Reloading pistol for self-defense

[GetReal]

We agree. Thank you.

 

[William Vogel]

With bullets like those, I’d push them as fast as possible. Those will cause maximum damage and if they punch through, I don’t think they’ll punch through unless they break apart. Like I mentioned earlier I use 90 grains and run them 1450. I’ve shot a raccoon and it exploded.

 

[GetReal]

With bullets like those, I’d push them as fast as possible. Those will cause maximum damage and if they punch through, I don’t think they’ll punch through unless they break apart. Like I mentioned earlier I use 90 grains and run them 1450. I’ve shot a raccoon and it exploded.

Im looking for minimum velocity that the bullet full expands and doesnt over penetrate.

Thinking about running that test..

 

[Aaron23]

1. I specifically asked in the original post and several times after, very nicely and gently not to go to the lawyer talk discussion, and what you imagine and speculate a lawyer might say. So why are people continuing to do what I ask them not to do and speculate on what attorneys will do ?

You started the lawyer talk crap in your first damn post dude!

“My goal is to be wise and responsible in my reloading, to not endanger others and also not leave myself open to a criminal or civil charge in how I choose my loads.”

And then wonder WHY when people comment on the dumb stuff you said...

 

[GetReal]

@Aaron23 .... no, I said ...

I understand reloading self-defense ammo itself could be used against me, but I don't consider that a meritorious argument and still choose to reload my self-defense rounds.

Thanks for any help on the questions I asked above.

You keep demanding to be blocked so... you got it. Bye.

 

[Steve Donlon]

From a logical standpoint I agree completely .... from a practical standpoint - and I explained this above - I probably won't be doing any self-defense shooting Beyond 10 to 15 yards and I'd find it hard to imagine that any velocity would cause the group to open up Beyond 2 inches, which I believe is more than adequately accurate at that distance.

Certainly, velocity directly impacts bullet performance in gelatin and other self - defense type targets. Im looking into the Wilson Combat bullets pictured below. My guess, which I hooe to test, is whether that bullet will open up and do its job.

You make a good point on evaluating each gun, independently.

View attachment 1757516

10 or 15 yards sounds good but what if there are more than one? Are you going to wait until they get close? I have had a pistol pointed at me a few times and leave nothing to chance. Are you alone or have someone with you to protect?

 

[William Vogel]

You started the lawyer talk crap in your first damn post dude!

“My goal is to be wise and responsible in my reloading, to not endanger others and also not leave myself open to a criminal or civil charge in how I choose my loads.”

And then wonder WHY when people comment on the dumb stuff you said...

He’s saying that he wants the bullet to stop in the target. That’s all. He said he would be accountable for all other conditions after the fact and not to include any legal advice. His concern is the ammunition.

 

[Medic505]

I'll destroy any lawyer who thinks he can demonize my reloading.

I love to start my day with a good laugh. Thank You!

 

[Chestnut]

Beyond 10 to 15 yards and I'd find it hard to imagine that any velocity would cause the group to open up Beyond 2 inches, which I believe is more than adequately accurate at that distance.

This is rifle experience. Some firearms shoot best on the upper velocity edge. Some shoot better lower, it really comes down to the barrel in your firearm. I have a marlin 336 30-30 that shoots 1" groups with subsonic bullets, which is 60% slower than most 30-30 loads.

I would use the load data recommended by the bullet manufacture. Win 244 gives a 900 fps load and has 100% burn in a 3" barrel. If it shoots accurately enough for your needs there ya go. Play with seating depth at starting load as the seating depth could change accuracy. That 115 max expansion is a long projectile so try to stay near recommended COAL as you could get into a presssed charge situation.

 

[GetReal]

10 or 15 yards sounds good but what if there are more than one? Are you going to wait until they get close? I have had a pistol pointed at me a few times and leave nothing to chance. Are you alone or have someone with you to protect?

All good questions that deserve solid answers.

In reality, if I got 2 or more thugs gunning at me at one time, Im prolly dead unless I got a machine gun, which doesnt conceal well. Hopefully they'll be shooting sideways, gangsta style, and will have a bigger accuracy problem than me.

Put it this way... Im OBVIOUSLY gonna test my handloads and if accuracy is sub standard, reject them. If warranted by circumstance, I'll shoot at 50 yds plus. But theres tons of data saying the vast majoity of self defense shooting is w/i 3 yards. And since most self defense shooting happen in poor lighting, much beyond 15 yards is highly problematic.

ANYWAY ... this thread is not about the distance of self-defense shooting, but the best load to be shooting at fairly close up, where the vast majority of SD shootings occur.

 

[GetReal]

He’s saying that he wants the bullet to stop in the target. That’s all. He said he would be accountable for all other conditions after the fact and not to include any legal advice. His concern is the ammunition.

Thank you. I did the best I could to say exactly that in the OP. Seems hes just here to argue. Hes not reading posts to understand others pov, but to twist them into arguments.

 

[GetReal]

I love to start my day with a good laugh. Thank You!

Glad to oblige. You have a great day.

 

[Oso]

Not to derail the thread… since we’re speculating on potential encounters.

I would encourage people to go watch and participate in an IDPA match hosted by your local group. The scenarios/stages are often based on real life events from dealing with multiple targets to shooting from hip within a few feet. It is a great training tool and helps shape your thoughts on how you might approach the situation. I promise that you will enjoy yourself, gain some practical skills, and be more competent with your equipment.

A local match/practice is different then the IDPA Competitions that you see on YouTube. Your squad will be a mixed bag of participants from newbies to seniors, not professional competitors, so there’s no reason to be intimidated or self conscious. Just let them know your new to this and you’ll get a quality hands-on training session at a pace that you are comfortable and safe participating at. Bring 250 rounds of ammo, extra magazines, and don’t forget hydration . In case your wondering what happens after a couple of hours of shooting and comparing thoughts… most people head over to a local spot to enjoy lunch

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I love to start my day with a good laugh. Thank You!

They could probably demonize you now for just being a white male with a gun.

 

[round]

Do you shoot a semi auto or revolver ?

 

[GetReal]

Do you shoot a semi auto or revolver ?

Semi auto exclusively.

 

[JT27]

I’ll add my two cents, which is exactly what it’s worth. I find the conversations about self-defense rounds and caliber debates just so tiresome. Guys worried about what bullet expands the most and what caliber has the most stopping power. It’s like people get lost in the weeds thinking they’ll be squared up with some dude shooting it out until somebody falls. First, the likelihood of me even having to pull my weapon and use it in self-defense is extremely unlikely. Second, the likelihood of me losing a gun fight because my bullet choice under performed or over penetrated and hit an innocent is even less unlikely. I don’t know if I’ve even ever heard off someone being hit by over penetration. But that being said, I don’t think I’d be loading or shooting any of those solid copper penetrators.

I’m all for using what we think is the best in those respective categories. But I don’t lose sleep because of my ammo choice and the fact that I only carry 9 rounds in my carry gun. I have carried my own reloads for self-defense before, and will again. I currently am using Federal HST 124’s factory loaded. @TheBull410 on YT has some great videos on self defense rounds.

 

[GetReal]

@JT27 ... I agree but I do think it's worth it to give some thought to over penetration of whatever caliber a person chooses. ( I avoided the caliber comparison on purpose . ) I did get into the solid coppers a bit on claims of their reduced penetration due to their inclination to Tumble.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I still and will continue to practice, 2 center mass 1 to the head from draw. Strong hand, weak hand. Smooth is fast, accurate is faster.

 

[SKWERLZ]

I only carry factory ammunition.