12/26/2023 0 Comments Best 9mm ammo for stopping powerThere are several worthy hybrids on the market today. The first is that we need to select a bullet with the proper construction. With this knowledge, we can make a few deductions. The difference in bullet speed (as applied to kinetic energy) effects how the bullet expands, which in turn affects penetration and energy transfer or stopping power. Given the short range of a self-defense encounter, we are essentially talking about muzzle velocity as our measure. The longer barrel offers a more complete powder burn that generally equates to a faster velocity. That is to say, the same cartridge fired from a revolver with a 6-inch barrel gives very different performance than a cartridge fired from a 2-inch snubby. The video has only demonstrated how well the cartridge performed out of a particular gun, not your firearm. This is the Hornady Critical Defense, a very efficient bullet. However, stopping at this point and believing you have the right self-defense ammunition is a fool’s errand. From this we have a fairly good measure of penetration, energy transfer, and expansion. The bullet enters, the block shakes in slow motion, the shooter whips out a knife, cuts open the block, and retrieves the beautifully upset bullet. What do you learn from watching a video of a bullet fired into a gel block? We have all watched these videos. As of today, it does not exist in any single form, and here is why. The perfect bullet is akin to a unicorn that ballisticians have chased since the invention of gunpowder. Now that we have a good definition of stopping power, we can start looking at the rest of the elements of the self-defense bullet equation. That is why simply having the biggest caliber is not necessarily the best solution-especially when it is not coupled with the right ammunition. This combination is the definition of stopping power, and what we need to end a gunfight in our favor. The FMJ’s hard copper shell over the lead core gives outstanding penetration (by comparison), but it has a tendency to over penetrate, which means it did not transfer all of its energy (hydrostatic shock) diminishing its stopping power.įor maximum stopping power, we need the proper amount of penetration coupled with the maximum amount of energy transfer. On the other end of the spectrum, we have the full metal jacket or FMJ bullet. 45 ACP, an all-lead bullet would deform quickly at the expense of penetration. However, even in larger calibers such as the. This is because the metal is soft and easily deformed. While I like, and have often subscribed to, the theory of “The bigger the pea, the better the straw it was shot from” caliber is still a misleading measure of stopping power in my opinion. Make no mistake stopping power and caliber do not share the direct correlation many people think. If the effectiveness of a bullet can be summed up in a single phrase, it would be “stopping power.” The more stopping power a bullet delivers, the more effective it will be at ending a confrontation in your favor. The shooter needs to be able to accurately place the round on target. To say the bullet is the most important element in the self-defense equation would only be a half-truth. The firearm is the launch vehicle, but the bullet is the instrument that does the dirty work. If the gun will be used for concealed carry, it is also sized properly so you can conceal it. If you are worried about ammunition performance, load Hornady defense loads and rest easy.įor the purpose of this discussion, let’s start with the premise that you have done your homework, bought a pistol that you can easily manipulate the controls, achieve a repeatable grip, and successfully manage the recoil. You may have the right self-defense caliber, but the recoil of the particular platform is unacceptable. For example, the gun may be small enough to easily conceal, but too small to easily manipulate the controls. Next, you’ll want to ensure theory meets reality. When choosing a firearm for self-defense, your primary concerns should be centered around the fit, function, purpose, and potentially concealability of your firearm. This article reviews bullet construction, “stopping power,” and a handful of top choices to get you on a path to effective self-defense. However, there are far too many people who can tell you exactly why they chose a particular firearm for self-defense, but have little to no idea why they chose the ammunition they loaded into the gun. A solid marketing scheme or cool packaging will do little to stop an attacker, but the right ammunition can.
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