Best self defense load

[Remington700]

I have been researching self defense loads and what is best. Of course "best" is typically an opinion. I feel like any hollow point that has good expansion and penetration is good.
Reading is seems that most people like HST or Gold Dots for EDC. I am older, so I have several silvertips and hydra shoks. These in most write ups are considered old technology and not as good. What are your thoughts on self defense loads/ what do you carry in yours?

 

[TnTurk]

Years ago I did a deep dive on various 9mm self defense ammo and finally settled on the Federal HST ammo. I carry 124 grain bullets in anything sub 4 inches and 147 grain bullets in anything with a 4 inch barrel or more, all in standard pressure. I believe the HST ammo checks all the boxes in the consistency of penetration and expansion in anything you may encounter.

 

[nso123]

Federal HST is hard to beat for performance, but in reality hits win gunfights.

 

[DaveTN]

I am older, so I have several silvertips and hydra shoks. These in most write ups are considered old technology and not as good. What are your thoughts on self defense loads/ what do you carry in yours?

Federal Hydra Shok has been the number 1 round for killing bad guys for over 30 years. In 2002 the kids decided something 14 years old was just too out dated. So Federal Engineers gave LE the HST in 2002 and made it available to the public in 2013. It gives the kids a warm fuzzy feeling that it will kill the bad guys deader.

I buy either, whichever is the best price.

I think most of the Hydra Shok's today are sold in the high dollar 20 round boxes.

 

[GumbyGuy]

Old school hydra shock

 

[TnKen]

The old hydra shock, at least in 9mm, used to plug up sometimes and act like a FMJ and over penetrate. That's why my dept. switched to the Winchester black talon (now labeled ranger T). I heard that federal changed something in the bullet and they are better now.

 

[348Winchester]

A very soft lead flat point at moderate velocity.

I have been experimenting with wadcutters, both double ended and hollow based, they are super accurate. The standard double ended wadcutter penetrates well. A hollow based wadcutter loaded backwards expands very well but penetrates less, about 50% less in water jugs. A coyote shot at 75 yards with a 32 S&W long loaded with a full wadcutter dropped in his tracks. A deer shot in the lungs with a reversed 45 Colt hollow based wadcutter ran about 20 yards. Its lungs were destroyed. The recovered bullet was perfectly expanded and stopped by the hide so it was damned near a passthrough. The shot was at about 10 yards. The handgun was a six inch S&W model 25.

I have yet to kill any critters with a 38/357 wadcutter but have shot them into water jugs. A semi-wadcutter hollow point would also be an excellent option in this caliber. The low recoil of moderately loaded wadcutters aids accuracy and most likely rapid follow up shots.

The downside to these projectiles is that they are not suited to self-loaders.

 

[Steverino]

https://libertyammo.com/product/9mm-plus-p/
Weight: 50gr
Velocity: 2040 FPS
Kinetic Energy: 462 FPE
Accuracy: < 1″ @ 25 Meters
Rounds: 20 per box
Terminal Effect: 3 ½ "W x 12″ D
Compared To Other Top Self-Defense Rounds

• - 32 to 38% less felt recoil
• - 65 to 75% more velocity
• - 25 to 30% more kinetic energy
• - Reduced over-penetration
• - More stopping power

Our Civil Defense 9mm projectiles function differently than any other self-defense round on the market. We designed the Civil Defense line to eliminate threats with one round. We did this by creating the maximum amount of damage and tissue disruption possible. They do well against barriers, but when the large cavity fills with fluid, the hydraulic pressure builds until the side walls of the projectile explode. With that explosion comes rifle-sized temporary cavities and hydrostatic shock, therefore increasing stopping power by tenfold. Following the explosion, the bullet fragments into a starburst-shaped pattern creating multiple wound channels. This process also benefits in many other areas across the spectrum of things considered when talking about self-defense. Such as reduced over-penetration and lessening the risk of unintended casualties. Having a lighter projectile also leads to less muzzle flip for faster follow-up shots.

https://libertyammo.com/product/45-acp/
Weight: 78gr
Velocity: 1900 FPS
Kinetic Energy: 600 FPE
Accuracy: < 1" @ 25 Meters
Rounds: 20 per box
Terminal Effect: 4 ½ "W x 12" D
Pressure: +P
Compared To Other Top Self-Defense Rounds

• - 24 to 31% less felt recoil
• - 90 to 106% more velocity
• - 29 to 38% more kinetic energy
• - Reduced over-penetration
• - More stopping power

Unlock unparalleled stopping power with our 45 ACP +P ammunition featuring Liberty Ammo's groundbreaking Civil Defense projectiles. Traditionally, 45 ACP rounds were heavy and hard to control. Enter our solution: the Civil Defense 45 ACP +P, weighing only 78 grains yet delivering more kinetic energy than most on the market. Our projectiles redefine self-defense by creating maximum damage and tissue disruption. Upon impact, hydraulic pressure builds, leading to a rupture and a tenfold increase in stopping power. The result? Larger temporary cavities, hydrostatic shock, and reduced over-penetration. Experience superior effectiveness, reduced risks, and faster follow-up shots with our revolutionary 45 ACP +P rounds. Upgrade your self-defense game today! 1) Lead-free 2) Copper monolithic 3) Nickel-plated projectiles

These are what I use. Its marvelous.

 

[Kevin Snook]

I use Hornady Critical Defense.45 220gr +P in my 1911s.. For me, they shoot good in my guns and are very accurate..

Thankfully I've never had to test their effectiveness and hope I never will..

 

[44 mag]

HST for me.

 

[7mm08]

Great review with pictures from gelatin blocks from these guys.

Gold Dots for me.

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/#40SW

 

[Jon54]

12 ga with double buck

 

[FTG-05]

Great review with pictures from gelatin blocks from these guys.

Gold Dots for me.

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/#40SW

Based on this, I bought a crapload of 124 grn Remington Golden Saber +P for my 9mm:

https://www.luckygunner.com/9-mm-p-124-grain-jhp-remington-golden-saber-25-rounds#geltest

 

[nso123]

I will add that I went to a ballistic wound class put on by a medical examiner who had experience with hundreds of gunshot wounds. He said that his opinion was the largest caliber, heaviest bullet, moving at the highest velocity you could control is the best round. I personally carry HST in my defense pistols, which are a combination of 9mm and .45.

 

[Doskil]

Any quality hollow point will work at it's intended velocity

 

[Wooden Arrow]

i've got some 90 grain self-defense rounds designed to make it through heavy jackets etc. end of the slug looks like the tip of a Phillips head screwdriver. expand? probably not. get to where it needs to? yes, i think so...

 

[CHRIS WILSON]

Years ago I did a deep dive on various 9mm self defense ammo and finally settled on the Federal HST ammo. I carry 124 grain bullets in anything sub 4 inches and 147 grain bullets in anything with a 4 inch barrel or more, all in standard pressure. I believe the HST ammo checks all the boxes in the consistency of penetration and expansion in anything you may encounter.

What he said. I carry the 124 gr HST in my 3 inch barreled Hellcat and 147 gr +p in my CZ P01.

 

[FLTENNHUNTER1]

Golden Sabers.

https://www.luckygunner.com/remington-45-acp-ammo-for-sale-45acpp185jhpremsaber-25#geltest

 

[UPSman]

I would not want to have an HST dug out of me.

 

[DaveTN]

I would not want to have an HST dug out of me.

I wouldn't want to have a paper Clip shot from a rubber band dug out of me.

 

[ROVERBOY]

A very soft lead flat point at moderate velocity.

I have been experimenting with wadcutters, both double ended and hollow based, they are super accurate. The standard double ended wadcutter penetrates well. A hollow based wadcutter loaded backwards expands very well but penetrates less, about 50% less in water jugs. A coyote shot at 75 yards with a 32 S&W long loaded with a full wadcutter dropped in his tracks. A deer shot in the lungs with a reversed 45 Colt hollow based wadcutter ran about 20 yards. Its lungs were destroyed. The recovered bullet was perfectly expanded and stopped by the hide so it was damned near a passthrough. The shot was at about 10 yards. The handgun was a six inch S&W model 25.

I have yet to kill any critters with a 38/357 wadcutter but have shot them into water jugs. A semi-wadcutter hollow point would also be an excellent option in this caliber. The low recoil of moderately loaded wadcutters aids accuracy and most likely rapid follow up shots.

The downside to these projectiles is that they are not suited to self-loaders.

Try loading soft swaged wadcutters at higher velocity. I use to load them in .38 loads with 7.0 gr. Herco. They would break in two pieces, a lot of the times and leave two holes on target. Really freaks your shooting buddies out..

 

[UPSman]

I wouldn't want to have a paper Clip shot from a rubber band dug out of me.

Same…..I'm tender

 

[Wiley]

My favored self defense ammo is 230 grain Winchester Ranger T in .45ACP in my Kimber. Ranger T is actually Black Talon ammo without the black coating.

 

[knightrider]

Stay away from hornady critical defense if you need deep penetration out of a 9mm or 40

 

[Jon]

Federal HST for me.

 

[Smokyrider]

9mm
147 gr HST @ 1025 fps
68 gr Lehigh xtreme defense @ 1800 fps

300blk
190 gr Fort Scott TUI @ 950 fps
110 gr Barnes Tac-tx @ 2000 fps

 

[ROVERBOY]

I watched a video of testing .45 Auto 230 gr. FMJ. Sometimes it will turn backwards, base first. It can be pretty mean. I worked with a Vietnam vet years ago. He said that's what he thought happened sometimes. He witnessed some shootings with FMJ, and it would really leave a big hole on the exit.

 

[Fire_Medic890]

+P Speer Gold Dot or HST. Buffalo Bore, Underwood, Double Tap etc. End of the day I think putting rounds on target is more important.
I pray I never need to know what "The Best" is.

 

[Lt.Dan]

I carry bear loads in my S&W .357 mag. I'm more worried about bears than humans.

 

[brassmagnet]

.45acp what ever color shoots well in your pistol. Mine like Silver tips and Black Talons. A three pound pistol with 9 rounds of .45 and an 8 round reload is heavy, but I never question my edc's capability to anchor problems until the blue lights are flashing...