What Are Some Known Handgun Loads That Have A Proven Street Record And Their Gel Test Results?

I have long heard about the FBI's 12-18" penetration standard for determining an adequate load for self-defense, yet I'm now starting to rethink if this is needed. It seems to be that there are loads that have a great street track record, yet either don't reach 12", or just barely. What are some of the best loads according to street performance, namely in 9mm, and their corresponding results in gel tests? Could 10-12" be sufficient instead?

Here are 2 Tests where HST does under 12", and we all know 124 HST as being very effective in the real world.

 

Dunno about gel, but Harry Callihan's loaded down 44 mag loads propels bad guys at least six feet back.

 

On GlockTalk Massad Ayoob answers a lot of questions about this. Not because he has personal experience, but because he does so much training he hears about officer-involved shootings from hundreds of agencies and often knows or finds out what the firearm and ammunition selection was. At this point any of the mainstream defensive ammunition in the major service pistol calibers is likely very satisfactory - HST, Ranger, Gold Dot.

 

Hard to argue with Ranger SXT. This is the rebranded and updated (and much maligned) Black Talon that got discontinued/banned. SXT = Same eXact Thing.

Realistically though, most handgun rounds are marginal compared to long gun stuff. If you are serious, I would move up to large bore (44/45) or magnum (.357/10MM/etc.) rounds. Or concealed carry a shotgun down your pants (extra happy to see you).

 

ETA: I see 124 HST is just barely shy of 12'' in the OP - that small of a difference would not give me concern.

Winchester & Federal don't give gel results for many revolver calibers; so, we will have to go with clear gel for this.
Most would agree the classic full power 357 Mag 125 JHP / SJHP did well on the street.
https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/
From a 4'' barrel Remington 125 SJHP 13.6'' / .54

Ranger T 127 +P+ has a good reputation on the street, its performance from a 3.5'' barrel is likely not as good as a 4''+ like Glock 17/19
https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/
From a short barrel the bullet didn't reliably expand and over penetrated.

Lets look at manufacturer data.
https://winchesterle.com/-/media/Project/WinchesterLE/PDF/Handgun-Bullet-Barrier-Testing-Protocol_2016.ashx
Ranger T 9mm 127 +P+ in bare gel 14.3'' / .68 and in heavy clothed gel 14.4'' / .70

Did any LE agency quit using 357 Sig because it didn't perform well on the street? Don't think so. Same link...
Ranger T 357 Sig 125 bare gel 12.3'' / .63 and in heavy clothed gel 14'' / .68

The other two 357 Sig bullets that would have been in use with LE
http://www.le.vistaoutdoor.com/wound_ballistics/load_comparison/load_comparison.aspx
357 Sig Gold Dot bare gel 14.3'' / .61 and heavy clothing 18.3'' / .53
357 Sig HST bare gel 11'' / .83 and in heavy clothing 12'' / .64

Tie back to my first example with the 357 Sig HST in clear gel.
https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/357-sig-gel-test/
357 Sig HST 18'' / .61

I think its a fair generalization that bullets that performed well on the street penetrate 12'' or more.

Not directed toward OP:
In before the replies of, not a cop so don't need 12'' penetration and expansion, muh 32 / 380 FMJ is fine for civilian because ...
Yea, you roll with that.

 

I've always heard 38 wadcutters did well.

I think there was a border patrol revolver load for 357 that was a 110 grain jhp that tended to be under 10 inches in penetration but had a good rep in actual shootings.

Would 45 ball count? No expansion.

 

I really think people obsess way too much about all of this. IMO, The best course of action is to practice with a reliable quality handgun of a respectable caliber (38 sp/9mm or bigger) to achieve maximum proficiency with whatever practice ammo is available (easier told than saddled and rode, lately) and then purchase the desired amount of factory HP ammunition from a legit American brand that will reliably function in that handgun; load that handgun and any spare mags or speed loaders you feel you need, and move on- while recognizing that handguns are the near-universal go-to for defensive use in almost every scenario, that all handguns are underpowered compared to long guns, that there is a reason that modern handguns hold more than 1 round, and that only good hits count.

 

In today’s ammo market, one sometimes has to settle for what one can get, but, I would rather have ammo that is known for adequate penetration. Penetration could matter, in the real world. Many of today’s attackers are XL-sized, and, if I am on the floor/ground, I may have to shoot at an upward angle, through a substantial-sized belly, to reach vital organs. I have never been the most gracefully-moving person, and aging has not made my poor balance any better. Or, maybe I have intentionally chosen to use a low position, due to cover or concealment concerns. So, yes, I consider the possibility of having to shoot through bellies, at upward angles.

 

Depends on the gun. Barrel length affects velocity, and higher velocity is not always a good thing. There are some bullet constructions that have a narrow effective velocity range. Like for example 950-1100 fps, Driven any slower or faster and it will either over or under penetrate. Lets say you want to use the exact same round in a carbine or hotter load, 1200fps at the muzzle, but at 100yds the bullet is going 1100 fps and a hit on target will perform ideally past 100yds.
I saw a recent test that illustrates this very well, with a street credited round.