Self Defense Ammunition Survey

5pins

New member
I put together a small survey hoping to get an idea of what kind of ammunition people are using in their defense pistols. I tried to make it as complete as I could but I'm sure I missed some. I can modify as the survey goes on if I see something that needs to be addressed. It only takes a minute if you would like to contribute.

https://goo.gl/forms/ASPHFAprmJkowzul2
 
Got to the third question. Brand. All credability in your survey went out the window. According to you Speer, the makers of one of the most popular SD rounds Gold Dot was not even on the list. "Othet" is npt where Speer Gold Dot should be!
 
If I may ask, what's the purpose of your survey?

I couldn't get past the first question because it presumed my choice of retirement CCW weapons is predicated upon a "primary" caliber, which isn't the case.

Instead, just like when I was carrying an off-duty weapon, it's primarily the size/type of concealable weapon that's thought to be appropriate and suitable to the anticipated conditions and circumstances I envision, that primarily concerns me, and doesn't involve a specific "primary caliber", per se.

Caliber is of much less concern to me than the size, type, design and reliability of the actual weapon, itself.

Is there a reason you're interested in caliber and ammunition type for your survey?

I looked at the other link for the ongoing "results", and it quickly got mired down in the minutia of bullet weights & styles within various calibers, etc.

Even as a longtime LE firearms instructor, it's hard to generate much interest in personal choices of gear, compared to the gear user's personal knowledge, skills and demonstrated abilities.

Kind of like asking if a motorist has a primary brand and octane rating of the gasoline they use every day.
 
What about handloads?

Yes, I am aware of the reasons why many attorneys recommend against carrying handloads, and I only carry factory ammo for personal defense. BUT ... there are many people, including on this forum, who don't subscribe to that theory and who carry their own handloads. Some probably even carry handloads using their own cast bullets. Where do those fit into your survey?
 
Got to the third question. Brand. All credability in your survey went out the window. According to you Speer, the makers of one of the most popular SD rounds Gold Dot was not even on the list. "Othet" is npt where Speer Gold Dot should be!
It's listed as CCI/Speer
 
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If I may ask, what's the purpose of your survey?

I couldn't get past the first question because it presumed my choice of retirement CCW weapons is predicated upon a "primary" caliber, which isn't the case.

Instead, just like when I was carrying an off-duty weapon, it's primarily the size/type of concealable weapon that's thought to be appropriate and suitable to the anticipated conditions and circumstances I envision, that primarily concerns me, and doesn't involve a specific "primary caliber", per se.

Caliber is of much less concern to me than the size, type, design and reliability of the actual weapon, itself.

Is there a reason you're interested in caliber and ammunition type for your survey?

I looked at the other link for the ongoing "results", and it quickly got mired down in the minutia of bullet weights & styles within various calibers, etc.

Even as a longtime LE firearms instructor, it's hard to generate much interest in personal choices of gear, compared to the gear user's personal knowledge, skills and demonstrated abilities.

Kind of like asking if a motorist has a primary brand and octane rating of the gasoline they use every day.

You are really over thinking this. It's just because I find it interesting, and thought other people may also.
 
What about handloads?

Yes, I am aware of the reasons why many attorneys recommend against carrying handloads, and I only carry factory ammo for personal defense. BUT ... there are many people, including on this forum, who don't subscribe to that theory and who carry their own handloads. Some probably even carry handloads using their own cast bullets. Where do those fit into your survey?

There is an option for handloads.
 
I found the CCI/Speer and the Handload category on the first scan, and this was before the first post was made

There is nothing wrong with the layout.
 
5pins - I appreciate this and the gel-test results you've been posting. Every bit of information we can get is helpful. Might not be the final word, but it's all helpful.
 
Interesting Survey.

I switch around my carry pistols during the year.
At the moment I am carrying my Glock 23 with 155 Winchester Silvertips. I have several 50 round box's from when I was in Law Enforcement.
I also carry my Colt 1911 some with 230 Golden Sabers.
Summer I carry my revolvers more. S&W M64 2" and S&W 315 Night Guard 2-3/4": I carry 38 Specials with Speer Gold Dots in both 125 and 135 grain weights. S&W M66 3": I carry the Speer Gold Dots in 125 and 135 in 357 Magnum.

I listed the 40 S&W 155 as my main carry load.

I was totally amazed at the number shooting 9mm. Most of the folks I am around shoot a lot. I would say among them it is about 50/50 between 9mm and 40 S&W.

Like was said above. Keep up the testing. I like to see your results.

Bob R
 
5pins said:
Aguila Blanca said:
I didn't see it. If respondents have to go searching to find what they're using, the survey needs to be redesigned.
It’s the third or fourth question, depending on what caliber you pick, at the bottom of section “Ammunition Make”.
I went back and found it. Everything else is alphabetical, but you put "Handloads" at the bottom rather than alphabetically. Your survey, your choice, but that's not where I would have expected to see it. IMHO the only one that belongs out of alphabetical order is "Other," because that always comes last in a survey.
 
A free, unscientific survey and people still gotta complain about it.....Good god guys! This is just a little informal fun......Don't get offended by something that's totally voluntary.

I was surprised that I wasn't the only one carrying a 44 Special
 
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