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gigag04 wrote:I went to my local store, and the owner recommended Speer GoldDot cartrdges, so I picked up a box of 20 for like $15 or something.

They are 45 AUTO +P 200 GR. GDHP, which he said would go well in a smaller, more compact pistol with shorter barrell. -- I think...if I heard correctly anyway.

So -

Advantages of defense ammo? More spread so you don't get a "shoot through", goes through glass and walls and stops in people?

Am I on the right track?


nick

Yes, but - - -

There are many variables in terminal ballistics and wound pathology so many in fact the "experts" don't agree. There have been volumes written on the subject. Terminal effects are basic laws of physics and the effects of a wound are defined medically.

But, when "the rubber meets the road" or, more appropriately, "the bullet meets the target" why a certain loads performs well or is a dismal failure is a cosmic mystery.

The secret to finding the best self defense ammunition is: research the available options, try a variety of ammunition, find a load with a decent track record that is 100% reliable in your gun (minimum of 100 failure free rounds.) Then, get some training and practice, practice, practice. No bullet will do it's job if you don't put it where it needs to go.

Good luck in your quest.

"Defensive" ammo is what most manufacturers refer to as "personal protection" ammo ie. hollow points.

You are right on track about JHP is does stand for "jacketed hollow point"

+P refers to the pressure level the ammunition is loaded to - - - +P is "Hotter" but, not necessarily better. The higher pressure can lead to accelerated wear of your firearm and it kicks harder. .38 special, 9mm, .45 ACP and .38 super are the only rounds I know of that have a SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) spec for +P there may be others but, I'm not aware of them.

The reason for using hollow points for defensive ammunition is to reduce the likely hood of a shoot through and causing collateral damage. We are responsible for the damage done by every shot we fire so we don't want to be hitting unintended targets.