Carry/Self Defense Ammo

[Mike45]

Please give your opinions on what ammo you prefer in your carry weapon. I would like to hear what types/brands are being used and which have the best results as far as reliability and accuracy. Thanks...Mike45

[Tomcat088]

Mike, I use a .45 ACP and very soon will be carrying as soon as my paperwork completes going through. I've done quite a bit of research on the matter, and I believe that I will probably be going with 2 bullets, or that's what I have it narrowed down to. I'm going to do a couple of "performance tests" of my own while out hunting, and see which bullet I prefer. I'll either be carrying a 230 grain Federal Hydra-shok bullet, or a 230 grain Winchest Ranger T bullet. Although the general public might have some trouble getting Ranger T bullets, since they're sold only to LEO, I have access to them, and you can also purchase them off the internet. They're not illegal for civilians to own or buy, only winchester sells mainly to law enforcement only.

[dgg9]

Originally Posted by Tomcat088

Winchest Ranger T bullet.

Ranger T in 9mm, 147gr....yes, I also buy them by the case on the Internet, from any number of boards.

I also carry Speer Gold Dots, 124gr.

Both are standard pressure.

[Mike45]

Tomcat088,
I'd like to hear more on your "performance tests". I have some hydra-shoks and I'm leaning in that direction. Thanks...Mike45

[billy870m9]

i carry the win ranger 147 in my pistol........hey there are two different hp types with the ranger, do yous have the six petal or the regular hollow point

[ChamberedRound]

Haven't fired it myself, but I've heard a lot of good things about Hornday TAP ammo. It's not cheap, but it's perfect for keeping a magazine or two loaded for carry purposes. I'm planning on trying it out in the near future. For handguns, it currently comes in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP.

Here's a link to a review of Hornady TAP ammo from Hanguns Magazine:
http://www.handgunsmag.com/ammunition/tap_101405/

Hope it helps.

[LittleRedToyota]

i use magtech guardian gold +P 115 gr JHP (9mm) for my carry ammo.

can't tell you much about the ballistics, but it has been 100% reliable and quite accurate at the range.

[aubie515]

I like the Ranger T's because you get 50rds in a box versus only 20 for Hydra shoks. I also carry Wincester SXTs as well. The Remington Golden Sabers are suppose to be good too...bonded bullets are the way to go. If you live near Cabela's you can buy some ballistic gel...it's not cheap, but some people like that hi-tech, tactical stuff. I also have Speer Gold Dots as well.

[Mike45]

ChamberedRound, Good link and story on Hornady. They have an interesting company history. Thanks for that info...Mike45

[Tomcat088]

Mike, I'll definately let you know how my performance tests go, on shooting phone books and also hogs. I'll dig up the bullets and see how they expanded, how deep they penetrated, etc. I'll also probably see what kind of mess they make with rabbits and coyotes. Oh yes, Aubie, I've heard that we should stay away from the SXT. I've heard that they're marketed under the same bullets as the Ranger T's, and others, but they are an unproven design that hasn't performed the greatest. You had much experience with the testing of the SXT's, or seen what they do to animals? I haven't done any myself, but I've seen some bad reviews of them, and friends have told me to stay away from them also.