HD/SD loading

[Mr White]

For H/D, I keep a High Power loaded in the nightstand and a Hi Point carbine loaded in the safe.

What are peoples thoughts on loading the top 2 rounds with FMJ rather than JHP? My reasoning for doing so is this:
1. I live in a very low crime area. No gangs, no crackheads. I probably won't be fighting a gang of crazed meth heads or a squad of elite tactical ninjas. On top of that, I have 2 large dogs that'll stop most threats before they enter the house.
2. All but the most determined of attackers would most likely give up the fight after getting shot at all, be it with FMJ or JHP.
3. If I can stop the threat with the first 1 or 2 shots, which in my case I think would be very likely, and those shots are FMJ, that could prevent the loss of life, which would be in my best interest, since I really don't want to kill someone unless its absolutely necessary.
4. If after 2 shots, the threat is still there, then the JHPs in rounds 3-? would be more effective.
5. If I ever had to shoot someone, whether I was clearly in the right or not, It'd most likely be investigated by the police and possibly be turned over to the DA. Knowing how a DA could twist the use of HPs into a Rambo mindset and an intent to kill, 2 FMJs as the first shots could help to dispel that accusation.

I look at it from the liability angle and then from the angle that if someone in this low crime area is determined enough to break in despite the dogs, and still poses a threat after getting past the dogs, he's proven himself to be a determined and legitimate threat and the type of bullets I shoot him with shouldn't at that point matter to the DA.

What do you think?

What about in a carry gun?

 

[conw]

This type of thinking is tempting, but I think it goes back to the whole thing of "don't shoot unless you are willing to kill." If you would only shoot in a true life or death situation, it doesn't make sense to try to have a "less lethal" round that COULD still kill. Think about it.

Also, from my reading and such, FMJs are not less deadly, they are just less quick in stopping your target. An entry wound and an exit wound means more blood loss, if the FMJ penetrates farther than the JHP.

The only reason I could see for loading different types of rounds (or having a mag of FMJs) would be if you needed to penetrate through glass or something, which doesn't sound like "home defense" to me really.

I too keep the HP carbine, with a cheapie red dot sight on it, for home defense.

 

[conw]

As far as a carry gun, if you have a mag that holds like 12-20 rounds then it might make sense to load the last few with FMJs for the penetration benefits. There are pros and cons I can think of. In the end it probably won't matter anyway for a civilian, though.

 

[CWL]

Think less about your choice of ammo and more on proper mindset of staying safe. Unless JHPs are illegal in your area (doubtful in PA), then you are free to use them for SD purposes.

SD gunfights don't go beyond a few rounds fired, so spend your time on training to get the first 3 shots on-target, rather than "what kind of ammo?"

 

[conw]

That too.

But...the OP's attitude of "I don't want to kill anyone, so I may use FMJs instead of JHPs" is of concern to me.

If you shoot someone you may kill them.
If you shoot someone it is either self-defense or attempted murder/manslaughter.
Therefore, if you shoot someone, you should shoot to immobilize/stop, not for some kind of half-ass stop-but-not-kill with FMJs. If anything, as others may say and have said before here, FMJs will kill just as sure as JHPs, but the JHPs will give you a better chance of calling 911, saving your life, and potentially getting the other person help.

If your life is not at risk and you shoot, you have attempted murder. There is a pretty definite line, in my eyes.

I would rather not kill anyone either. Nor would any sane person. Yet if your life is on the line, you want the best stopping power; if not, don't shoot at all.