What bullets do you use for self defense?

[mlbgpride]

When and if you reload your own self defense ammo, what bullets are you using?

For my 9mm, I'm using the Hornady XTP 124 Grain. I got them originally when I got into reloading because they were a cheap hollowpoint, but when I dug some out of the stumps I use to put my targets on, they seemed to expand nicely. I don't load up to max pressures, I just stick with the in between loads for my rounds with bullseye powder.

So what are you using?

[knight0334]

I use a mix depending on the gun..

1. Hornady XTP's 180gr - .44spl
2. Speer Golddot's (hunting version) 240gr - .44mag
3. Hornady XTP's 250gr JHP and Hunter Supply 250gr hardcast LFN - .45Colt
4. Hornady XTP's 125gr and some unknown brand 158gr JHP - .38spl.

[762xIan]

I am another XTP fan for my defense ammo.

Currently running 230 gr in the .45's and 158's in the .357.

I have some 125's for the .357 but I haven't "developed" that load yet. I will probably make a winter time project out of it.

I don't load up to max pressures, I just stick with the in between loads

That is where I wound up, mid range on the load scale for accuracy. For .45 I am using bullseye and for .357 H110 and HP-38.

I am starting to like HP-38 for a few different rounds.

[DucatiRon]

I use Hornady XTP's in the wheel guns and my Beowulf. I use Winchester PDX ammo in my 380 and pull the same bullet out of 40 S&W rounds to make some 10mm.

[mlbgpride]

Seems like the XTP is working out well for most people.

DucatiRon, How does the PDX ammo work for you in the .380? I've been looking to find some defensive loads for my little Bersa. And are you using the HP's or the FMJ's?

[zlaya]

I haven't used any yet, fortunately. But if I had to I would use bullets made of metal, and propelled by gun powder. I have heard they work pretty good.

[DucatiRon]

Seems like the XTP is working out well for most people.

DucatiRon, How does the PDX ammo work for you in the .380? I've been looking to find some defensive loads for my little Bersa. And are you using the HP's or the FMJ's?

I use the Bonded HP's. It runs great out of my Sig p238. Accurate too at 7-10 yards. Definitely hotter than the Hornady stuff or any other 380 ammo I've shot. I've put about 150 rounds of it through the 380 to make the reliability factor for carry ammo. At about a buck a shot its pricey for someone whom reloads but it is SD ammo so I accept that. Plus the reviews and the gel tests for it are quite impressive for 380. There is a tread around here somewhere by Thelmite where all the 380 SD ammo was tested and speced out.

[bman1187]

Remington Golden Sabres

[Drgiggles1]

Currently 155gr Federal HST's from a government overrun, (40 cal) only because I was fortunate to get a case of 1000 rounds for like $380. This way I can practice with what I carry with. I understand shot placement is most important but I am considering filling 2 magazines with either the old black talons or trying the speer gold dot JHP 180 GR after the HST's have run their course. I have no complaints with them and will get them again if the same price comes along again.

[Metz]

I haven't used any yet, fortunately.

^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^

And I also don't use reloads for SD. It might be necessary to do ballistic expertise after possible SD shooting and it will be easier to prove consistency of somewhat expensive factory ammo than reloads.