Hows 45grn JHP for a defensive round?

[dialM4murder]

If we had another SHTF situation, would this get the job done?

[BushmasterFanBoy]

I don't know, I've never shot anyone.

The only thing I've ever even shot with my #1 Bushmaster is a Possum that was playing dead. My brother and I kicked it out of the live cage it was trapped in, and dumped 10 rounds each into it, 10 7.62x39 and 10 Winchester White Box .223 55gr FMJ.
20 rounds later is looked normal, but the black fur was bloody. From the look of things, our rounds just went in and out, no fragmentation.

I would say that if you hit a person in the right spot with a .223 they will die or bleed to death.

[paulosantos]

If we had another SHTF situation, would this get the job done?

It would do OK against people, but it sucks against barriers. Check out the link below to get an idea. Ideally, you want a bullet that penetrates 10-12".

http://le.atk.com/223data/223rifle.asp?pgtocall=2

[Ed L.]

Might be a real problem in barrels with faster than a 1 in 12 twist.

[DRich]

I wouldn't count on much penetration with a 45gr JHP. I use 40gr JHP against coyotes at least a couple times a week and very rarely get more than 8" - 10" of penetration.

M193 spec 55gr is the smallest 5.56 I'd trust for social work and I prefer 69gr+ for that role.