Self Defense Ammo for Handguns

[GFK]

Found this article interesting:
https://www.ammunitiontogo.com/lodge/be ... ense-ammo/

[fortyshooter]

Love the performance of the Hornandy XTP bullets in .45 ACP. With 6.5 gr. Unique great group and combination of penetration and expansion out of my short barreled pistols and the bullets are easy to find.

[Vaquero]

I like the xtp's, not so much the ftx's

RP

[BrokenolMarine]

We carry gold dots or hydrashocks. Waaay back when I was an instructor for the department, a LE supplier came down and set up a demo day at our range. We invited everyone. They had various firearms, leather, nylon gear, batons, lights. What I found most impressive were the ballistic gel tests of random duty ammo from the guns actual officers were carrying at the demo. With Supervisory permission, of course. Then they fired the Gold Dot, HydraShok, and several others.

Oh, you bet it was an investment of time and money on their part, but the orders rolled in.

Safariland SLS duty holsters had just come out... We had already changed over..
Several new lights got a lot of attention.
We ordered Gold Dot Duty Ammo.

[Luv the lever]

I was just searching for data online about self defense rounds and reloading them.

The most important info found was NEVER carry hand loads for self defense because prosecutors will use that as an intent to kill.

Best to carry "defensive" not 'critical duty" or any other duty related.

[Vaquero]

I was just searching for data online about self defense rounds and reloading them.

The most important info found was NEVER carry hand loads for self defense because prosecutors will use that as an intent to kill.

Best to carry "defensive" not 'critical duty" or any other duty related.

I've heard that before Ltl.

RP

[Mags]

I've heard that before too. Don't understand the logic of it. Why would the prosecutor distinguish 'intent to kill' between factory bought vs hand loaded? Couldn't they prove intent with either one?

[GFK]

I guess someone could argue that the pressure was higher than standard, which was instrumental in causing death. But, that is why the use of a firearm is considered deadly force. Because, the use of one could lead to death.

[GFK]

I found that the select of ammo gave me a better idea of which ones to try. In addition, short barrel firearms using popular calibers were tested.

[GunnyGene]

I was just searching for data online about self defense rounds and reloading them.

The most important info found was NEVER carry hand loads for self defense because prosecutors will use that as an intent to kill.

Best to carry "defensive" not 'critical duty" or any other duty related.

If that's the case, then better not load your 12 gauge with anything bigger than #7 1/2 birdshot.

[fortyshooter]

A bullet makes a hole tearing up stuff and causes a leak. No difference if it came off a shelf or my loader. Most cases the reloaders load can be less than the max commercial ammo.

[Luv the lever]

I've heard that before too. Don't understand the logic of it. Why would the prosecutor distinguish 'intent to kill' between factory bought vs hand loaded? Couldn't they prove intent with either one?

Yes, I have been told to carry ammo named "defensive" vs "duty" or "critical" when it comes to store bought ammo. Those words are the difference.

[Luv the lever]

I was just searching for data online about self defense rounds and reloading them.

The most important info found was NEVER carry hand loads for self defense because prosecutors will use that as an intent to kill.

Best to carry "defensive" not 'critical duty" or any other duty related.

If that's the case, then better not load your 12 gauge with anything bigger than #7 1/2 birdshot.

Yes and no, but the loads do matter. Birdshot, birdshot then slug? I've always thought leaving a 12ga loaded for self defense is close, close away. That last slug shot could be the difference from self defense defending yourself in a capitol charge.

[GunnyGene]

I was just searching for data online about self defense rounds and reloading them.

The most important info found was NEVER carry hand loads for self defense because prosecutors will use that as an intent to kill.

Best to carry "defensive" not 'critical duty" or any other duty related.

If that's the case, then better not load your 12 gauge with anything bigger than #7 1/2 birdshot.

Yes and no, but the loads do matter. Birdshot, birdshot then slug? I've always thought leaving a 12ga loaded for self defense is close, close away. That last slug shot could be the difference from self defense defending yourself in a capitol charge.

Just out of curiosity, what State do you call home?

[GFK]

It is a shame that we have to concern ourselves with excessive force, when someone is trying to cause us harm. I wonder how those who are concerned about the one during the harm would think, if the harm is being done to them or their love ones.

[Mags]

:
Just out of curiosity, what State do you call home?

Wrong side of the Cascade Mountains. Too d@m close to Portland.

[GunnyGene]

:
Just out of curiosity, what State do you call home?

Wrong side of the Cascade Mountains. Too d@m close to Portland.

I was asking Luv the Lever, but ok.

[Luv the lever]

:
Just out of curiosity, what State do you call home?

Wrong side of the Cascade Mountains. Too d@m close to Portland.

I was asking Luv the Lever, but ok.

ILLannoys.

[GunnyGene]

Wrong side of the Cascade Mountains. Too d@m close to Portland.

I was asking Luv the Lever, but ok.

ILLannoys.

Thanks. That explains a lot.

[John E Davies]

Part of your choice should be what feeds 100% reliably in that particular gun. It could mean “wasting” a couple of mags worth of expensive ammo. I only carry factory loaded ammo. Hornady Critical Defense in the semis, because they feed so very well, Underwood xTreme Defense in my SP101. I can tell a lawyer I was trying to get the very best “defensive” ammo possible. How could they spin that as anything but prudent?

John Davies
Spokane WA