I use 3x5 index cards and bowling pins for self defence training.
You have me at a disadvantage, because I have no idea what you're talking about. Could you elaborate on that just a bit, all sorts of images are going around in my head.
 
#8 ·
Wow, that's an eye opener chart! Just on the surface of the data presented, I'm inclined to think we're over thinking the whole "home defense" scenario with all the Self Defense ammunition to choose from.

Could it be the ammunition manufacturers are having a field day with us????????
 
#11 ·
Some of the data in the above chart didn't seem to make much sense in and by itself so I googled the name Greg Ellifritz and found a very interesting article he did which is possibly where the chart above came from. If you visit the link below and read the entire article, things will make more sense and the conclusion is that the 22 caliber isn't the best handgun choice as the above chart alone would suggest.

http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/alternate-look-handgun-stopping-power

I think I'll continue to keep my 357 magnum, 40 S&W and 45acp loaded and ready just in case!
 
#13 ·
In theory, the faster round is potentially better. The energy delivered to the target determines the "knock down" power of a shot, and energy is influenced far more by speed than weight. In fact, the energy of a bullet is given by the formula E = (1/2) x M x V x V, where M is the mass of the bullet, and V is the velocity. Though not strictly accurate, you can substitute weight for mass to compare different loads, since Weight = M x g, and g is constant.

That's the theory, anyway. Double the weight and you get 2x the energy; double the speed and you get 4x the energy. But all that energy is wasted if it isn't delivered to the target, and a bullet that passes right through takes its energy with it. To get the full benefit, the bullet has to penetrate the target but not pass through it. All other factors being equal, I'd pick the faster over the heavier load.

Let the arguments begin...:D
 
#15 ·
It's amazing the number of people that die from the lowly 22 round. They way it snakes about inside and lacerates...and you get to keep your hearing if using inside a room w/o hearing protection....
-
But I will still keep my 40 under the bed next to the shooters amplified ear pro.
 
#18 ·
My 2 pennies worth on the muffs.......... I bought a pair of Howard Leight Impact Pro Electronic Shooting Earmuffs at our local indoor range and WOW, what a great pair of muffs. I didn't shop around so have no idea where they stack up against others but you can leave them turned off and hear nothing OR... turn up the volume and hear normal conversation but when you fire, the noise is blocked out to where it too sounds like normal conversation, not loud at all. You can turn the volume up to maximum and hear conversations 20' away that you normally wouldn't hear without the muffs.

That said, I never thought of putting them on if you hear an intruder in the middle of the night. Sounds crazy but if you did put them on, you would enhance your hearing and hear slight noises that you normally wouldn't notice without the muffs on.
 
#20 ·
I would use factory Federal 230gr HST or in reloads I'd use 230gr God Dots. Why? They have a proven track record of working reliably both in firearms and in terminal ballistics. No offense to Barnes for excluding them, but I am ignorant of the effectiveness and reliability of their copper bullets.

As per weight versus velocity I think that within one given cartridge it makes little difference with reasonable bullet weights, but I personally prefer to err on the side of weight as this seems to be a significant factor in deeper penetration. The reason why I say weight vs velocity doesn't make much difference within a given cartridge is the law of conservation of energy. The 45ACP cartridge can only generate a certain amount of energy before maximum safe pressure is reached. Now you can have that energy push a light bullet quickly or a heavy bullet slowly, but in the end the energy delivered to target under home defensive conditions will not be appreciably different. If pressed to chose Barnes TAC-XP I would go with the 185gr as it is as close to the venerable 230gr as I can get and is more powder efficient due to higher powder load density.
 
#21 ·
The weight of a 45 cal. bullet is not all that important. What is important is 100% reliability in your gun. Self defense demands a functioning weapon. No failures in the middle of a situation. Second is how accurate can you shoot the load, hits win the day, 7, 8, or 9 misses misses with a 45 will get you killed.
So pick something that's reliable, accurate and you can control 2 or three repeat shots.
Gary
 
#23 ·
You have me at a disadvantage, because I have no idea what you're talking about. Could you elaborate on that just a bit, all sorts of images are going around in my head.
Jello junkies are experts that base their conclusions on the effect of a bullet in ballistic gelatin.Morgue monsters are experts that base their conclusions on the effect of a bullet on dead humans.....but the lowly .22 which either camp says is subpar kills many people every year,so who knows.
 
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