Best self defense load

Remington700

Remington700

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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?
 
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.
 
Remington700 said:
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?
Click to expand...
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
libertyammo.com

9mm +P

libertyammo.com libertyammo.com

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.

libertyammo.com

45ACP +P

45 ACP plus P High-performance ammo: Superior stopping power and convenience. The best choice for self-defense. Trusted and California compliant.
libertyammo.com libertyammo.com

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.
 
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..
 

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