How do you Choose your Defensive Load?

[Regular Joe]

You guyz are pretty funny. I own quality guns, so they feed whatever I stick in the magazine. I've been testing 9mm HP bullets for about 15 years now, and I find that some of the hoochie-koo boolits separate from the core after a foot or so of expansion. That's just more hurt on the BG, so no problem. My criteria:
A nice round case, clean and in the right caliber.
A new primer.
As much Blue Dot as I dare use.
A 124 gr. jacketed or plated boolit, with a big hole in the front of it.
The rest is serendipity....

 

[Sevens]

Choosing mine was easy-- G29, 10mm. There's pretty much only a few acceptable choices.

From the big ammo companies, only one makes a stout, full powered 10mm round, and that's Winchester's Silver Tip, 175gr.

From the smaller companies, Buffalo Bore, Cor-Bon and Double Tap all make hardcore, full power 10mm. Buffalo Bore is outrageously priced. Cor-Bon isn't widely available and it's pricey. IMO, Double Tap is likely the best... made by a real 10mm enthusiast, but I have to order it and I haven't gotten around to it yet. Double Tap is on my "to do" list. And his prices are great-- all his ammo comes in 50 rd boxes.

So I went with Winchester Silver Tip. Old bullet technology, but real 10mm ammo. Not like Federal Hydra-Shok, which is a .40 S&W in wolf's clothing.

 

[Elvishead]

I'll go first

Reputation, at no matter what cost!!!!!!

Just kidding, cost plays a small factor.

TBS, I have 9mm GDHP LE 124g +P for the semi's, .38spl GDHP LE 135g SB +P for the snubs.

.357, how care's? It well rip ass, so what ever I get out of the candy jar.

PS: I have a candy jar that I unload my .357s SD's into before I go to the range, and they are all mixed up, so it's what ever I grab to reload after a range session will work for me

 

[WESHOOT2]

I always choose my own

First it must be utterly reliable in feed, function, and ejection. Repeatedly.

It must offer controllable accuracy.



Pretty short list, ay?

 

[Elvishead]

WESHOOT2:


It must offer controllable accuracy.

Okay, we are talking about handguns, Right?

Accuracy, is between 1-2" at 3-10 yards? What's your "point"?

These are not cowboy gun's or smooth bores! These are modern gun's.

 

[WESHOOT2]

we are speaking different languages

While you call that accuracy, I consider under 2" at 25 yds "accuracy".

We're talking my handguns...yours may function as you wish.



I have some familiarity with modern guns........

 

[Elvishead]

WESHOOT2:

While you call that accuracy, I consider under 2" at 25 yds "accuracy".

We're talking my handguns...yours may function as you wish.



I have some familiarity with modern guns........

Vegas, the final destination.

Come out and show me!


Talk's cheap! But video's are free on youtube. Just look up Elvishead.

I'll pick you up on any Tuesday at any Hotel. It's just off the strip.

Free ride, but not free ammo. Dig?

And, we'll do video's on Youtube.

 

[LordofWar]

Fed Hydra-Shok 115 Grain, 124 grain & 147 grain.

That's the only quality ammo available in our part of the world. A box of 20 sells for $210 USD.

Local ammo is just crap with lotsa duds.

 

[WESHOOT2]

Sin City vs snow in May

As I am already too close to the equator here in Vermont, I'll pass on your offer to visit Vegas (although at some point in my life I hope to participate in a USPSA National event, so one never knows...).

YouTube escapes my dial-up.

BUT, you can come visit me (e-mail ahead first, because I have more surgery scheduled) and we'll shoot on my range.
Because I own it.....


I have a bit of ammo, too

 

[jbrown50]

#1)Reliability: It doesn't matter how much jello the bullet displaces if the gun don't spit it out.

#2)Accuracy: It has to go where I aim/point it. When bullets are flying I don't have time to be guessing.

#3)Penetration: God made humans and animals with skin, bone and muscle. He gave animals fur and humans the intelligence to wear heavy clothing when it's cold.

#4)expansion: As long as it doesn't hinder penetration, I want it.

#5)availability, affordability, Police/FBI test results, etc..........