Your choice for Personal Defense bullet - The Firearms Forum

LittlestoneAmmo · 11-17-2011, 03:27 PM

I really wanted to start a poll and get folks to vote on their choice for a general, all around personal defense bullet from a handgun, but the polls have a max limit of 4 choices and there's obviously way more to choose from then that, sooooo, I'm going to just pose the question: What is your choice for a general purpose handgun defense bullet, regardless of who is loading it. This is about the bullet itself rather than the ammunition manufacturer. And we're talking about general, all around use, not special purpose applications. If you want to elaborate as to why your bullet is your choice, that would be great. Thanks much!

Texxut · 11-17-2011, 03:32 PM

How about these 4 :
Jacketed Hollow point
FMJ
Lead Round nose
Lead Semi Wadcutter

dad2thebone · 11-17-2011, 03:57 PM

FMJ Is my choice first then hollow points. in 45

Airdale · 11-17-2011, 04:16 PM

I use Hornady XTPs (JHPs), in 9MM. Weight depends on barrel length. For my sub compacts 124 grn., full size 147 grn.

terryu1 · 11-17-2011, 04:34 PM

Cor-Bon DPX .40 S&W 140 Grain Barnes XPB Hollow Point

dbennett48 · 11-17-2011, 04:36 PM

Hornady 115 gr FTX.

jack404 · 11-17-2011, 04:55 PM

2 in the head of the bad guy ... any calibre or flavour two in the head will do from 99.99% of em

if this means .40 or 45 or FMJ or hppj putting them where you want them will do more than a brand or type

i vote for whatever you can use effectively

dbach · 11-17-2011, 05:21 PM

Berry's .40S&W 180 grain Hollow Point. I don't want to shoot anyone, but if I do, I don't want to chase him/her around to shoot them again.

reynolds357 · 11-17-2011, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texxut

How about these 4 :
Jacketed Hollow point
FMJ
Lead Round nose
Lead Semi Wadcutter

My choice would be high density.

JLA · 11-17-2011, 05:58 PM

My favorite SD bullet is whatever I can get to first. If the weapon I grab is loaded with 230 gr ball I certainly aint gonna complain.. Imma shoot!

But, my preffered SD bullet based on my testing is hands down the .45 cal 185 gr Remington Goldensaber. Actually any of the Goldensabers as they all expand easily and fully, but I like the velocity of the 185s. Makes for an uglier impact cavity for the coroner to pick thru when examining the bad guy..

Caneman · 11-17-2011, 08:19 PM

Speer GDHP

zant · 11-17-2011, 08:53 PM

Gold Dots at 950fps-.45......my fav 1911 shoots them like poop through a goose

vytoland · 11-17-2011, 10:17 PM

148gr hard cast DEWC @ 825 fps. coming out of a S&W .38 special revovler.

woolleyworm · 11-17-2011, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dad2thebone

FMJ Is my choice first then hollow points. in 45

FMJ first? I'd much rather use a hard cast or HP first for self defense. Not trying to get your feathers up; but there is a ton of data out there that FMJ is NOT the best decision for PD when there are other options available.

.327 Federal - loaded up with Hydra-shoks and speed loaders are filled with FN Hardcast.

357 - Nothing but DEWC; nasty nasty nasty.

45 - 200 and 230 gn XTP's I haven't decided which is better, but I know they'll both do the job. First two mags are XTP's, the next two are 200gn Hardcast.

DidI · 11-18-2011, 09:13 AM

I know you said "hand gun".... with a bit of liberal application. My hand fits around my short barreled 12 gauge real well, and favorite fix'ns are high base #4 in chamber, and magazine full of double 0 buck.
"Don't use lights and sirens to respond please, and bring multiple body bags and some mops" would be correct response.
Friend sez: "better to tried by 12 than carried by 6"
Bought that low cost 12 gauge the morning of my car being torched - short story . .neighbor felt he was the target, but the bad guy got confused by driveway situation and my car got lit up. Bought the gun, and installed yard lights, and have had no opportunity to use the 12 gauge.

JLA · 11-18-2011, 09:19 AM

And pray you never do. But remain prepared to do so without hesitation. I have killed many living things, no humans yet, but I pray ill never have to. But will if I need to.

RunningOnMT · 11-18-2011, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woolleyworm

FMJ first? I'd much rather use a hard cast or HP first for self defense. Not trying to get your feathers up; but there is a ton of data out there that FMJ is NOT the best decision for PD when there are other options available.

.327 Federal - loaded up with Hydra-shoks and speed loaders are filled with FN Hardcast.

357 - Nothing but DEWC; nasty nasty nasty.

45 - 200 and 230 gn XTP's I haven't decided which is better, but I know they'll both do the job. First two mags are XTP's, the next two are 200gn Hardcast.

There's data and then there's data. Because of .45 ACP's velocity penetration is an issue, and penetration to vital organs is the number one factor in stopping power; even more of a factor then temporary or permanent cavitation. Regardless of advances in HP design I'm not sure that many of them can match FMJ penetration. I'm not saying HP's are a bad choice, I just wouldn't rule out .45 FMJ as a good one also.
Penetration isn't as much of an issue in magnum loads so HP's are a better choice. JMO.

carver · 11-18-2011, 10:55 AM

I like any bullet that is big, and fast. My favorite is the: Speer Gold Dot .45 ACP 230 gr JHP 890fps. This bullet will get 12-13" of penetration, any more and you are running the risk of over penetration.
Second choice is just as good the Remington Golden Saber .230gr. 870fps
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frFfF...feature=relmfu

Caneman · 11-18-2011, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carver

I like any bullet that is big, and fast. My favorite is the: Speer Gold Dot .45 ACP 230 gr JHP 890fps. This bullet will get 12-13" of penetration, any more and you are running the risk of over penetration.
Second choice is just as good the Remington Golden Saber .230gr. 870fps
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frFfF...feature=relmfu

carver, if you don't mind what powder/load are you using for GDHP .45 ACP?

carver · 11-18-2011, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caneman

carver, if you don't mind what powder/load are you using for GDHP .45 ACP?

I don't reload my carry ammo, I buy it new, off the shelf. I do reload for my pistols, and I use the Hornady XTP in 230gr for .45APC, loaded over 5grs. of AA#2, for around 800fps, and the .44's get a 240gr XTP over 6.5grs of AA#5, for around 730fps. These loads are for hunting, but if I need to use them in the home, they will work just fine.

Old Grump · 11-18-2011, 12:14 PM

Kieth style, .357, 158 gr LSW.

Caneman · 11-18-2011, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carver

I don't reload my carry ammo, I buy it new, off the shelf. I do reload for my pistols, and I use the Hornady XTP in 230gr for .45APC, loaded over 5grs. of AA#2, for around 800fps, and the .44's get a 240gr XTP over 6.5grs of AA#5, for around 730fps. These loads are for hunting, but if I need to use them in the home, they will work just fine.

i hear you, i do the same as i use store bought ammo for my carry ammo... i just like to practice with rounds that are similar... so i will reload with the GDHP and try to match the velocity of the factory round...

myfriendis410 · 11-18-2011, 12:49 PM

I don't reload for sd anymore either, so my favorite load is the factory winchester silvertip 185 grainer in the .45 acp. If I know I'm getting in a gunfight I'll just bring my .300 win mag and shoot 'em at 600 yards. Usually my home defense tool is a 12 gauge loaded with factory #6. Just find a doctor willing to pick all of THOSE out of someone's face........ewww. I really like the 170 gr. Sierra Power Jacket in the .41 magnum. It's AWESOME. Don't shoot it at night though 'cause the max load of 296 is blinding.

The_Vigilante · 11-18-2011, 02:40 PM

Double Tap 135g w/Barnes JHP for 10mm-1600 fps. Your insides look like scrambled eggs after being hit with this round!!!

mikld · 11-19-2011, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vytoland

148gr hard cast DEWC @ 825 fps. coming out of a S&W .38 special revovler.

Me too! I have them loaded over a stiff load of W231 for my 2" .38.

The time proven load of a 230 gr LRN at about 850 fps from my 1911 is defineately an arguement stopper...

11-17-2011, 03:27 PM	#1
LittlestoneAmmo Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 16	Your choice for Personal Defense bullet I really wanted to start a poll and get folks to vote on their choice for a general, all around personal defense bullet from a handgun, but the polls have a max limit of 4 choices and there's obviously way more to choose from then that, sooooo, I'm going to just pose the question: What is your choice for a general purpose handgun defense bullet, regardless of who is loading it. This is about the bullet itself rather than the ammunition manufacturer. And we're talking about general, all around use, not special purpose applications. If you want to elaborate as to why your bullet is your choice, that would be great. Thanks much! __________________ Gregg Steinle Owner Littlestone Ammunition -->

11-17-2011, 03:57 PM	#3
dad2thebone Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 1,357	Re: Your choice for Personal Defense bullet FMJ Is my choice first then hollow points. in 45 __________________ 9-11-01 we will never forget.And then we have dec 7 now it's Nov 6th all sad days for our country. And dont whizz on my leg then tell me it's raining. Last edited by dad2thebone; 11-17-2011 at 03:58 PM.. Reason: forgot to put 45 on.lol

11-17-2011, 04:55 PM	#7
jack404 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia Contributor Posts: 17,622	Re: Your choice for Personal Defense bullet 2 in the head of the bad guy ... any calibre or flavour two in the head will do from 99.99% of em if this means .40 or 45 or FMJ or hppj putting them where you want them will do more than a brand or type i vote for whatever you can use effectively Last edited by jack404; 11-17-2011 at 05:00 PM..

11-17-2011, 05:21 PM	#8
dbach V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Trinity, TX Posts: 172	Re: Your choice for Personal Defense bullet Berry's .40S&W 180 grain Hollow Point. I don't want to shoot anyone, but if I do, I don't want to chase him/her around to shoot them again. __________________ David Bachelder Trinity, TX Rookie Reloader but learning fast 9mm, 40S&W, 45ACP, 45 Colt, 38 Special, .357 Magnum, 38 S&W, .243, & 30-06 CHL ~ Texas

11-17-2011, 05:58 PM	#10
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,399	Re: Your choice for Personal Defense bullet My favorite SD bullet is whatever I can get to first. If the weapon I grab is loaded with 230 gr ball I certainly aint gonna complain.. Imma shoot! But, my preffered SD bullet based on my testing is hands down the .45 cal 185 gr Remington Goldensaber. Actually any of the Goldensabers as they all expand easily and fully, but I like the velocity of the 185s. Makes for an uglier impact cavity for the coroner to pick thru when examining the bad guy.. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

11-17-2011, 03:32 PM	#2
Texxut V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Utah Posts: 267	Re: Your choice for Personal Defense bullet How about these 4 : Jacketed Hollow point FMJ Lead Round nose Lead Semi Wadcutter

11-17-2011, 04:16 PM	#4
Airdale Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: N.W. Arkansas Contributor Posts: 761	Re: Your choice for Personal Defense bullet I use Hornady XTPs (JHPs), in 9MM. Weight depends on barrel length. For my sub compacts 124 grn., full size 147 grn.

11-17-2011, 04:34 PM	#5
terryu1 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: NE Pennsylvania Contributor Posts: 1,264	Re: Your choice for Personal Defense bullet Cor-Bon DPX .40 S&W 140 Grain Barnes XPB Hollow Point __________________ ARMED INFIDEL

11-17-2011, 04:36 PM	#6
dbennett48 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Ukiah, California Posts: 73	Re: Your choice for Personal Defense bullet Hornady 115 gr FTX. __________________ The most important rule in a gunfight is: Always win – cheat if necessary. Two Glock 9mm's, Ruger LC9, Kimber Custom II .45ACP, Ruger 10/22, 12 ga. pump shotgun, and Rem .243 WIN. I reload all of my guns, except the shotgun.

11-17-2011, 08:19 PM	#11
Caneman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 1,287	Re: Your choice for Personal Defense bullet Speer GDHP

11-17-2011, 08:53 PM	#12
zant V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: S.Al Posts: 251	Re: Your choice for Personal Defense bullet Gold Dots at 950fps-.45......my fav 1911 shoots them like poop through a goose

11-18-2011, 09:13 AM	#15
DidI V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Central Texas Posts: 61	Re: Your choice for Personal Defense bullet I know you said "hand gun".... with a bit of liberal application. My hand fits around my short barreled 12 gauge real well, and favorite fix'ns are high base #4 in chamber, and magazine full of double 0 buck. "Don't use lights and sirens to respond please, and bring multiple body bags and some mops" would be correct response. Friend sez: "better to tried by 12 than carried by 6" Bought that low cost 12 gauge the morning of my car being torched - short story . .neighbor felt he was the target, but the bad guy got confused by driveway situation and my car got lit up. Bought the gun, and installed yard lights, and have had no opportunity to use the 12 gauge.

11-18-2011, 09:19 AM	#16
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,399	Re: Your choice for Personal Defense bullet And pray you never do. But remain prepared to do so without hesitation. I have killed many living things, no humans yet, but I pray ill never have to. But will if I need to. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

11-18-2011, 10:55 AM	#18
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,530	Re: Your choice for Personal Defense bullet I like any bullet that is big, and fast. My favorite is the: Speer Gold Dot .45 ACP 230 gr JHP 890fps. This bullet will get 12-13" of penetration, any more and you are running the risk of over penetration. Second choice is just as good the Remington Golden Saber .230gr. 870fps http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frFfF...feature=relmfu __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

11-18-2011, 12:14 PM	#21
Old Grump Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Little hut in the woods near Blue River Wisconsin Posts: 2,320	Re: Your choice for Personal Defense bullet Kieth style, .357, 158 gr LSW. __________________ "When once a republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil."~~- Thomas Jefferson Roman Catholic, Life Member of American Legion, VFW, Wisconsin Libertarian party, Wi-FORCE, WGO, NRA, JPFO, GOA, SAFand CCRKBA

11-18-2011, 12:49 PM	#23
myfriendis410 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Lompoc California Posts: 551	Re: Your choice for Personal Defense bullet I don't reload for sd anymore either, so my favorite load is the factory winchester silvertip 185 grainer in the .45 acp. If I know I'm getting in a gunfight I'll just bring my .300 win mag and shoot 'em at 600 yards. Usually my home defense tool is a 12 gauge loaded with factory #6. Just find a doctor willing to pick all of THOSE out of someone's face........ewww. I really like the 170 gr. Sierra Power Jacket in the .41 magnum. It's AWESOME. Don't shoot it at night though 'cause the max load of 296 is blinding. __________________ Life's too short to shoot an ugly gun.....

11-18-2011, 02:40 PM	#24
The_Vigilante V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 123	Re: Your choice for Personal Defense bullet Double Tap 135g w/Barnes JHP for 10mm-1600 fps. Your insides look like scrambled eggs after being hit with this round!!! __________________ The_Vigilante "Keeping the streets safe." "A man can never own enough guns." Last edited by The_Vigilante; 11-18-2011 at 02:42 PM..