Posted: 6/23/2006 11:10:37 PM EDT
|
for a defensive load, is it better to have a heavier, slower bullet---or a faster lighter one? for instance, i compared two hornady .45 caliber +p ammos --a 200 grain bullet ammo, and a 230 grain. the 200 yielded 1055fps muzzle velocity and 494 ftlbs of energy VS the heavier 230 grain wich yielded 950/461 respectively. just by looking at the numbers, it would appear the lighter bullet has more potential to FUBAR a potential foe. so, why would you choose the heavier bullet? is there a tactical reason? |
|
A modern, hollow point bullet, placed in the upper 1/3rd of the torso. Speed and caliber really don't matter that much, as all handguns are underpowered. That said, I carry 9mmP handguns, loaded with either cor-bon powerball (100gr+P) or remington 115gr +P. My wife favors 230gr hydrashoks in .45ACP. If you really want to take someone down with 1 shot in the chest, use a rifle or shotgun. BSW |
|
Its a question of caliber and then personal preference. Some calibers are effective because they rely on a slow/heavy bullet while some use a light/fast bullet. Typically, the most effective .45 ACP loadings are in the 230grn range, which the 185-200grn bullets provide excellent performance also. There is also a large personel preference component as well. Some people prefer a slow/heavy bullet and thus choose the heaviest bullet in a given caliber, while some choose a light/fast and thus select the lightest load possible. Research and shootings have shown that a balance of speed/weight makes for the most effective round. Ideally, we would have 300grn bullets traveling at 1500fps out of a Glock, but this is infeasable for any number of reason. Its best to choose the heaviest bullet availible without sacrificing too much velocity. Bullet weight isn't the only component in terminal ballistics and velocity is an integral part and should not be sacraficed. In the 9mm, 124 and 147grn loadings are largely equal and personal preference plays an even larger role. 90-115grn loadings are too light and do not meet IWBA/FBI standards. These loads have too much velocity and do not meet the 12 inch minimum and typically exhibit core seperations and fragmentation. There isn't a black and white answere to your question and its largely a matter of personal preference. Slow/heavy or fast/light? Its up to you....Provided you don't go too far eiether direction and select a middle of the road loading, you should end up with a very effective loading. |
|
Here are four outstanding self defense loads in 45 ACP: * Ranger T 230-gr. +P (RA45TP) @ 990 fps = 15.3" & .86" * Ranger T 230-gr. (RA45T) @ 890 fps = 15.1" & .80" * Double Tap 45 ACP 230-gr. Gold Dot JHP @ 1,010 fps = 15.3" & .95" * Golden Saber 230-gr. @ 885 fps = 15.0" & .79" |