Whats  some of the better HP's in .45 for defence? I know the ones your weapon shoots the best
but i need somewhere to start.I've got a box of 230 TAP,185 GD 200 Hydrashok, and 165 EFMJ
I've heard the REM 185+p Golden Saber are good also.I'm shooting an HK USPc 45. It tends to like the lower weight faster rounds. Any help would greatly be appreciated.h.gif
                                                                                                                             thanks

Quoted: Whats  some of the better HP's in .45 for defence? I know the ones your weapon shoots the best but i need somewhere to start.I've got a box of 230 TAP,185 GD 200 Hydrashok, and 165 EFMJ I've heard the REM 185+p Golden Saber are good also.I'm shooting an HK USPc 45. It tends to like the lower weight faster rounds. Any help would greatly be appreciated.h.gif                                                                                                                              thanks

there are a quite alot of great loads for the .45acp for defense.  This is usually a heated topic but i will throw my 2 cents in.
I keep 230gr. Ranger T (RA45T) in my USP full size.  A +P loading is available also(RA45TP)
The 185gr +P REM GS would be another good load of you can stand the extra blast and recoil. There is a 230gr. and standard pressure 185gr. loading including bonded versions of the Golden Sabre bullet. (who also designed  the Black Talon bullet)
The Federal Hydra-Shoks available in 185gr.+P  and 230gr. loadings  are alright for warm weather shooting scenerios where heavy clothing wont be a factor. Hydra-Shoks are notorious for the 'cookie-cutter' effect. The hollowpoint gets clogged by clothing debris and essentially turns the bullet into a FMJ and overpenetrating.
A better load than the Hydra-Shok is the 230gr. Gold Dot. . . available at all the Power-Mart stores to civilians. They can also be had in 200gr+P and 185gr. as well.
My vote is for the Winchester 230gr. Ranger T (RA45T)

I also vote for the 230 Ranger.

You say you want something lighter and faster, and I have no recommendation there, since I've never used anything but 230s. I like them.

I have also carried the Gold Dots, and my own primitive tests have shown good expansion at standard velocities, to about .70 inch.

Quoted: I also vote for the 230 Ranger. You say you want something lighter and faster, and I have no recommendation there, since I've never used anything but 230s. I like them. I have also carried the Gold Dots, and my own primitive tests have shown good expansion at standard velocities, to about .70 inch.

230gr Gold Dot is one of the best loads, and is pretty easy to find. The 200gr +P Gold Dot dosn't do quite as well. IIRC the Remington 230gr GoldenSaber is also one of the top loads.

Either the GD or the Ranger-T, in 230gr weight will serve you well.

I have been using Gold Dots for a long time now, but also have some Rangers that work equally well in function and accuracy. I would probably use the Rangers more it's just kinda hard to find them in my local gun stores.

So +1 Rangers and Gold Dots

Federal HST

( I just know some of you are getting tired of this picture)