What is the best 9mm defensive round?

[glockbanger]

What is the best 9mm defensive round?

Give your opinions on bullet grain weights, expansion, etc.

thanks

[Kalmah]

http://glocktalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=692097

http://glocktalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=690731

[dickfer]

The one you hit someone in the head or heart with.

[Rugby]

http://glocktalk.com/search.php?s=&action=showresults&searchid=1452259&sortby=lastpost&sortorder=descending

[fowler]

The best? ,is to have the 9mm loaded and hit what you aim at!. Other than that some sort of HP defence ammo. The 9mm is fine.

[MOHAA Player]

357 Sig 125gr Speer GD jhp:supergrin:

In 9mm I like the 124gr +p jhp in either Speer GD jhp or Rem GS Bonded jhp.
MOHAA

[Deputydave]

We've talked about this type of thing for years on the board. Really, there just isn't a blanket answer unfortunately. Lets take a look at some of the particulars:

1. Function. I placed this as number one because it is the single most important factor. If a round doesn't reliably perform it is absolutely worthless regardless of anything else. If the round is a magic one shot stop bullet but doesn't function when you need it most....

We usually suggest you fire a couple of hundred rounds of what your thinking about carrying for defense through the gun before relying on it for SD. If there are no problems in function, you should be good to go.

2. Accuracy. At typical combat shooting distances it really isn't a big issue. But it is a factor to consider. A glock usually shoots most everything fine, but its always a good idea to test the round your going to use.

3. Weight. Here is always a topic for lively conversation. Speaking in terms of a 9mm we normally have 115, 124, 127 and 147. People have their opinions and favorites. I used to be a speed junkie (bullet wise that is). I wanted the fastest/lightest round I could get because I thought that was the best. I was very much into the kinetic energy dump and all the other tidbits.

That was a long time ago. No flame towards anyone of a differing opinion. I've been in a uniform since the mid 80's with two different instructor ratings in firearms. Not stroking the ego, only saying I've been able to be around/research/see first hand/etc a lot on this subject that I can share.

Here is my take on it; A round needs to hit something of importance in order to have any chance of doing something to stop an aggressive act. Most people that are shot, even a well placed shot do not die. Most don't even fall down (no, a bullet cannot knock someone down). With this in mind, vitals are normally deep in the torso or behind some thick bone in the head. Thats just the way where made. So in order for a bullet to hit a vital it needs to be able to penetrate deep enough to hit the vital. And even then it isn't a guarentee.

Now what is adequate penetration? Well that of course varies from person to person. Seven inches may be fine on one person, but you need double that on another. Normal 'gunny' circles usually lean towards the 13+ inches of penetration as 'adequate'. If a round tends to stay within the 13-16 range many LEO folks feel it is fine.

Now keep this in mind; many times a limb is in front of the vital your shooting at. As an instructor I test people on the F.A.T.S. machine. I'd estimate that 80% of the shootings have obstructed vitals i.e. an outstretched limb is in front. Think about it, the perp is probably doing something like reaching for you/aiming at you/hitting you/etc which supplies you with the reason to defend yourself with a firearm. Which means he/she is likely to have their arms up in front of them. Not always of course, but I've seen more situations than not like this.

So we may figure having to go through this extra 'meat' into the mix. The 13-16 is a 'range' that figures in an average person with a barrier such as a limb as well as a larger than average person. Is it possible to 'shoot through' someone and hit someone else. Yes, this is always a possibility. What I've typically seen however is the bullet that does go through ending up in the skin or clothing of the BG on the far side. Or very close by on the ground. I've not personally seen a round go clean through and travel down the block looking for an innocent bystander. BUT...it can and has happened on occasion. We need to look at the norm more than the exception.

I personally use a 124+P Gold dot. It is bonded so it holds together and has good penetration. It is also a good design so it has a good chance to expand as designed. Its not magic, and it isn't a perfect world but it does have a better than average track record which is about all that can be expected in a handgun.

I would not hesitate to use one of the new generation 147's for the same reason. A lot of people swear by the WWB 147 defense load. Inexpensive and comes in a 50 round box for a lot of practice. And practice is important.

I now shy away from 115's because I've personally seen them fall short of a vital on way to many real shootings. There is a reason LEO uses a bullet in the 124-147 range. Yes, I suppose some still use a 115. But no agency that I am personally familar with. Not bad mouthing the 115, but I've seen them hit the bone in the arm and NOT exit the arm. I've seen a quality 124-147 hit the arm and the bone and then proceed into the chest. For me seeing makes for better believing.

In the end, it is your choice. Hopefully you will never have to test it beyond these types of discussions. May none of us ever have to...or have to again test our choice. Stay safe.

DD

[cocked@locked]

Very well spoken, you gave me goose bumps:agree: :goodpost: