Recommended defense loads for non-service handgun calibers

[Psychlone]

I have searched both the stickied and older posts but did not find a whole lot in regards to the recommended defense loads for non-service handgun calibers based on ballistic testing. While not being useful for law enforcement I think this information would still be beneficial for the average citizen who wants to ensure they are using the best defense loads for either home defense or concealed carry. Currently, my EDC is a Springfield XD-S .45 ACP loaded with +P Cor-Bon DPX45185 185 grain all coppers, I used Doc's list to choose this load so no problems there.

My home defense handgun is a Ruger GP-100 with a 4 inch barrel in .357 magnum however most ballistic tests for .357 are really old and don't include the more recent loads. I had it loaded with the Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special 110 grain FTX 90310 but have since switched to .357 Speer Gold Dot 158 grain 23960. I know Doc recommends .38 +P for snub nose .357's but as stated above mine is with a 4 inch barrel. Am I on the right track with either of these 2 loads for home defense or is there another load I should try?

I would also be curious to get the recommended defense loads in other calibers that are not typically recommended for self-defense such as .22LR, .22 Magnum, .25, .32 etc. Can anyone point me in the right direction for that?

Thanks.

[Alaskapopo]

I have searched both the stickied and older posts but did not find a whole lot in regards to the recommended defense loads for non-service handgun calibers based on ballistic testing. While not being useful for law enforcement I think this information would still be beneficial for the average citizen who wants to ensure they are using the best defense loads for either home defense or concealed carry. Currently, my EDC is a Springfield XD-S .45 ACP loaded with +P Cor-Bon DPX45185 185 grain all coppers, I used Doc's list to choose this load so no problems there.

My home defense handgun is a Ruger GP-100 with a 4 inch barrel in .357 magnum however most ballistic tests for .357 are really old and don't include the more recent loads. I had it loaded with the Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special 110 grain FTX 90310 but have since switched to .357 Speer Gold Dot 158 grain 23960. I know Doc recommends .38 +P for snub nose .357's but as stated above mine is with a 4 inch barrel. Am I on the right track with either of these 2 loads for home defense or is there another load I should try?

I would also be curious to get the recommended defense loads in other calibers that are not typically recommended for self-defense such as .22LR, .22 Magnum, .25, .32 etc. Can anyone point me in the right direction for that?

Thanks.

Friends don't let friends carry mouse guns. (.22 through .32) But if you must defend yourself against enraged mice use FMJ's or solids in these calibers as they don't penetrate deep enough with JHP's.
Pat

[S. Galbraith]

I would also be curious to get the recommended defense loads in other calibers that are not typically recommended for self-defense such as .22LR, .22 Magnum, .25, .32 etc. Can anyone point me in the right direction for that?

Thanks.

FMJ or hardcast with a heavy bullet. None of those calibers are capable of meeting an acceptable penetration depth using expansing bullets. Even .380acp is considered too weak to use JHPs.

[Zhukov]

Anything .380 and less isn't endorsed by DocGKR.

As far as other calibers: To properly test ammunition, it must be run against the full FBI protocol - preferably multiple shots for each scenario. Those tests are expensive, and typically not performed unless a department requests it. Since they are mostly interested in standard calibers, finding reliable data is next to impossible.

Unfortunately, Doctor Roberts' data has also shown that bullets such as the Gold Dot perform very well in the "common" calibers, but may not do so for others (like in .44mag). About the only bullet type I've seen perform well across the board is the Barnes.

[tpd223]

In the .357mag all of the older tests of legacy loads are still good for the most part, the 145gr Silvertip would be an example as it has not changed any since it was invented.

For personal defense use I think one would be safe in choosing loads that have a good test performance in bare and heavy clothing gel tests.

While I don't prefer the smaller calibers, sometimes using a pocket pistol or non-service caliber weapon is the only choice a person has. In those cases I would prefer non-expanding bullets, with the exception of using the Critical Defense or Gold Dot in .380 or the Velocitor from a .22lr caliber rifle.

[Alaskapopo]

In the .357mag all of the older tests of legacy loads are still good for the most part, the 145gr Silvertip would be an example as it has not changed any since it was invented.

For personal defense use I think one would be safe in choosing loads that have a good test performance in bare and heavy clothing gel tests.

While I don't prefer the smaller calibers, sometimes using a pocket pistol or non-service caliber weapon is the only choice a person has. In those cases I would prefer non-expanding bullets, with the exception of using the Critical Defense or Gold Dot in .380 or the Velocitor from a .22lr caliber rifle.

I can not think of a time that you can not at the very least conceal a J frame Smith in .38 which is leaps and bounds above the .380, .32 etc.
Pat

[DocGKR]

If you have no alternative firearm, with handguns below 9 mm it is generally best to stick with FMJ/solids.

In .357 Mag for anti-personnel self-defense, the Barnes all copper JHP's usually work well, as do the Win 180 gr Partition and older 145 gr Silvertip. The Gold Dots are just OK in .357 Mag; I'd be tempted to stick with the .38sp 135 gr +P GDHP for faster, more accurate follow-up shots.

In .44 Mag, it is hard to beat the Hornady XTP's in 180, 240, or 300 gr.

[Psychlone]

Thanks everyone for all of the great information. What a great forum this is, so much to learn so little time.

[tpd223]

I can not think of a time that you can not at the very least conceal a J frame Smith in .38 which is leaps and bounds above the .380, .32 etc.
Pat

We have a long discussion going on Southnarc's site ref this very issue. One man's idea of a non-permissive environment can be very different from another's idea.

Not too long ago due to clothing constructions I found myself armed with a pocket .380 and a 642 on my ankle. Wasn't any way around it, and I'm the guy that has been on the beach wearing a T-shirt and cargo shorts, armed with a Glock 19 with two extra mags and a 642.

I mentioned the .357mag Silvertip because it is well known as a legacy loading and rather available.

IIRC pretty much any of the .357mag 158gr standard JHPs worked rather well also.