target ammo for self defense

[tvc184]

The idea of absorbing energy from a pistol round does not exist as far as "stopping power" and punching holes is exactly what you want to do.

You die from bleeding, not some magical energy transfer. You bleed faster from a hole in and a hole out that a single hole going one way.

[glen]

Kinda like using a good quality sharp broadhead to shoot deer with- why not use a field point as it will get the job done as well.

[bearintex]

I reload everthing that I shoot, so the cost of self defense ammo isn't that high because the only thing different is the projectile!

Please rethink hand loading your PD loads. In the event you have to use it an attorney will make you look like a blood thirsty out to kill everybody maniac. If there is a question of good shoot or not, ballistics testing can prove distances and such if you use factory ammo. Not so with reloads.

[LonghornsATX]

The idea of absorbing energy from a pistol round does not exist as far as "stopping power" and punching holes is exactly what you want to do.

You die from bleeding, not some magical energy transfer. You bleed faster from a hole in and a hole out that a single hole going one way.

True... But if you study the ballistics of FMJ vs HP you notice that you have a small narrow channel.

FMJ can pass straight through and not hit a vital organ. Downside is if you're using it in an enclosed space you could hurt someone you love. I wouldn't want a round penetrating someone and damaging my wife...

HP will enter, and expand. This will cause it to do more damage inside. Even if it's not a great shot it might impact a vital organ. The chances of it going all the way through are much smaller.

[billfromtx]

It doesnt bother me in the least to carry FMJ's in my 45ACP...Heck, even if it doesnt expand its still a .45... Been off'ing bad guys for since 1911!!!!!

I carry Hornady critical defense in anything smaller.

[xman59]

am i the only one that uses regular target rounds for my carry weapons. i mean really, god forbid i ever had to shoot somebody in self defense. do you really think a perp is going to be worried if the bullet inside his body was a hollow point or a ball round. target ammo will get the job done for a fraction of the cost of so called "defense rounds".

its your life, there is a huge difference in what ammo can do, you are right the perp wont care, so its best to hit him with a good round

[Mike D]

Its obvious from your post you don't have a clue about ballistics. Even .380 FMJ will over penetrate, it will easily penetrate 20" of ballistic gelatin. In addition there is little to no permanent stretch cavity and the temporary cavity isn't impressive either. It would certainly do you some good to do some research if you are going to carry a gun for self defense.

To you guys oohing and ahhing over Hornady critical defense, I would suggest you do a bit more research as well. Most of those loads are light for caliber and do not meet penetration standards.

[bluelund79]

I've personally seen a heck bent person charge after 7 rapid shots of 9mm ball....granted, situation dictated use of such ammo (Geneva Conventions) but i can almost guarantee that anything other than ball would've stopped said person cold. 25mm did the job shortly thereafter with zero harm to good guys (disclaimer). Get the good stuff to avoid over penetration and hurting bystanders

[Cable]

Both my pistols have a clip with hollow points in them.

[Rather_B_Fishin]

The idea of absorbing energy from a pistol round does not exist as far as "stopping power" and punching holes is exactly what you want to do.

You die from bleeding, not some magical energy transfer. You bleed faster from a hole in and a hole out that a single hole going one way.

I call BS on that theory, watch a bullet shot into gel in slow motion from a SP or HP bullet and then a FMJ. As the bullet mushrooms it tears up tissue. For example if someone was shot with a 45 cal 230 gr FMJ in the stomach and another with a JHP the chances the one shot with the JHP living are alot less the the FMJ.

[TallTexan]

I call BS on that theory, watch a bullet shot into gel in slow motion from a SP or HP bullet and then a FMJ. As the bullet mushrooms it tears up tissue. For example if someone was shot with a 45 cal 230 gr FMJ in the stomach and another with a JHP the chances the one shot with the JHP living are alot less the the FMJ.

Agreed

[Mike D]

I call BS on that theory, watch a bullet shot into gel in slow motion from a SP or HP bullet and then a FMJ. As the bullet mushrooms it tears up tissue. For example if someone was shot with a 45 cal 230 gr FMJ in the stomach and another with a JHP the chances the one shot with the JHP living are alot less the the FMJ.

TVC is spot on in his post.

[claymac1]

I call BS on that theory, watch a bullet shot into gel in slow motion from a SP or HP bullet and then a FMJ. As the bullet mushrooms it tears up tissue. For example if someone was shot with a 45 cal 230 gr FMJ in the stomach and another with a JHP the chances the one shot with the JHP living are alot less the the FMJ.

What he said.

I buy Winchester white box for all of my handguns for range time. But I have a single box of Hornaday Critical Defense for each of them that gets re-loaded into the weapon after each practice session. I have four handguns that stay loaded with defensive rounds when not at the range.

[tvc184]

I call BS on that theory, watch a bullet shot into gel in slow motion from a SP or HP bullet and then a FMJ. As the bullet mushrooms it tears up tissue. For example if someone was shot with a 45 cal 230 gr FMJ in the stomach and another with a JHP the chances the one shot with the JHP living are alot less the the FMJ.

I presented no theory.

You die from bleeding or a shot to the brain (which is no guarantee either).

The idea of energy transferring into the body and stopping someone is a theory and is bogus at the levels produced by defensive pistol rounds. Two 300 pound NFL football players that run into each other helmet to helmet probably transfer more than a ton per square inch of force and it is all absorbed. They don't drop dead.

[Hunter75]

Its obvious from your post you don't have a clue about ballistics. Even .380 FMJ will over penetrate, it will easily penetrate 20" of ballistic gelatin. In addition there is little to no permanent stretch cavity and the temporary cavity isn't impressive either. It would certainly do you some good to do some research if you are going to carry a gun for self defense.

To you guys oohing and ahhing over Hornady critical defense, I would suggest you do a bit more research as well. Most of those loads are light for caliber and do not meet penetration standards.

I found Hornady critical duty in. 40 S&W, here is a video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjrenK4N_qY&feature=youtube_gdata_player



It penetrated 15+ inches of ballistic gel.