Failed Service Pistol Duty and Self-Defense Loads

[kh86]

Just thought I would ask what rounds failed and why.

[Wayne Dobbs]

They all have at one time or another.

[BuckskinJoe]

To answer the poster's question, one must first have one or more working definitions of "failure," i.e., failed to do what?

For examples, "failure" could be defined as being unable to find or purchase certain ammunition. Another definition might be not meeting the minimum of 12" penetration. Another definition might be failure to produce a "one shot stop." (Gag! )

[Entropy]

For the purposes of the FBI, failure is any load that does not penetration up to 12" in ballistic gel. Optimal is 12"-18" of penetration, while exceeding 18" is considered to be a waste of energy and wounding ability.

There is also the expansion component which is of secondary importance. The bullet needs to have rapid and reliable expansion in order to maximize the total wound volume. The expanded bullet also acts as a wadcutter which cuts more tissue instead of just pushing it aside as a FMJ bullet does.

If either component is "lacking", then the ammunition usually does not make Dr. Roberts' list of recommended duty ammunition.

[DocGKR]

Common failure points include projectiles not penetrating 12", projectiles having inadequate expansion--primarily with the 4 layer denim or heavy clothing test, and projectiles demonstrating poor intermediate barrier performance, particularly against automobile windshields. Well designed projectiles generally do not have any of these issues.

[kh86]

I'm asking about the ammo that has been tested and failed and why.

I'm OCD like that.

[kh86]

For examples, "failure" could be defined as being unable to find or purchase certain ammunition.

I totally get this point too.

[Rude Robert]

I am not sure of failure loads but I wouldn't think you would have any failure for the 44mag in any load. Just my 2cents

[DocGKR]

"I am not sure of failure loads but I wouldn't think you would have any failure for the 44mag in any load. "

Upon what verifiable FACTS are you basing your hitherto unsupported supposition or is it mere meretricious conjecture?

[Entropy]

I am not sure of failure loads but I wouldn't think you would have any failure for the 44mag in any load. Just my 2cents

Even a .44magnum load can fail to expand resulting in nothing more than a clean .44" hole through the body. If you compare total wounding volume, a reliably expanding 9mm would likely be better as it will take out more of the person's anatomy than a non expanding .44magnum.