Here are my current defensive ammunition selections:
| Caliber | Bullet | Manufacturer |
| .380ACP | 90gr JHP | Speer |
| .38 SPL | 110gr FTX +P | Hornady |
| .357 Mag | 125gr FTX | Hornady |
| .357 Sig | 125gr JHP | Federal |
| .9mm Luger | 115gr FTX | Hornady |
| 9mm Luger* | 135gr JHP | Hornady |
| .45ACP | 185gr FTX | Hornady |
| 10mm | 180gr XTP | Underwood |
As soon as the weather cools down enough for outdoor range trips, we will begin ballistic testing and see how these loads really do.
7 Comments
It's just Boris · August 17, 2025 at 6:51 am
Interesting, thank you. I see you have the infamous sub-mm “lungblower” caliber listed. 🙂 Seriously, what is the asterisk on the 2nd 9mm entry indicating?
I generally look for Winchester Ranger-T, since it can sometimes be found in 50-round packs and i occasionally can find police trade-in for training, but I would not think any selection you list is likely to underperform.
I have started looking at light-for-caliber, higher-velocity loads, e.g. Norma’s 108-grain solid copper HP, on behalf of a friend who is recoil-sensitive (bad arthritis). Thoughts, anyone? (Norma is probably a bad example as I believe they have stopped making that round, but I was just reading about them yesterday.)
Divemedic · August 17, 2025 at 7:49 am
The asterisk denotes the 9mm that I use in the Skorpion Carbine. The 7.25 inch barrel works well for a house gun
Michael · August 17, 2025 at 11:43 am
Goodness, I feel like a Fudd. But then again, our bump in the nights is apt to be a bear.
Divemedic · August 17, 2025 at 12:10 pm
These are obviously pistol loads for carry.
Although the joke here is I bought the 10mm as a bear gun
@HomeInSC · August 17, 2025 at 6:24 pm
I’m simple: 9mm and 45ACP, in FMJ and JHP.
But very tempted to get a PPK/S so that adds 380ACP.
I also like the FN High Power in stainless. Made right down the road…
And remember, one is none, getting expensive.
Jonesy · August 18, 2025 at 10:55 am
Ammo technology has advanced to such a state, there isn’t THAT much difference between brands and product lines…at least for the layman/CCW holder. There are exceptions, like specialty loads from buffalo bore, etc.
One thing to note, the lighter.45 acp loads start overlapping.40 performance. I still prefer a a heavy 230gr HP
Lad the non-Impaler · August 19, 2025 at 1:27 am
For CCW, I like Federal HST loads. Gold Dots in any caliber get a honorable mention from me in any caliber too.
I used to carry Win Ranger 9mm+P+ but ammunition to go tests showed inconsistent expansion.
The Federal HST 124 standard pressure and the +P versions show very consistent expansion and penetration depth.
In 380, I prefer Hornady XTP rounds.
XTP’s will always open up “some” but penetration is primarily what I’m after in a lower power cartridge like 380. XTP’s are known for penetration.
In 38spl, I have some CorBon 158 +P SWCHP. That box is easily 25 yrs old since I don’t carry a 5 shot revo anymore.
357 or 45, I don’t think much about either, I don’t carry those on a regular basis anymore.
HST 230’s in 45 and Win 140gr Silvertips in 357 if that becomes a choice.
(I shoot a 9mm faster and more accurately in competition than 40 cal or 45acp)
In 44 mag, anything you can load into it will suffice. The 44spl 200 gr Speer Gold Dot is very easy to shoot, the Hornady 225 FTX is what my Marlin and S&W 629 are sighted in with.
The 300gr Hornady are full house “shoot through schools” loads (hi Johnny Dangerously!) that I have to fire LH due to an old RH wrist injury.
They. Are. Brutal.
Looking forward to testing you want to get done! 👍🏻
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