best defense ammo?

deloscielos · 10-24-2011, 05:48 PM

I've been doing a lot of research lately on which ammo I should carry for defense loads. I'm currently carrying Glaser Safety Slugs, and I'm not quite satisfied with them for daily carry / home defense.

So far, I've narrowed it down between:
Hornady Critical Defense
Magsafe SWAT
Speer Gold Dot

So far I'm leaning towards the Magsafe SWAT based on the reviews I've read and the videos I've come across. They were shot at pumpkins and watermelons and the round did not penetrate through but still caused significant damage.

What do you guys carry / keep for home defense? Any advice greatly appreciated.

stumprat · 10-24-2011, 06:06 PM

My carry load is Hornady FPD

GixxerPete · 10-24-2011, 06:11 PM

I like Hornady Critical Defense for my lil .380 and smallest sub-compact 9mms. It gets reliable expansion in smaller calibers and lower velocity short barreled 9s, and has less muzzle flash and recoil, all good things for small, light, deep concealment type guns.

For my full size 9mms and .45s I go with Gold Dots. In 124gr +P in 9mm and 230gr in .45 to be exact.

You didn't mention what caliber or even what gun(s) you're talking about, which is pretty important. In my example, I choose a different round for different guns of the same caliber, and essentially the same round for guns of different caliber. So it would be helpful to know what gun you're using.

Personally I'm not a fan of the Glasers. Actually I should say I'm not fan of the Glasers for me personally, I am down with the concept of them. If I was really worried about over-penetration, like say living in an apartment building full of kids with flimsy walls, I'd seriously consider them.

I wouldn't put to much stock in what happens to a pumpkin or watermelon though, they're not much like clothes, flesh and bone. Well unless you're gearing up for "The Attack of the Killer Pumpkins/Watermelons", in which case that would be ideal criteria.

deloscielos · 10-24-2011, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GixxerPete

You didn't mention what caliber or even what gun(s) you're talking about, which is pretty important. In my example, I choose a different round for different guns of the same caliber, and essentially the same round for guns of different caliber. So it would be helpful to know what gun you're using.

Yes I suppose I should have mentioned what I've got. For now I'm carrying a Taurus PT100, .40 cal.

About the pumpkins and watermelons, that's what I was thinking. I figure there are many more factors to consider than fruit penetration. That's why I'm asking here! Thanks for the responses, guys

EDIT: Also, I've been wondering, what does +P mean?

FLIPEXED · 10-24-2011, 06:58 PM

Speer Gold Dot... there's are reason why the are the #1 selling duty and personal protection ammo.

short barrel 9mm Luger +P 124gr in my S&W M&PC

and

45 Auto 230gr in my 1911

Damon · 10-24-2011, 07:16 PM

Corbon DPX

I have it loaded in 3 mags for my XD9 that I carry everyday and 1 full mag for my AR15.

fisheral87 · 10-24-2011, 08:29 PM

I have used the Gold Dot(9mm) and the Hornady(.45 acp) both are good rounds.

I don't think you would have regrets about carrying either.

I know two other guys who carry Gold Dot both in .40.

Al

deloscielos · 10-24-2011, 08:40 PM

What I'm seeing here is it really seems to be a pepsi or coke preference..

What does +P mean?

deadshot2 · 10-25-2011, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deloscielos

What does +P mean?

Pretty much what you want it to.

Seriously, it is a "standard" that was created by SAAMI for some high pressure rounds, for weapons capable of withstanding higher pressures" in order to coax some more performance (speed, penetration, expansion) out of calibers like .38spl and 9mm.

As for answering the age old question "what's the best" nobody will ever answer it to everyone's satisfaction. The ammo's the OP had it whittled down to will work great. So will others. This is all predicated on the shooter's ability to place his shots in effective areas. Just remember a "miss" with the most devastatingly lethal round is less effective than "one between the headlights" from a measly .22LR.

MindPilot · 10-28-2011, 10:20 PM

Might be a semi-dead thread. But, I agree. It does not matter what material one uses to touch a tartget. All that is important is skill, and proficiency with what you are using on any intended point of impact.

Martial Skill 101.

deloscielos · 10-29-2011, 12:30 AM

Thanks for all the input, everybody! As usual, I've learned a thing or two from you nice gentlemen.

Anyway, I went ahead and snagged some Gold Dot's.

deadshot2 · 10-29-2011, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deloscielos

Thanks for all the input, everybody! As usual, I've learned a thing or two from you nice gentlemen.

Anyway, I went ahead and snagged some Gold Dot's.

The only person that will be sorry for this choice is the one that gets hit.

Brianaintright · 10-30-2011, 01:22 PM

Any of the higher quality expanding rounds will pretty much perform the same. Some are better if you're shooting through glass and such but for the most part, performance is so similar that you'll never know the difference.....and most likely neither will the bad guy.

Find a round that works in YOUR gun. Some firearms prefer a certain round or bullet shape so make sure you put about 2-300 flawless rounds through your firearm with whatever carry round you choose to make sure it's good to go. One major Police Agency here in the PNW bought a shitload (pallets and pallets) of high quality duty ammo for their new .40 cal Beretta's and the combo didn't jive. You'd think they would have looked into that a little more.

FatFugg · 10-30-2011, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brianaintright

One major Police Agency here in the PNW bought a shitload (pallets and pallets) of high quality duty ammo for their new .40 cal Beretta's and the combo didn't jive. You'd think they would have looked into that a little more.

Here's their problem!

fisheral87 · 10-30-2011, 02:59 PM

It has been my experience that purchasers don't always consult the end users in organizations, or they consult high level managers who are not really in touch with day to day ops. This is probably also the case in many government agencies.

Do you know if they are selling the .40 off at a discount?

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10-24-2011, 05:48 PM	#1
deloscielos Gunslinger Joined: Jul 2011 From: La Center, WA Posts: 40	best defense ammo? I've been doing a lot of research lately on which ammo I should carry for defense loads. I'm currently carrying Glaser Safety Slugs, and I'm not quite satisfied with them for daily carry / home defense. So far, I've narrowed it down between: Hornady Critical Defense Magsafe SWAT Speer Gold Dot So far I'm leaning towards the Magsafe SWAT based on the reviews I've read and the videos I've come across. They were shot at pumpkins and watermelons and the round did not penetrate through but still caused significant damage. What do you guys carry / keep for home defense? Any advice greatly appreciated.

10-24-2011, 06:06 PM	#2
stumprat Gunslinger Joined: Jan 2011 From: Chehalis Posts: 19	My carry load is Hornady FPD

10-24-2011, 06:11 PM	#3
GixxerPete Sharpshooter Joined: Jan 2009 From: Renton, WA Posts: 518	I like Hornady Critical Defense for my lil .380 and smallest sub-compact 9mms. It gets reliable expansion in smaller calibers and lower velocity short barreled 9s, and has less muzzle flash and recoil, all good things for small, light, deep concealment type guns. For my full size 9mms and .45s I go with Gold Dots. In 124gr +P in 9mm and 230gr in .45 to be exact. You didn't mention what caliber or even what gun(s) you're talking about, which is pretty important. In my example, I choose a different round for different guns of the same caliber, and essentially the same round for guns of different caliber. So it would be helpful to know what gun you're using. Personally I'm not a fan of the Glasers. Actually I should say I'm not fan of the Glasers for me personally, I am down with the concept of them. If I was really worried about over-penetration, like say living in an apartment building full of kids with flimsy walls, I'd seriously consider them. I wouldn't put to much stock in what happens to a pumpkin or watermelon though, they're not much like clothes, flesh and bone. Well unless you're gearing up for "The Attack of the Killer Pumpkins/Watermelons", in which case that would be ideal criteria.

10-24-2011, 06:58 PM	#5
FLIPEXED Rifleman Joined: Feb 2009 From: Lacey, Wa Posts: 113	Speer Gold Dot... there's are reason why the are the #1 selling duty and personal protection ammo. short barrel 9mm Luger +P 124gr in my S&W M&PC and 45 Auto 230gr in my 1911

10-24-2011, 07:16 PM	#6
Damon Rifleman Joined: Jan 2009 From: Seattle Posts: 153	Corbon DPX I have it loaded in 3 mags for my XD9 that I carry everyday and 1 full mag for my AR15.

10-24-2011, 08:29 PM	#7
fisheral87 Gunslinger Joined: Jun 2011 From: Everett, WA Posts: 31	I have used the Gold Dot(9mm) and the Hornady(.45 acp) both are good rounds. I don't think you would have regrets about carrying either. I know two other guys who carry Gold Dot both in .40. Al

10-24-2011, 08:40 PM	#8
deloscielos Gunslinger Joined: Jul 2011 From: La Center, WA Posts: 40	What I'm seeing here is it really seems to be a pepsi or coke preference.. What does +P mean?

10-28-2011, 10:20 PM	#10
MindPilot Gunslinger Joined: Apr 2011 From: Tacoma, WA Posts: 56	Might be a semi-dead thread. But, I agree. It does not matter what material one uses to touch a tartget. All that is important is skill, and proficiency with what you are using on any intended point of impact. Martial Skill 101.

10-29-2011, 12:30 AM	#11
deloscielos Gunslinger Joined: Jul 2011 From: La Center, WA Posts: 40	Thanks for all the input, everybody! As usual, I've learned a thing or two from you nice gentlemen. Anyway, I went ahead and snagged some Gold Dot's.

10-30-2011, 01:22 PM	#13
Brianaintright Rifleman Joined: Nov 2009 From: WA Posts: 179	Any of the higher quality expanding rounds will pretty much perform the same. Some are better if you're shooting through glass and such but for the most part, performance is so similar that you'll never know the difference.....and most likely neither will the bad guy. Find a round that works in YOUR gun. Some firearms prefer a certain round or bullet shape so make sure you put about 2-300 flawless rounds through your firearm with whatever carry round you choose to make sure it's good to go. One major Police Agency here in the PNW bought a shitload (pallets and pallets) of high quality duty ammo for their new .40 cal Beretta's and the combo didn't jive. You'd think they would have looked into that a little more.

10-30-2011, 02:59 PM	#15
fisheral87 Gunslinger Joined: Jun 2011 From: Everett, WA Posts: 31	It has been my experience that purchasers don't always consult the end users in organizations, or they consult high level managers who are not really in touch with day to day ops. This is probably also the case in many government agencies. Do you know if they are selling the .40 off at a discount?