tbutera2112
Thanks much for the comments and info you’ve provided here thus far. It is indeed appreciated.
In fact thanks to any and all that have made positive contributions. I hope I can return the favor.
Why the thread?
A knee jerk reactionary post that sought to find some more perspectives on the disparity of barrel lengths and various shot. In fact, the info surprised me that it had so much worth or acclaim.
I had given no attention whatever to barrel length when seeking a 45 auto. None. Well, none past the idea of “How long a barrel do I need to accurately shoot at someone who will be less than 30 ft away?”
I figured by my history, 4 inchers were my low limit.
Speed, penetration, and blossom weren’t concerns at all… thinking then I’ll pull off a few in either the kitchen or living room or at some fella sliding in thru a window.
So secondarily seeing such info gave me pause.
Maybe I should have re-thunk some of those 1911s… or maybe the Sig 1911 was a way better pick, and I blew it!
Naturally, being so inquisitive I continued elsewhere to seek out more info on just how pertinent this data was once translated into practical applications or settings.
During my acquisition of what I could find and call pertinent info, here and otherwise, I’ve since concluded as you have just said, JHP is the type of ammo I need for personal defense.
The published data I’ve seen from various bullet makers thus far says a bit more, but IMHO, not terribly.
I feel now I’ll be comfortable with any noteable state side brand, 45 cal JHP ammo…. In either 185 gr, or above…. FOR MY PURPOSES.
Were I to be at large with a gun, perhaps then I’d opt for the 185 or less ammo of the same genre. Maybe.
I live amongst urban sprawl. I’d suspect any severe engagements would occur in less peopled situations. I doubt seriously someone inside the mall will throw down on me.
Outside in the parking area? Probably. Overpenetration seems less erstwhile a worry then, if it ever really was..
Is it true that if you shot a JHP and it went thru a large coat, winter, rain, suit or jacket only, it would fall immediately onto the floor as it hit no denser materials?
Or, OMG, if you miss your target entirely? Any similar threat or incident I’ve ever encountered was almost a hands on affair. Very up close and personal. About the only way you missed was if you pulled the trigger before the weapon was out of your holster.
So when the bad guy and you are hugging each other, what round should you have in the chamber so you don’t kill more than one person??
I’m sorry to be as demonstrative here, but it’s hard for me to get past what have been my reality. Every time a gun was pointed at me or I pointed a gun at someone else, it was from around six feet or so distances.
Then too, I’m also constantly battleing within myself with ego, and common sense with most matters life dispenses. Past history too says Non JHP bullets do work extremely well…. So that keeps cropping up and tainting my posted remarks.
…and I’ve yet to have one go completely thru a human being…. Even with a 45 FMJ fired from within 20ft… and less..
Maybe today’s 45 ammo is different… so I’m inquiring.
Some of my current posts here as well surround my own latest purchases and perhaps some inkling of thwarting a remorseful buy on my selection of the KP 345 which has the shorter barrel. Otherwise, I’m way OK with the KP gun. The light fits. The pistol fits my grasp well, and it feels right.
Ruger support says too, I can load whatever ammo is sold germaine to my handgun. +P, ++++P+++ … whatever. They also said the hotter the round the more wear and tear on the pistol, naturally. But with a piece that can easily dispense 10,000 rounds or more in it’s serviceable lifetime, I’m not gonna worry much about hot round abuse.
Now, as I see the facts on ballistic desparities, barrel lengths issues, I am going to concern myself with what is sensible. What is a good to very good solution for my needs and my weapon.
Thanks to the info here and online, I’m now OK with straying from what once worked ammo wise, and am now open to other ideas… but not those which seem extreme.
I’ll even look deeper into that DXP ammo posted here. And I’ve no allegiance or deep loyalty to any past or current maker of these more fashionable JHP +P, or +P+, style bullets. Or makers of FMJ.
There’s tons of press online enough so one can choose well a good stable, consistent shot.
I’ve gained that which everyone seeks, confidence. I’d bet no one here perhaps, has shot each and every round for themselves into a goat, or gelatin filled torso, dug ‘em all out and done any meticulous note taking on the results, from one to another.
But we do so in our mind. We use someone else info, experience, wisdom or hype to comfort some choice and we feel good as the result.
See I’m looking at this from a viewpoint wherein someone else is standing across from me, maybe with a pistol too, and I need the confidence to stand there and shoot well…. Or duck or whatever… but fill my weapon with ABC or XYZ shells already, that I believe whole heartedly will win the day for me.
I’ve given not one seconds worth of worry to aiming at paper men… past the idea of it’s reminding skill gaining necessity. I need to relax some now, and with yesterday’s handgun arrival, Im sure I will very soon.
But yeah.. that Sig 1911 sure was nice… and should have been for a grand.