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 12-22-2009, 06:56 AM | #1 | Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Las Cruces Posts: 417 |  Best self defense ammo
I need some suggestions for a self defense round in 9mm, I've been keeping Federal FMJ's in my clip and I know FMJ is not ideal for self defense purposes
What kind of Self Defense ammunition do you guys carry? or would you suggest?
I need some good knockdown power
Last edited by indyfan; 12-22-2009 at 07:03 AM. | 
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| 12-22-2009, 12:40 PM | #2 | Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,158 |
No handgun has real "knockdown" power. Any quality round made for self-defense will serve. While I don't carry a 9mm most of the folks I know that do carry it with 147gr +P JHPs... | |
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| 12-22-2009, 08:47 PM | #3 | Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 95 |
Nothing wrong with FMJ for self defense. Military uses that. Good hollow points are beneficial, just find some that feed well in your weapon. Heavier is ususally better, 147grain over 115 or 124, but whatever feeds reliable out of your weapon.
Look at federal, Speer, Winchester, and remington.
Think you will find what you need. I use Ferderal Hydra shok for my 9mm, in the 147gr version. Thats just me.
Stay Safe,
Chris | |
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| 12-22-2009, 09:22 PM | #4 | Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia Posts: 2,421 |
I'm presently carrying 115 gr Hornady Critical Defense with a spare mag of 124gr +P Corbon. Shot up the 147 gr +p JHP. The Critical Defense claims to offer plug protection when shooting through heavy clothing, ensuring fuller expansion.
Either way, I'm shooting for the mouth. __________________
"Guns don't kill people. Male Kennedy's kill people." | |
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| 12-22-2009, 10:11 PM | #5 | Supporting Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,215 |
124+ grain JHP. Anything beyond that boils down to your own personal preference.
Some people are really high on the 147gr variety, others prefer the faster 125gr stuff. The research I've seen tends to imply that the 125gr bullets are more effective, but the 147s have really improved in recent years. Either should suffice.
I've gone with 127gr Winchester Rangers in my 9mm. Speer Gold Dot, Fed Hydrashok, Rem Golden Sabres, just about anything from Hornady or Corbon...there's plenty to choose from. Double Tap also makes some really hot loads in a variety of weights. Find what you like best. | |
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| 12-22-2009, 10:44 PM | #6 | Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 973 |
I sense a caliber debate coming on...  | |
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| 12-22-2009, 10:54 PM | #7 | Supporting Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bandera, Texas Posts: 10,339 |
Quote:
Originally Posted by ccr203
Nothing wrong with FMJ for self defense. Military uses that. Good hollow points are beneficial, just find some that feed well in your weapon. Heavier is ususally better, 147grain over 115 or 124, but whatever feeds reliable out of your weapon.
Look at federal, Speer, Winchester, and remington.
Think you will find what you need. I use Ferderal Hydra shok for my 9mm, in the 147gr version. Thats just me.
Stay Safe,
Chris
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Wouldn't want to use FMJ in close quarters. Don't know the OP's living environment. FMJ not a good idea if in an apartment....or in a house with occupants in other rooms. Just my .02 | |
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| 12-22-2009, 10:56 PM | #8 | Call Me Doug Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: It's because I actually HAVE those skills! Posts: 21,258 |
My girl carries a 9mm, in a 4.25" 1911. It's her choice, but I bought both the 124gr +P, the 135grain and the 147gr all hollowpoints.
The only ammo I will carry is Winchester Ranger, and that is what I have bought.
Yes, I am aware that is a LEO only ammo. Yes, I am aware there are other ammo brands that have similiar or even better claimed performance.
However I have been carrying and shooting this ammo for a few years now and I have NEVER had one single issue with the ammo. I truly believe it is capable of doing what needs to be done should the trigger need to be pulled.
All that aside, I do not believe the 9mm round is the best overall carry choice. For my gal, it's a round she is very comfortable and capable with, and that goes a long ways, so it's a balancing act.
JD __________________ "as for my Sword & Spear we will serve the throne, but NEVER that man who sits upon it" - Achilles - Warrior of Warriors
Quote:
Originally Posted by doctherock
Dillinger didn't have to let me try Cammenga Mags before I bought them; but he is a man of great character & a man who's word to me now is a good as gold. If he recommends it I know its good stuff.
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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ! | |
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| 12-22-2009, 11:46 PM | #9 | Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Near Saginaw, Michigan Posts: 955 |
Federal Premium Hydra-Shok is what I use right now,but I do want to go up to a +P next time I get ammo.What gun do you have? | |
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| 12-23-2009, 12:09 AM | #10 | Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 423 |
The differences between the numbers are small when you get into the performance of the high dollar defense loads. Load X might cause a bigger wound channel, but Load Y has better weight retention, and Load Z might penetrate deeper. Then there are the issues of velocity and accuracy. For some people there is even the question of how does the round "look".
Personally I don't have any problems with FMJ as a defense round, if, and it's a big IF, you can put two-three rounds into the target as fast as you can say "bang-bang-bang". It may sound silly, but it will work. Two in the heart and one in the head, or zip 'em up, either will work. The hollow points give you a little bigger margin for victory, but speed and shot placement will usually serve you best.
All that said, my carry ammo is Gold Dot's. __________________
"Don Corleone: I'm a superstitious man, and if some unlucky accident should befall Michael-if he is to be shot in the head by a police officer, or be found hung dead in a jail cell... or if he should be struck by a bolt of lightning - then I'm going to blame some of the people in this room; and then I do not forgive. But that said, I pledge - on the souls of my grandchildren-that I will not be the one to break the peace that we have made today." | |
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