What type of self defense round do you use?

[jcabin]

I've been doing research on the net for a long time now for self defense ammo. I've come up with random statistics and the popular top 5 (dont feel the need to list them as im sure the first page of responses will cover it) self defense ammo keep popping up. However, with that being said, 95% of range personnel and gun shop owners/workers consistantly recommend Federal Hydra Shok to me. I wonder if theres anything to this? That being said I've pretty much come to the conclusion as to what im going to be buying to practice with this weekend in anticipation of my LTCF coming in next week. Just wanted to see what you folks on here had to say. I wonder if theres any bias from business owners to push Federal Hydra Shok, but even if that were true, which i doubt, how would that explain range personnel? Most of whom are generally ex leo and ex military. Thanks all.

[lildobe]

I carry Remington UMC Jacketed Hollow Points in .40 S&W.

I don't need anything fancy - as long as it go "bang" when I pull the trigger, and the bad guy stops hurting me when it hits them, I'm happy.

[mjfletcher]

I carry Hydra Shoks, decided on them because they're 'tried and true' so to speak. They've been around long enough to get 'real' data on how they perform in real life situations rather than just under lab/test circumstances. I've been looking at their expanding full metal jacket ammo, looks like an 'upgrade' to the hydra shoks.

[Ithaca1937]

Remington Golden Saber or Winchester Slivertip. I just can't understand why they load the Silvertip in a brass case and the Golden Saber in a nickel plated case, and not the other way around.

[policemedic]

My current duty round is the excellent Black Hills .45 ACP 230gr JHP. Expensive, but worth it. Since I carry a .45 on- and off-duty, that round is my constant companion.

If I'm going into NJ, I will switch my magazines for Pow'r Balls simply so as not to test the waters with an NJ prosecutor if I should shoot someone over there. They really don't like HP over there, and it's unclear whether LEOSA applies to ammo as well as handguns. It may, but I'm not going to be the test case. It's easier to switch magazines.

FWIW, my department issues Federal HST in .40 S&W and .45 ACP. I just like the Black Hills better.

[headcase]

I generally carry 150gr. corbon. After I shot off my next to last batch of carry ammo, I couldn't find any around, so I bought 165gr.
Now this last time I couldn't even get that, so I wound up with 165gr. hydra shoks. I had two cartridges left over from the corbon, so they sit in the pipe and at the top of the mag. I think I am going to order them from the internet next time, in 135gr.

[XD45]

hyda shoks are somewhat outdated, but it's not to say they can't perfrom. I personally carry gold dots or winchester rangers. Alot of people like the hornady XTP, remington golden sabers and the list goes on.

Shot placement, and the round actually going off are a tttaaaddd more important though, as long as your gun likes it and its consistant I say its good to go.

[Buckster]

.45 ACP with hydra-shoks
9mm with power balls and gold dots
.357 gold dots
.40 cal is hydra-shoks
I like a variey. Each one has its pros, and its unlikely I am ever going to have to use them that the stopping power really isn't an issue I just like the pistol to function if needed.

[soberbyker]

9mm luger Federal 147 grain HST HP

[JoeWilliams]

Cathy's M&P9c = Federal 124gr HST +P

My SP101 = Winchester .38 Special 130gr SXT +P