Best .40 ammo for self defense?

[wow6599]

Hello All, I am looking for some solid info on the "best" self defense ammo for my new S&W M&P 40. I have read dozens of reports on this topic, but I am not just lloking for the best to stop a bad guy, but one that will do that and is also good at penetrating "hard materials". Just a well balanced ammo. Any and all thoughts are appreciated.

p.s. - I use 115 gr. jhp in my Kel-Tec P11

 

[Samuel Adams]

I used Gold Dots in the Sig that I used to own.

 

[Walkalong]

I have Winchester Ranger 180 JHP's in my XD SC, but any name brand defensive load that will run in your pistol will do.

I have Gold Dots in my CDP Ultra .45.

 

[jgo296]

doubletapammo.com

 

[hankdatank1362]

I'm running Remington "Golden Sabre" (or -er, can't recall) in my P226. They're the epitome of flying ashtrays.

 

[riceboy72]

Federal HST 180 grain .40. Nasty little bugger.

photo courtesy of shootingmessengers.blogspot.com​

The big boys - 230 grain .45 (I know it's not .40, but this picture showing expansion is impressive)

photo courtesy of http://www.btfh.net/shoot/bullet-test-7.html​

 

[Dksimon]

Wow! those slugs in the picture above are awesome.

 

[LawofThirds]

From most ballistics gel results the best overall results with good penetration and excellent opening even after heavy fabric or other barriers seems to be the heavier Federal HST's (which are basically Black Talon 2.0's if I understand most of the literature right)

 

[hinton03]

My M22 is my house gun so I shoot the 155 grain bullets (Gold Dots right now) to avoid over penetration.

 

[steak-knife]

+1 for 165 gr Speer Gold Dots.

 

[Babalouie]

Those pics are strangely arousing

 

[riceboy72]

Those pics are strangely arousing

Funny, I thought it was just me the first time I saw them, too.

Google 'Federal HST' and check out the images, or click here:

http://images.google.com/images?um=...-US:official&q=+site:www.btfh.net+federal+hst

Pics came from this write up on HST:

http://www.btfh.net/shoot/bullet-test-2.html

Expansion and side profile pics are very impressive. Overall, HST has shown awesome penetration in various forms of ballistic test media. The sheriff's department locally has all but switched to the HST for duty use now. Ranger preceded HST for many years and did very well, but HST has now been given the nod and is riding in many duty weapons.

 

[rich0372]

I use corbon 135 grain.... 1325 fps and muzzle energy of over 500.