230 or 185? Which for defense?

[kevin387]

I carry a 45 by the bed and it loaded with 230 gr hydrashoks. I got to thinking that since a 125gr .357 is arguably the best manstopper wouldn't a lighter faster 45 possibly be better. Assuming that it functions in my gun wouldn't it (in theory at least) have the following positives:

More reliable expansion due to higher velocity

Less penetration of sheet rock and framing in case of a missed shot

Still at least a 45 caliber hole

Still would have adequate penetration of a bad guy

What are the draw backs that you can see (along with any more positives)

Finally if you use a 45 for self defense what do you use and why?

Kevin

 

[Bart Noir]

Basically I buy 230 hollowpoints for self-defense because I buy 230 hardball for practice. The second load is the cheapest factory loaded .45 ammo and I thus practice with something that has the same trajectory and recoil as the defense ammo.

Of course, there is the fun of firing 230 +P hollowpoints.

Bart Noir

 

[.357 magnum]

Stick with 230gr.

If your Barrel is 4 inches or more, absolutely 230gr all the way. I practice with 230gr and that is what the .45acp was meant to shoot. Any high quality 230gr will have more then 12 inches penetration and open properly. My .45's are my home defense and car defense guns. All are currently loaded with the Winchester 230gr SXT, which is a really good civilian load, or the Federal 230gr Hydra-Shoks. The Speer Gold Dot 230gr is also a very good load. You can order Winchester 230gr Ranger T's over the internet-an Excellent load! In my opinion the Best. The only 185gr load I would trust, is the Remington Golden Saber, and then only in shorter then 4 inch barrels.

http://www.mahsupplies.net/

The Best to You and Yours!

Frank

 

[daysleeprx]

I really like the 230gr DoubleTap Gold dots. For "premium" ammo, it's quite affordable too.

 

[Hunter0924]

230gr for 5" barrels and 200gr or 185gr for shorter barrels.

 

[possum]

i say keep what you got but it comes down what functions and performs best in your weapon.

 

[bannockburn]

I do the same as Hunter0924; 230 gr. for my Government sized model, and 185 and 200 gr. for Commander and Officer sized guns. I have better control and less felt recoil using the lighter stuff in my shorter guns; they also seem to prefer it accuracy wise over the 230 gr. hardball.

 

[GunNut]

Federal HST or Winchester Ranger in a 230gr bullet, IMHO.

 

[Walkalong]

i say keep what you got but it comes down what functions and performs best in your weapon

Big ditto on this one. All the major 230 Gr. JHP's will work fine. Use the one that feeds 100% in your gun.

The XTP and Golden Sabers generally feed very well, at least in several .45's I've tried them in. I would not hesitate to use another brand if it fed well in my gun. I have Speer 200 Gr. +P Gold Dots in my 3" CDP. I bought 200 and handloaded them to approximate factory velocity and at factory O.A.L. to try them first and they passed with flying colors. I also have 230 Gr. Golden Sabers on hand as well as 230 Gr. XTP's.



I have Winchester Ranger 180 Gr. in my .40.