Defensive Ammo in general...

gigag04 · #1

I understand the concept of defensive ammo, but can someone elaborate more. I'm trying to find out exactly what it is, what it does different than a box of "normal ammo." Are they hollowpoints that are hot loaded?

Also, JHP - is that jacketed hollow point im guessing? and what does +P mean along with other variants of that term?

Thanks for the help! I'm trying to learn what I can!

-nick

MoJo · #2

"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.

gigag04 · #3

Thanks alot!

So - what are some examples of defensive ammo? I'm gonna run by my local shop and see what they have and know about this as well.

Anyone else have anything that may help me along? Thanks a bunch,

nick

gigag04 · #4

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

MoJo · #5

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.

dolanp · #6

The idea is to create a greater wound channel and expend energy on the target instead of wasting energy going through it. Not only is ball ammo (FMJ) more likely to go through and cause collateral damage, it is also less likely to kill the target.

rickb308 · #7

gigag04 wrote:Thanks alot!

So - what are some examples of defensive ammo? nick

.45 ACP 230gr. JHP
Corbon, Federal Hydra-Shok, Glaser Safety Slug,
Remington Golden Saber. (Not really, but it is what DPS carries)

Rule #1 of a gunfight: Be someplace else.
Rule #2 of a gunfight: If you can't be someplace else, bring a gun.
Rule #3 - Use something that starts with a .4 (Like the car commercial, Wider IS better)
Rule #4 - Use the pistol long enough to get you to your long gun or the next county, whichever comes first.

Kalrog · #8

rickb308 wrote:Remington Golden Saber. (Not really, but it is what DPS carries)

Why do you say that Golden Saber is not really self defense ammo?

gigag04 · #9

The Speer Gold Dot that I'm carrying qualifies as SD Ammo right?

-nick

dolanp · #10

gigag04 wrote:The Speer Gold Dot that I'm carrying qualifies as SD Ammo right?

-nick

Yes, definitely.

Paladin · #11

Good place to learn more about wound ballistics:

http://www.firearmstactical.com/wound.htm

rickb308 · #12

Kalrog wrote:
rickb308 wrote:Remington Golden Saber. (Not really, but it is what DPS carries)
Why do you say that Golden Saber is not really self defense ammo?

Technically, any ammo you use to save your life is self defense ammo.
Be it ball, cast, hollowpoint, soft point, etc.

PMC Frangibles, Hydra-Shocks, Corbons, & Glaser Safety Slugs were developed specifically for self defense. Low penetration, maximum expansion.

Goden Sabers are just a brand name (Remington) for hollow points.
I guess you could say ANY hollowpoint is self defense ammo. Even the reloaded hollowpoints you get at the gunshows.

They are not "frangibles", don't have a center post specifically for controlled expansion, little bb's in a hollowpoint and capped, pre-fragmented. 95% copper, (Taurus's new line), etc.