So what is the end all best home defense caliber...

[improperlyaged]

The .223 is, also known as the 5.56x45. There shouldn't be any doubt as to the absolute supremacy of the 5.56x45 for home defense. Many would argue that the 12 gauge shotgun is the superior home defender and if the 5.56x45 had never been invented I would agree. 9 lead pellets weighing approximately 50 grains each travelling at the speed of sound per shot is very impressive. But the 12 gauge is put well under the 5.56 for home defense because of its stout recoil and relatively low capacity. The standard capacity for a 12 gauge is 5 to 9 rounds, the standard semi auto 5.56x45 is 20 to 30 rounds. There is also a much greater need for training involved with shotguns in order to use them most effectively under stress. However there is relatively a small amount of training with rifles chambered in 5.56x45. For many it is simply rack the charging handle and align the sights then press the trigger. The majority of rifles chambered in 5.56x45 are light weight and have adjustable stocks that can be used by the whole family. The caliber itself is a low recoiling round that when it contacts human flesh at in home distances it causes massive wounds. Even the low powered Russian made ammo still has enough velocity in home defense situations to leave severe injuries. The bullet construction leads itself to not be too aggressive on penetration. It has been shown many times that the light weight bullets used by the 5.56x45 penetrate less than handgun ammo that is significantly less effective in defensive situations. This was considered a problem for the military who desire penetration in combat to reach through walls. But this less penetration is ideal for civilians defending there home, since over penetration could lead to unintended consequences. The 5.56x45 is truly the best home defense caliber currently on the market today.

 

[improperlyaged]

I was writing this in response to a local opinion comment on the local newspaper. They were arguing for the ban of the 5.56 since to them it had no practical s application.

 

[M-Cameron]

eh, i dont think you can really claim that any one round is best for HD than any other round......it really depends on each individual situation.

but in general....the best round is the round you can shoot best, that can dependably stop a threat......if you shoot .357 the best, thats the best HD round.....if you can shoot 12 gauge the best, thats the best HD round.......if you can shoot .223 the best, thats the best HD round.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

In my humble opinion the best home defense caliber is the 12 gauge.

1. It's a more effective round at close quarters.
2. Shotguns are designed for pointing, not aiming and pointing is what you'll be doing in the dark.
3. You'd really rather NOT shoot someone, and the intimidation factor of the shotgun is unsurpassed.

 

[Neo-Luddite]

"I was writing this in response to a local opinion comment on the local newspaper. They were arguing for the ban of the 5.56 since to them it had no practical s application."

In that context, it makes sense.

 

[yugorpk]

Have you ever shot a 5.56 through drywall?

A friend has a 80K wheat farm we shoot at a lot. Several outbuildings on the property. I have read over and over again how 5.56 doesnt penetrate that well but I know when we shoot some of those old buildings up its in one side and out the other. Lath and plaster are a different story.

Personally I'd rather use the shotgun. Don't know what all this talk of recoil is about. I have an 11-87 tactical and its EZ shooting .

 

[M-Cameron]

3. You'd really rather NOT shoot someone, and the intimidation factor of the shotgun is unsurpassed.

eh....you know i hear that alot......but im going to be honest with you, i really dont think i am going to be any less intimidated if someone is pointing an AR15, glock 19, hell, even a 10/22 at me than if they were pointing a remington 870.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Of course not. On the other hand, you won't be the guy invading your own home. There is plenty of evidence that shotguns are quite intimidating to other people.

 

[bannockburn]

improperlyaged

Your response might be a bit wordy and maybe with a little too much cross-purpose information (5.56 rifle vs. 12 gauge shotgun), but you do get the point across that the 5.56 can serve quite well in the home defense role. Good work!

 

[Z1900]

In a close dark area I think I would rather have the 12 ga. If I was defending my house the 5.56.

 

[Red Wind]

Of course not. On the other hand, you won't be the guy invading your own home. There is plenty of evidence that shotguns are quite intimidating to other people.

Quite true. I'll take my 12 gauge Remington 870 HD over everything else. Thousands of cops in America have got one in the trunk. If not, they should.

 

[xxjumbojimboxx]

I live in a neighborhood. I would never us an AR for home defense. unless it was the only thing I had..

 

[Teachu2]

Whatever I have at hand that will get the job done. I could make a case for several different weapons and loadings depending on my need at the moment.

Pests are usually dispatched with a 10/22 with HP Minimags. Larger critters get larger rounds, with 5.56 being a fine choice. Lately, we've had a juvenile black bear in the neighborhood, so I have 12ga rubber slugs available for the Mossberg 500. If a wild pig wanders thru, the .308 is ready. Things that walk on two legs will usually be met with a 9mm in hand (daily carry sits in the nightstand).

We're far enough away from population centers to attract home invaders, at least so far. If they come, they will find a very well-armed neighborhood.

 

[oneounceload]

Wish we had a popcorn eating emoticon for these threads.

One thing about an AR indoors - your ears are going to bleed and you'll be deaf.........

 

[Robert]

Nope. We are not doing this again for umpteenth time. It never ends well.