personal protective ammo

[musclehead]

looking for .38 ammo gonna feed it through a ruger 5 shot 4" barrel.

the ammo I have is around 18 years old, glazer safety slugs. need to update.

any and all options would be appreciated.

[Ferris Leets]

Why change?  fire one.  I have ammo from the early 40's that I still use.

[Brad]

Might take a look at the MagSafe ammo.

[fudgie]

Kits got some Federals for SD. HP with that little rubber ball in the end. To me any .38 sp ammo would be good for SD since your only shooting less then 21'.
She cant shoot the +P in her gun so I got a box of 50 Winchester white box +P and some 25 count of SD Hornandy I believe, +P ammo I'll make you a deal on.

I still got rounds of .45 colt that I bought in 98'ish that I still shoot. Still fires. Dads got thousands of rounds of .357 mag he reloaded in the late 80's early 90's. He still shoots them if he wanted.

[BigAl]

Hornady 38 spl. 110 gr. Critical Defense	powered by Aeva

These are bad little monkeys for your 38.

Better hope your head ain't like this potato.

Critical Defense vs. FMJ Rounds	powered by Aeva

[The Anvil]

I carry Federal Hydra-Shok 155gr in my H&K. Not cheap, but good stuff.

The 18 year old stuff is probably fine, but I rotate mine out anyway.

[Tundra]

"Federal Premium Personal Defense", low recoil, 38 special, 110grain HYDRA-SHOK.
Best price I've found for ammo...http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/federal-premium-personal-defense-38-spl-110-gr-hsjhp-20-rds.aspx?a=506943

Or as mentioned above...
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/hornady-critical-defense-38-special-p-110-gr-ftx-25-rds.aspx?a=606392
That Ruger is a great little gun and either of these will shoot comfortably, with desirable close range personal defense results.

[fudgie]

"Federal Premium Personal Defense", low recoil, 38 special, 110grain HYDRA-SHOK.
Best price I've found for ammo...http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/sitemap/ammo-and-shooting.aspx?d=121

Thats what Kit uses. Its kinda neat cause you can watch the bullet leave the gun.

[suthrncop]

I like the Hornady Critical Defense and the Gold Dot...I hear some good stuff on the MagSafe too, haven't tried it, not sure if it is all hype or not, but read an article about research shooting goats with it and it outperformed all the other ammo....

[KW]

Are you updating to change to a ‘newer type’ defensive round? Or, are you worried about the age of your ammo?  Modern ammo (20th century) can keep a real long time. I have some 38’s & 357’s that are at least 30 years old.  And, I also have used surplus military 30.06 on many occasions from BEFORE WWII and have never had any issues.

I guess I wouldn’t / don’t use older rounds loaded in my ‘primary’ defensive gun though. So, I see your point if that’s the case. Probably some here will disagree and say it‘s fine to use old rounds . . .  but if it involves the safety of my family, I’m using the best I can find.

For any defensive purpose my “recommendation” would stick to a HP or JHP verses a FMJ or Ball round. You want stopping power, so I’d look for the ‘maximum energy release’ ammo you can find. . .  I wouldn’t pay attention to using a heavier bullet weight (like some may suggest.) It’s all about the stopping power and depending on the specifics of a  particular round, “faster’ often equate to ‘more powerful’. .

So, if I was ‘buying new’ I’d use the Federal Premium Personal Defense Ammunition, Hydra-Shok JHP, in the 110 GR. I like the Hornady Critical Defense too. I use their 12 gauge version in my defensive shotgun.  I use the Hydra’s in my Glock in the 40 cal. And like them. I’ve shot some in ballistic gel. Man, when you cut it open, the damage is impressive. . 

Just my ½ cent worth. There’s probably smarter people here who will give you a more educated opinion.   

[The Anvil]

I wouldn’t pay attention to using a heavier bullet weight (like some may suggest.) It’s all about the stopping power and depending on the specifics of a  particular round, “faster’ often equate to ‘more powerful’. .

I tend to agree. That's why I went with the 155gr vs. the 165 or 180 that's also available for the .40S&W.

[BigAl]

Here is what I use and look Fudgie a Bersa 45cal.

Corbon DPX Solid Copper and Solid performance everytime.

Will hold its weight through glass, plywood and steel car doors.

Expensive as heck, but hay what is your hide worth.

Cor Bon DPX 45 Auto/160gr. Test with the Bersa Pro 45 UC	powered by Aeva

[designer]

You should shoot what you carry for a reality check yearly. Yes, modern ammo will last longer than the skill we have to use it.  Gold dot makes a really good defense ammo and is reasonable. Legally I would tell you to stay away from speciality ammo or reloads.  I carry Speer in my sig and gold dot in my smith.  If it's good enough for th police it's good enough for me.  The only speciality ammo I would consider or home defense is wad cutters, they are one nasty round and won't penetrate several walls.

[musclehead]

thanks all, good stuff. I'm a lil' concerned about the age, I'm pretty sure it'll last until I find a replacement. the only concern I have about the age is a MUST fire situation for my wife, this is her gun after all. the 110 gr critical defense or the magsafe looks like the front runners.

probably just go with the hornady critical defense, cheap enough for her to practise with deadly enough in that ultimate situation.

[BIG--T]

Hornaday and Hydroshock are great choices in my opinion. If worried about old ammo, use those for practice rounds. I have shot ammo over 60 years old. If it's never been wet, I bet you could fire a 200 year old round!

[The Anvil]

thanks all, good stuff. I'm a lil' concerned about the age, I'm pretty sure it'll last until I find a replacement. the only concern I have about the age is a MUST fire situation for my wife, this is her gun after all. the 110 gr critical defense or the magsafe looks like the front runners.

probably just go with the hornady critical defense, cheap enough for her to practise with deadly enough in that ultimate situation.

I've found that it's not all that important to practice with your carry ammo. As long as the bullet weights are matched and the loads are similar then you're fine using inexpensive target ammo like wadcutters or FMJ's. The difference in recoil and feel will be negligible.

[designer]

thanks all, good stuff. I'm a lil' concerned about the age, I'm pretty sure it'll last until I find a replacement. the only concern I have about the age is a MUST fire situation for my wife, this is her gun after all. the 110 gr critical defense or the magsafe looks like the front runners.

probably just go with the hornady critical defense, cheap enough for her to practise with deadly enough in that ultimate situation.

I've found that it's not all that important to practice with your carry ammo. As long as the bullet weights are matched and the loads are similar then you're fine using inexpensive target ammo like wadcutters or FMJ's. The difference in recoil and feel will be negligible.

So, if you buy Hydroshocks and find since the bullet your using is too light and the powder/pressure is too low to operate the slide on your 1911.  Nope, I shoot what I carry first to make sure it cycles and second to make sure the impact is consistent. Similar weights aren't enough, powders have different pressures and make the impact of the round different.

[The Anvil]

thanks all, good stuff. I'm a lil' concerned about the age, I'm pretty sure it'll last until I find a replacement. the only concern I have about the age is a MUST fire situation for my wife, this is her gun after all. the 110 gr critical defense or the magsafe looks like the front runners.

probably just go with the hornady critical defense, cheap enough for her to practise with deadly enough in that ultimate situation.

I've found that it's not all that important to practice with your carry ammo. As long as the bullet weights are matched and the loads are similar then you're fine using inexpensive target ammo like wadcutters or FMJ's. The difference in recoil and feel will be negligible.

So, if you buy Hydroshocks and find since the bullet your using is too light and the powder/pressure is too low to operate the slide on your 1911.  Nope, I shoot what I carry first to make sure it cycles and second to make sure the impact is consistent. Similar weights aren't enough, powders have different pressures and make the impact of the round different.

I didn't say not to do a functional check, I said you don't need to practice with your carry ammo. For me practice means at least 250-300 rounds in a sitting. You don't wanna throw 200 dollars worth of specialty JHP downrange at paper targets unless you have more money than brains.

[BIG--T]

thanks all, good stuff. I'm a lil' concerned about the age, I'm pretty sure it'll last until I find a replacement. the only concern I have about the age is a MUST fire situation for my wife, this is her gun after all. the 110 gr critical defense or the magsafe looks like the front runners.

probably just go with the hornady critical defense, cheap enough for her to practise with deadly enough in that ultimate situation.

I've found that it's not all that important to practice with your carry ammo. As long as the bullet weights are matched and the loads are similar then you're fine using inexpensive target ammo like wadcutters or FMJ's. The difference in recoil and feel will be negligible.

So, if you buy Hydroshocks and find since the bullet your using is too light and the powder/pressure is too low to operate the slide on your 1911.  Nope, I shoot what I carry first to make sure it cycles and second to make sure the impact is consistent. Similar weights aren't enough, powders have different pressures and make the impact of the round different.

I don't believe he has an auto but a revolver. No worries there.

[RoadKill]

thanks all, good stuff. I'm a lil' concerned about the age, I'm pretty sure it'll last until I find a replacement. the only concern I have about the age is a MUST fire situation for my wife, this is her gun after all. the 110 gr critical defense or the magsafe looks like the front runners.

probably just go with the hornady critical defense, cheap enough for her to practise with deadly enough in that ultimate situation.

I've found that it's not all that important to practice with your carry ammo. As long as the bullet weights are matched and the loads are similar then you're fine using inexpensive target ammo like wadcutters or FMJ's. The difference in recoil and feel will be negligible.

I have to agree 100%. This aint no sniper mission. Defensive rounds are for up close and personal engagements. If you are using it at a range that requires more accuracy it really isnt a defensive situation. 

[Sludge]

I prefer the Speer Gold Dot.  Here is a pretty good demonstration of the bullet performance.

Speer Gold Dot .40 S&W 180 gr JHP SIM-TEST w/denim	powered by Aeva

[designer]

thanks all, good stuff. I'm a lil' concerned about the age, I'm pretty sure it'll last until I find a replacement. the only concern I have about the age is a MUST fire situation for my wife, this is her gun after all. the 110 gr critical defense or the magsafe looks like the front runners.

probably just go with the hornady critical defense, cheap enough for her to practise with deadly enough in that ultimate situation.

I've found that it's not all that important to practice with your carry ammo. As long as the bullet weights are matched and the loads are similar then you're fine using inexpensive target ammo like wadcutters or FMJ's. The difference in recoil and feel will be negligible.

So, if you buy Hydroshocks and find since the bullet your using is too light and the powder/pressure is too low to operate the slide on your 1911.  Nope, I shoot what I carry first to make sure it cycles and second to make sure the impact is consistent. Similar weights aren't enough, powders have different pressures and make the impact of the round different.

I didn't say not to do a functional check, I said you don't need to practice with your carry ammo. For me practice means at least 250-300 rounds in a sitting. You don't wanna throw 200 dollars worth of specialty JHP downrange at paper targets unless you have more money than brains.

I was talking about 6 or 7 rounds through the gun when you go shooting.  And practice does not make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.  I'm critical of handling of firearms, the way you practice is the way you perform.  Sorry if anyone thinks that wasteful, but you only have one chance to do it right.  That's 25 years as an infantry officer and 20 years shooting competition. 

[The Anvil]

thanks all, good stuff. I'm a lil' concerned about the age, I'm pretty sure it'll last until I find a replacement. the only concern I have about the age is a MUST fire situation for my wife, this is her gun after all. the 110 gr critical defense or the magsafe looks like the front runners.

probably just go with the hornady critical defense, cheap enough for her to practise with deadly enough in that ultimate situation.

I've found that it's not all that important to practice with your carry ammo. As long as the bullet weights are matched and the loads are similar then you're fine using inexpensive target ammo like wadcutters or FMJ's. The difference in recoil and feel will be negligible.

So, if you buy Hydroshocks and find since the bullet your using is too light and the powder/pressure is too low to operate the slide on your 1911.  Nope, I shoot what I carry first to make sure it cycles and second to make sure the impact is consistent. Similar weights aren't enough, powders have different pressures and make the impact of the round different.

I didn't say not to do a functional check, I said you don't need to practice with your carry ammo. For me practice means at least 250-300 rounds in a sitting. You don't wanna throw 200 dollars worth of specialty JHP downrange at paper targets unless you have more money than brains.

I was talking about 6 or 7 rounds through the gun when you go shooting.  And practice does not make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.  I'm critical of handling of firearms, the way you practice is the way you perform.  Sorry if anyone thinks that wasteful, but you only have one chance to do it right.  That's 25 years as an infantry officer and 20 years shooting competition. 

Not necessary. I put two full boxes of my carry ammo (100 rounds) through my primary carry gun when testing it for function. I also went so far as to alternate between 155gr H-S and 155gr FMJ in the same magazine. Identical function and no discernible difference in recoil. So I can practice all day with 155gr FMJ and am comfortable that if I need to bust a cap in someone's ass that it will perform as I am accustomed.

Can it HURT to shoot your carry ammo regularly? Only your wallet.

[designer]

Once again, it all opinion.  If you think everyone is like you then your response is good.

[Sludge]

Bullet selection aside... The most important thing is to get out and run the gun on a regular basis.  In my personal experience pistols are unforgiving.  Skills and muscle memory decline rapidly when you dont get enough (to quote designer) "perfect practice".  If you cant run the gun, then it doesnt matter what ammo selection you have.

[musclehead]

thanks all, good stuff. I'm a lil' concerned about the age, I'm pretty sure it'll last until I find a replacement. the only concern I have about the age is a MUST fire situation for my wife, this is her gun after all. the 110 gr critical defense or the magsafe looks like the front runners.

probably just go with the hornady critical defense, cheap enough for her to practise with deadly enough in that ultimate situation.

I've found that it's not all that important to practice with your carry ammo. As long as the bullet weights are matched and the loads are similar then you're fine using inexpensive target ammo like wadcutters or FMJ's. The difference in recoil and feel will be negligible.

that does make alot of sense, recoil and adreneline cancel each other out 

[KW]

I tend to agree with RK & Sludge . . .  Using a pistol for defense isn’t a match shoot! And, it WILL be up close and personal should you ever have to use it in defense. All the data I’ve ever read – as well as plain common sense – suggest that to be true.

So, master the handling & cycling of your defensive gun first and foremost, like the Jarhead said, and you’ll be fine should you ever have to use it. (Of course most Marines I had in any of my classes, while usually good rifle shots, seemed not to recognize the small little pieces of metal in their hands when they picked up a revolver or pistol. A few guessed it was something you used to get to the real guns. )

Of course the question on this posting just had to do with ammo recommendations. .  didn’t it?