Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Best ammo for defense??
Date:	6/7/2020 9:34:14 AM

After reading about many thugs surviving being shot by police many times with 9mm, I’ve got doubts about 9mm.  Read today that the thug that stabbed the cop in the neck, then shot two cops before being shot 8 times by police is laying in a hospital, when by all rights he should be pushing up kudzu.  Since virtually all police forces use 9mm, is this the best ammo to use for defense?

Name:	Lifer -	Reply
Subject:	Best ammo for defense??
Date:	6/7/2020 12:01:40 PM

There are a lot af variables that have to be conssidered. I think the caliber is high enogh with the proper ammo seclection. The police probably don't use the most lethal loads for optics purposes.  Some perps entire center mass obliterated by a few hollow point rounds makes ugly pictures.

Name:	Old Diver -	Reply
Subject:	Best ammo for defense??
Date:	6/7/2020 12:58:21 PM

   Most any caliber is O K if you put it in the right place. Trouble is most folks buy a hand gun, fire it a few times and put it in a drawer. I have seen a number of folks, espically women, buy an auto and can't pull the slide back or clear a jam. Many can't hit a target. I usually recomend a .38  or 357 revolver to those who are not too experienced with hand guns. Simple, reliable and efective. Practice, practice, practice!

   To me for home defense I prefer a double barrel or pump shotgun. A good 20 gage is great for ladies. It is quite intimidating to the bad guys. Also shotguns with their limited range are less of a danger to distant innocent people. Just don't let the bad guy get close. 

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Best ammo for defense??
Date:	6/7/2020 1:22:06 PM

Agree with your points.  I’ve watched most police depts. switch from .40 cal to 9mm because the 9mm is easier on kickback, then I read of all the cops trying to stop thugs, and they wind up hitting the target 8 - 10 times  before stopping the criminal.....I don’t want to be trying to defend myself with an inadequate gun.  Overkill makes much more sense to me than underkill.....if you’re in that situation.  I use .40 and .45, and mostly 12 ga OO inside.  Do not own a 9mm.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Best ammo for defense??
Date:	6/8/2020 8:10:09 AM

I prefer hollow point 45 caliber.  If I am forced to use a weapon for self defense I want to make sure it stops the criminal.

Name:	phil -	Reply
Subject:	Best ammo for defense??
Date:	6/8/2020 2:06:44 PM (updated 6/8/2020 2:33:25 PM)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezX6D0pHSLk

I like the lehigh max expansions in both 9mm and 45 auto - you will not find them at Walmart, think I have seen them at Bass Pro and other similar type stores - but you should be able to find in a good gun store.  Online right now is rough because of the riots people are purchasing stuff like crazy.

the max expansions are good because they really retain mass and the expansion is some of the largest of any I have seen - with the expansion they are also less likely to penetrate other rooms, also less with the mass retention if someone does get the ER they are less likely to cause problems for the doctors having to hunt for fragments.

http://ballistics101.com/lehigh_defense_maximum_expansion_hollowpoints.php

this site had some good data on both 45 and 9mm

Name:	wix -	Reply
Subject:	Best ammo for defense??
Date:	6/8/2020 4:01:39 PM

Have you tried any?  If so, what cal?  Interesting expansion, but comments section raised some doubts....as usual!

Name:	phil -	Reply
Subject:	Best ammo for defense??
Date:	6/8/2020 6:27:03 PM

The ones they keep refering to jamming in the comments page are a different design which I personally have not used in a semiauto.

https://www.lehighdefense.com/9mm-luger-p-90gr-xtreme-defense-ammunition#:~:text=The%20Xtreme%20Defense%20(XD)%20Technology,an%20individual's%20personal%20comfort%20level.

The max expansion rounds feed just as well as any other hollow points I have run through both 9mm and 45.  

I have also ran some of the lehigh match solids and the controled fracturing through different semi auto rifles with out any issues.  The xtreme defense, cavitator and xtreme pemetrators I have not played with yet, depending on the gun and feed ramps those designs looks like a jam waiting to happen which is part of the reason I have not tested those.

Speer gold dots have also been a go to for defense in .45, have not used in 9mm personally - the .45 gold dot had good penetration and expansion in water jugs. and feed just like any other hollowpoint.