Thanks! (and a question)

[JAFO]

I'm sure many thanks and congratulations have been posted before, but I wanted to express mine.  I've been watching Wednesday Night at the Range on and off for about two years, and I think the Best Defense is a really great concept and a well-done show.  You've even got my wife watching it with me!  She mentioned after the last episode that she really liked the one show/one theme concept where you offer lots of information all on the same topic.  Keep up the great work!   

Have you covered self-defense ammunition selection on one of the previous episodes? (sadly, I've missed a few    - thank goodness for reruns!)  I saw the drywall demonstration to show penetration by various calibers, but I was thinking more along the lines of bullet design and function.  Over the last few months, I have been surprised to meet a few people using ball ammo in their carry guns!  I suggested something more appropriate, but it made me wonder how many people just load range ammo at think it will work just fine.

[shooter32]

JAFO try this.. http://www.hornady.com/images/sell_sheets/09-critical_defense.pdf

Federal Hydra-Shock

Remington Golden  Saber

Cor-Bon DPX

Lawman

Just to name a few.

[JAFO]

I already carry Speer Gold Dots.     Guess I should have been more clear on that.  I was more concerned that there might be others watching the shows who got a gun for defense and aren't using the right ammo.

[tombogan03884]

Many hand guns were designed for ball ammo, (1911),which is going to leave a bore diameter hole in what it hits also, some states, like NJ prohibit anything but ball ammo. As to "SD ammo" the worst hollow point on the market will give results at least as good as ball.  One Idea that has been handed out is to contact your local law enforcement and see what they use, 1) Officers lives depend on their ammo, 2) Unlike reloads they will be more "lawyer proof" if you ARE involved in an SD situation, (He used the "deadliest ammo he could find to inflict cruel and unusual suffering on my poor benighted burglar client) 3) It MIGHT be a LITTLE less expensive.
That's my $.02 

[Hazcat]

.45 Colt with nice soft 250 grain lead in the 'home' gun.  Silvertips in my .380 carry.

[Sponsor]

[Hottrockin]

Have you covered self-defense ammunition selection on one of the previous episodes? (sadly, I've missed a few    - thank goodness for reruns!)  I saw the drywall demonstration to show penetration by various calibers

No, to my knowledge TBD has not covered this topic.  The video you're talk'in 'bout is http://www.icestore.us/servlet/the-5/pincus%2C-tactical%2C-gun%2C-handgun%2C/Detail where Rob goes through some ammo and home defense applications!

I myself would never use 'ball ammo' in a home or carry gun...not sure who you're talkin' to!  Each situation is different, know yours and own up to it in defense!

[Michael Bane]

We haven't dealt with ammo yet, but we all have our favorites. Generally, I default to one of two choices:

Hornady TAPs (http://www.hornady.com/story.php?s=149)
Corbon DPX (http://www.dakotaammo.net/products/corbon/dpx.htm)

I would generally avoid ball for personal defense because of over-penetration issues.

Michael B

[jaybet]

I would generally avoid ball for personal defense because of over-penetration issues.

Michael B

Understandable, Michael... but what is the conventional wisdom for people who live in a repressive state (Like the garden state)? If we shoot a person in our home with HP or EJ ammo it is considered "Malicious intent".  In spite of the fact that my state govt. has no consideration for my rights within my own home, I DO have consideration for my neighbor's rights within theirs, and wish to avoid over penetration. To that end, my own approach has been to keep soft point (all lead) ammo for home defense. Hopefully it will flatten out enough to not pass through my walls etc.  Is there any other option for those of us who are considered criminals for protecting ourselves in our own homes?

OH....Duh....frangible. How well does that work?[/color]

[Ping]

Glad to hear Mr. Bane likes the Hornady TAP rounds. This particular ammunition has performed flawlessly in all my weapons. Would make a great topic on TBD.

[Rob Pincus]

Legally goofy areas like Jersey (I'm from there....) aside, I generally recommend that you first make sure the ammo is reliable in your firearm. This is important. .

Next, any modern bonded hollow point is going to perform about the same out of the majority of firearms.... in some cases, such as a very light/slow round, I will opt for wider openings and/softer alloys to encourage expansion (silver tips in a .380, for example.)

-RJP.