Cheap defense ammo?

[chopinbloc]

Are either of those relevant for home defense?

 

[Warp]

Are either of those relevant for home defense?

See, now we are past the "they are the same, but cost different" to "the more expensive one has features I don't feel I need for my application". Different things there.

It is arguable that crimped primers are an asset for defensive use, including home defense, although I wouldn't sweat it.

 

[chopinbloc]

No, I said that you could get the same or better performance for lower cost in some cases.

 

[Warp]

No, I said that you could get the same or better performance for lower cost in some cases.

I suppose it comes down to how you define performance.

From what I can tell crimped primers are less likely to find their way off the case and cause a malfunction, which is a performance thing.

I like the Prvi 75gr BTHP match round, I have or have had about a case of them, but I do believe the more expensive options in the realm of the Hornady TAP or the Black Hills mk262 are a little better (little more accurate, full 5.56 pressure, extras like the crimped primer and sealed case mouth). Will any of those things make a difference in home defense? Probably not. Saving a little money and using the Prvi 75gr isn't a bad idea.

That said, my Prvi 75gr is in an ammo can and some magazines...but the ready-rifle has mk262 in it.

 

[chopinbloc]

Fair enough, and that's a decision each end user has got to make for him or herself. My point was that some ammo (like the Silver Bear 9x18mm in the article) is NOT the bargain it may appear to be while other ammunition (like the Fiocchi .223 in the article) may perform well enough to justify saving money.

 

[ConstitutionCowboy]

Reliability. Think reliability first and foremost. Then think shot placement. If you and your ammo can do the job reliably, think performance and cost last.

Woody

 

[B!ngoFuelUSN]

I think that last bit is important to emphasize. We want to use the best tools that we can for defense but sometimes we get wrapped around the axle on the details. Even if the ammo that you choose fails to expand or fragment as designed, it's not as though it turns into a Nerf dart. Shot placement is the most important factor....


....If you even have to fire your weapon at all.

That's a fair point but it's only half of the equation. On the other side is the worry that a non-expanding bullet will pass through the intended victim and still have plenty of energy to pass through walls, glass and ultimately bystanders. If you're CCW it could be anyone on the street. If it's home defense it could be your SO, wife, children or neighbor.
I'm actually less worried about a non-expanding bullet failing to stop a BG than I am it stopping the innocent.
B

 

[Warp]

See, now we are past the "they are the same, but cost different" to "the more expensive one has features I don't feel I need for my application". Different things there.

It is arguable that crimped primers are an asset for defensive use, including home defense, although I wouldn't sweat it.

To elaborate on this...here is an example of crimped primers (not present on the PPU 75gr BTHP match) increasing performance (I think not failing is a performance thing)

The only time I have ever had a gun just stop was when a primer fall into the trigger assembly on my AR15. I have no idea how that happened...

Robert just posted this in about the last hour..

So as good of a value as that PPU example is...it still, I would argue, doesn't perform as well as the more expensive options like the Black Hills mk262

 

[mgkdrgn]

I think you're missing the point. There are some like loads where you can spend $12 and get the same performance as you get for twice as much in other loads. There are also loads that might seem a good deal on the surface but don't deliver.

My point is that if your PRIMARY concern is "cheap", then you are asking the wrong question.

 

[chopinbloc]

Certainly. If you primary concern is cost, you may not purchase any gun for defense and if you do, it will be a Hi-Point, which you load with Tula 9mm FMJ.

What many folks don't consider is that a well trained man with a Hi-Point loaded with ball will beat a poorly trained man armed with a Les Baer and HST.


Of course, it's not an either or issue and I don't think anyone is advocating that someone buy ONLY what is cheapest. Just trying to discuss some of those in between options.