Defense ammo advice

[David904]

Hi guys,

I've been carrying my Colt Gov't .45 with Federal Hydrashoks for probably 6 months now - which is about the time I replace my carry ammo and fire off the old stuff. Anyway, I've been informed that Hydrashoks have been found to penetrate too deeply and not produce the degree of damage necessary to stop a bad guy expeditiously.

I know that shot placement is more important than the type of round you carry - believe me. But, I definitely want to hedge my bets by packing the best stuff I can. A guy working at the range where I shoot strongly advocated MAGSAFE rounds. What do you guys think of them?

I work in some really bad areas of town and this is a real self defense issue to me. Should I ever - God forbid - have to fire my pistol to defend my life, I wnat to make sure that I reduce the probability that my rounds go through the target and hurt others (or if I happen to miss, reduce the distance it will go/go through). Are frangibles the way to go? What should I get?

Thanks guys.

David

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. There are many views as to which constitutes the "best" self-protection ammunition. In .45 ACP, my preferences remain standard pressure, standard velocity 230-gr. expanding bullets.

I believe that Winchester Ranger, Remington Golden Sabers, or Speer Gold Dots in this bullet weight would serve well. They are engineered to expand, yet provide adequate but not excessive penetration.

The most important aspect of whatever ammunition you decide to use is reliability. Make sure that it is reliable in your pistol with your magazines.

Best and good luck.

 

[RyanM]

In addition to the loads mentioned (which I highly recommend, in the 230 grain weights), Federal HST and Federal Tactical ammunition are both extremely good performers. Recovered diameters for those are often over 1" at the widest point, though they still penetrate optimally according to the FBI and IWBA's standards.

 

[orionengnr]

Mr. Camp has done more research into the subject than most ever will.

I have read some of his articles and I have yet to see any evidence of an agenda.

To put it another way, if he says it works, I will listen with an open mind.

I recently found one box of CorBon DPX in .45 acp and bought it based upon his review. I loaded up my S&W 325 revolver because it has no feeding concerns.

As soon as I find a local supplier I'll put enough through my 3" 1911 to be confident in it's feeding. At that point it may replace the Winchester Ranger 230+p.

In the mean time, looking for a DFW CorBon dealer. If you know of one, please pm me.

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

There is nothing wrong with the hydrashok ammo, I have used it for years. The other lines of SD ammo are good as well.

 

[possum]

hornaday xtp's are extremly accurate for me and very managable in rapid fire drills and double tap drills as well!