Glaser Rounds

I asked a variation of this question ages ago, but never got a response.

Agreeing that most Glaser / MagSafe type loads have a poor terminal track record in the real world...

What about the .44 Magnum version?
 
I think that even with a marginal shot into the body cavity, the shock to the system would be a whole order of magnitude above a standard lead bullet, and better than a lot of hollow points. The way those things are going to rip through body tissues will be horrendous, the bleeding will be incredible, and out of a .357 or .44 would be absolutely devastating.

Again, though, I think that this whole concept is iffy, and performance as expected is the key.

I maintain that the key is use a good general purpose combat load that you can expect to perform well under almost any circumstances, and take your chances. Counting on a glaser to perform exactly as it is supposed to makes exactly as much sense as taking head shots, hoping to connect eventually, rather than putting a couple of rounds in the upper torso.
 
Practical uses of "exotic" type handgun rounds...

I agree with the other board members. Rounds like the Magsafe & Glaser will dump energy and create a large temp cavity IF they do not impact on a thick barrier like a shirt button, a belt buckle, etc.
Years ago, sworn LE officers & tactics instructors advised to use spec purpose loads for back up or 2nd guns. The reasons were to be able to fire on a subject directly at the exposed chest or upper body. That made sense for handguns loaded with Magsafe or Safety Slugs.
 
I used to be a big fan of Glasers and carried them in order to avoid overpenetration. In fact, if you look back ten years ago on this forum, you can probably find the thread where I had my "Aha!" moment regarding Glasers.

Let's put it this way - if you go over to the shotgun forum does anyone recommend #12 birdshot (Glaser Blue) or #6 birdshot (Glaser Silver) out of a 12 gauge shotgun for home defense? So why is it going to perform any better out of a 9mm or .45 bore?

And that doesn't even get into their inconsistent performance... in Brassfetcher's drywall test the nosecone deforms and the shot never releases - the round ends up going through drywall and penetrating another 12+" of ballistics gel - which is not the intended result.

If they DO perform as intended, then you get dramatically shallow penetration that isn't very effective at stopping. So you have:

1. Uncertainty whether the round will do what it is designed to do
2. Very limited circumstances where the round doing what it is designed to do is a good thing for you
 
overpriced
inaccurate
underpenetrating
inconsistant quality

How many Glasers are you going to fire to be 100% certain that they properly function in your handgun? 100? 200? How much would that cost?

If the bad guy puts up his arms or is in a defensive posture, #9 and #6 birdshot used in Glasers doesn't have the sectional density, momentum or penetrating ability to get to vital organs from any angle. What if you are able to get only one shot off from your position, or are in a disadvantaged position? What then? What if the little BBs won't penetrate heavy winter clothing that the bad guy is wearing? What then?

The 12" FBI penetration requirement stems from the fact that not all shots are frontal-torso shots. Many times the bullet must penetrate significantly more tissue, such as when the person being shot has his arms extended in front of him in a defensive or shooting posture, if the shot is at an oblique angle, etc. You choose ammunition based on a worst-case scenario, not the best..


Get premium JHP ammo from reputable manufacturers for self-defense scenarios; don't rely on gimmick, snake oil ammunition
 
You choose ammunition based on a worst-case scenario, not the best..


and gund, and leather, and hunting boots, cutlery, tools, etc...


You should never choose anything based on "it will do the job" and that is a real problem with a lot of people.

You should also never choose something based on the idea that it will do one job really well, but might fail big time otherwise.

For example, a 10" chain saw, or an 18" mower.
 
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