{"id":785,"date":"2023-12-22T19:47:48","date_gmt":"2023-12-22T19:47:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=785"},"modified":"2023-12-22T19:47:49","modified_gmt":"2023-12-22T19:47:49","slug":"handgun-ammo-you-can-bet-your-life-on","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=785","title":{"rendered":"Handgun Ammo You Can Bet Your Life On"},"content":{"rendered":"<div> <!-- image --><\/p>\n<div class=\"td-post-featured-image\">\n<figure> <noscript><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload entry-thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo-feature-768x496.jpg\" alt=\"Handgun Ammo You Can Bet Your Life On\" title=\"Handgun Ammo You Can Bet Your Life On\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-discussion-on-the-finer-points-of-defensive-handgun-ammo-and-how-to-choose-the-right-load-for-your-needs\"><strong>A discussion on the finer points of defensive handgun ammo and how to choose the right load for your needs.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>If you carry a firearm on a daily basis, odds are good that you load and unload your weapon frequently and have already given serious thought to your choice of ammunition. Bullet weight, construction and conformation all play a role in terminal performance, and while very few will have an opportunity to test their ammunition in a controlled environment, there\u2019s plenty of data available to help make a proper decision.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m an unabashed bullet hound. I love the old styles, from cast lead to the early jacketed bullets\u2014all the way through the latest and greatest modern developments. And while there are myriad choices available to the handgunner, I have a few favorites that have checked all the boxes for me.<\/p>\n<p>Bullets that\u2019ll feed reliably in an autoloader, print consistent groups, hang together when needed and yet expand reliably to rapidly neutralize a threat, all in a wide variety of circumstances, have become revered by defensive handgunners. And, it\u2019s what you should be looking for, too.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s look at the various styles of bullets and ammunition that just might save your bacon one day, be it from a two- or four-legged threat.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo-hollowpoint.jpg\" alt=\"defensive-handgun-ammo-hollowpoint\" class=\"wp-image-291873\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo-hollowpoint.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo-hollowpoint-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo-hollowpoint-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo-hollowpoint-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo-hollowpoint-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-long-live-lead\"><strong>Long Live Lead?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Despite my penchant for modern bullet designs, my father\u2014dear Ol\u2019 Grumpy Pants\u2014is always quick to point out how many species were nearly pressed to extinction, and how many graves, both civilian and military, were dug as the result of lead projectiles.<\/p>\n<p>Lead projectiles\u2014where they\u2019re still legal\u2014make a sound and affordable choice, especially for the slower cartridges. Both the .38 Special and .45 ACP have had great success with traditional lead bullets, and there are many economical means to feed those styles of cartridges. From formed projectiles offered in bulk, to purchasing a bullet mold and casting your own projectiles, a lead bullet is as effective here in the 2020s as it was in the 1870s.<\/p>\n<p>While lead projectiles will foul a pistol\u2019s bore, there are coated choices, like the Federal Syntech or Solid Core, that\u2019ll minimize that fouling, yet still offer the performance of a lead bullet. Softer lead projectiles (we\u2019ll get to the hard stuff in a second or two) tend to expand rapidly, quickly transferring their energy. This can be a good thing, with the exception of the fact that the rapid expansion will compromise penetration. When I use lead projectiles, I like them to be heavy-for-caliber, such as a 158-grain lead bullet in the .38 Special or 230-grain slugs in the .45 ACP.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-syntech.jpg\" alt=\"federal-syntech\" class=\"wp-image-291879\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-syntech.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-syntech-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-syntech-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-syntech-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-syntech-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-syntech.jpg\" alt=\"federal-syntech\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291879\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-syntech.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-syntech-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-syntech-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-syntech-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-syntech-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Federal\u2019s Syntech is a coated lead bullet that gives the benefits of reducing lead fouling as well as lead vapors. Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Add a bit of antimony to a lead bullet, or use good old linotype, and you\u2019ve got a much tougher projectile, capable of truly impressive penetration, with much less fouling in the bore. For the speedier handgun cartridges, like the .44 Remington Magnum, modern .45 Colt loads and the .357 Remington Magnum, a \u201chard cast\u201d bullet can give extremely impressive results.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, when testing differing handgun projectiles through different construction materials representing interior and exterior walls, a 325-grain hard cast bullet from Choice Ammunition\u2014designed for defense against bears\u2014was virtually unstoppable. It\u2019d make a serious defensive bullet, but with the caveat that over-penetration is a reality.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-copper-and-lead-marriage\"><strong>The Copper And Lead Marriage<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>It was in the 1880s that the copper jacket was first added to the lead bullet to help take advantage of the higher velocities achieved by the first iterations of smokeless powders. You see, lead projectiles can only be pushed so fast \u2026 and then the lead begins to smear within the bore. While this phenomenon is much more common with rifle cartridges, the handgun cartridges saw the addition of a copper jacket add to the structural integrity and improve the terminal performance.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo.jpg\" alt=\"defensive-handgun-ammo\" class=\"wp-image-291874\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo.jpg\" alt=\"defensive-handgun-ammo\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291874\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/defensive-handgun-ammo-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A cup-and-core jacketed hollow-point is one of the most popular choices, as it\u2019s a great blend of affordability and acceptable performance. Federal Premium\u2019s Punch is a great modern example of this style of defensive handgun ammo, as is the Winchester Big Bore and the Hornady Custom line.<\/p>\n<p>The latter uses the Hornady XTP (eXtreme Terminal Performance) bullet, with its skived jacket to initiate even expansion, and which wraps around the lip of the hollow-point to eliminate exposed lead. Federal\u2019s Punch is similar in design to the XTP and makes a great choice for those on a budget, while the Big Bore line shows a considerable amount of lead at the nose to give a bit more expansion upon contact.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hornady-XTP-45.jpg\" alt=\"Hornady-XTP-45\" class=\"wp-image-291878\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hornady-XTP-45.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hornady-XTP-45-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hornady-XTP-45-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hornady-XTP-45-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hornady-XTP-45-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hornady-XTP-45.jpg\" alt=\"Hornady-XTP-45\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291878\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hornady-XTP-45.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hornady-XTP-45-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hornady-XTP-45-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hornady-XTP-45-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hornady-XTP-45-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hornady\u2019s excellent XTP is a great example of a modern jacketed hollow-point. Photo credit: Hornady<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>And while a cup-and-core bullet still gets the job done, there are means of building a better mouse trap. Federal\u2019s Hydra-Shok and HST are both jacketed hollow-points, but each with a unique twist that drastically enhances terminal performance. Long relied upon by law enforcement, both bullets have been subjected to rigorous testing according to FBI protocols and have come up aces. Shooting into bare ballistic gelatin, into gel through layers of common clothing, through drywall and into gel, and lastly through windshield glass\u2014all of these will test the mettle of a handgun bullet.<\/p>\n<p>The Hydra-Shok is the older of the two, being designed by Tom Burczynski and released in 1989, and uses a notched copper jacket in conjunction with a center post to deliver the goods in a wide variety of shooting situations. The need to have a hollow-point design, which would open reliably in any circumstance and not plug with material, was imperative in the post-1986 Miami shootout world, and the Hydra-Shok checked all the boxes. Expanding to twice caliber, with a retained weight approaching 100 percent, the Hydra-Shok remains a solid choice to this day to save your life. Despite the features of the Hydra-Shok, Burczynski revised the design to better penetrate various barriers, resulting in the Hydra-Shok Deep.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-Hydra-Shok-380.jpg\" alt=\"Federal-Hydra-Shok-380\" class=\"wp-image-291877\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-Hydra-Shok-380.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-Hydra-Shok-380-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-Hydra-Shok-380-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-Hydra-Shok-380-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-Hydra-Shok-380-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-Hydra-Shok-380.jpg\" alt=\"Federal-Hydra-Shok-380\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291877\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-Hydra-Shok-380.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-Hydra-Shok-380-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-Hydra-Shok-380-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-Hydra-Shok-380-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-Hydra-Shok-380-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The legendary Federal Hydra-Shok makes the smaller handgun cartridges more effective, by offering deep penetration in a good number of situations.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Next came the Federal HST\u2014again a Burczynski design\u2014with a revised meplat in order to provide the most reliable feeding possible, with a hollow cavity designed for the best performance yet in the highly specified FBI protocols. The skived jacket was retained, though when you dig a Federal HST out of ballistic gelatin, it looks like a flower in full bloom, wrought of a nasty blend of razor-sharp metals. Weight retention is as high or higher than the Hydra-Shok, with deep penetration through all sorts of media. Based on all the defensive handgun bullets I\u2019ve had the pleasure of testing, the Federal Premium HST is my favorite, and the bullet I carry on a daily basis.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strengthening-the-bond\"><strong>Strengthening The Bond<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Chemically bonding the jacket and core is a means of preventing premature bullet expansion, and in faster handgun cartridges it makes all sorts of sense. The higher impact velocities that can strain the softer lead bullets and the jacketed projectiles of lower sectional density won\u2019t pose an issue to a bonded-core bullet. Examples of this design are the Swift A-Frame, Federal Fusion and the Speer Gold Dot, all of which are available in both component form as well as loaded ammunition.<\/p>\n<p>The Swift A-Frame revolver bullets possess the same partitioned design as their larger siblings used in the centerfire rifles, with the front core chemically bonded to the thick jacket and have proven themselves against all sorts of dangerous game, from bears to bison and more. Speer\u2019s Gold Dot is another of the top-tier projectiles favored by law enforcement, and with good reason: it has a reputation for impeccable feeding in the vast majority of handgun designs, and its recovered conformation resembles the HST\u2019s metallic flower.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speer-gold-dot-9mm.jpg\" alt=\"speer-gold-dot-9mm\" class=\"wp-image-291875\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speer-gold-dot-9mm.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speer-gold-dot-9mm-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speer-gold-dot-9mm-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speer-gold-dot-9mm-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speer-gold-dot-9mm-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speer-gold-dot-9mm.jpg\" alt=\"speer-gold-dot-9mm\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291875\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speer-gold-dot-9mm.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speer-gold-dot-9mm-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speer-gold-dot-9mm-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speer-gold-dot-9mm-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speer-gold-dot-9mm-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Speer\u2019s GoldDot G2 is a tough, bonded core bullet, favored by law enforcement with good reason: It works every time.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Federal\u2019s Fusion is\u2014much like the rifle variant of this projectile\u2014vastly overlooked. An excellent bonded-core bullet, the Fusion handgun bullets are tough, and if you want a readily available choice for handling hunting and defensive needs, well, you could make much worse decisions. With a skived jacket and shallow dish in the lead nose, the Fusion will perform well at shoe-string distances in a magnum cartridge \u2026 as well as at hunting distances where velocities might drop off.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-fusion-10mm.jpg\" alt=\"Federal-fusion-10mm\" class=\"wp-image-291876\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-fusion-10mm.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-fusion-10mm-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-fusion-10mm-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-fusion-10mm-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-fusion-10mm-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-fusion-10mm.jpg\" alt=\"Federal-fusion-10mm\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291876\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-fusion-10mm.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-fusion-10mm-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-fusion-10mm-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-fusion-10mm-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Federal-fusion-10mm-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Federal\u2019s Fusion features a bonded core to keep things together during the bullet\u2019s terminal phase. This makes a good choice for a handgun in bear country.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-lead-is-not-welcome\"><strong>Where Lead Is Not Welcome<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Moving to the lead-free copper alloy bullets, choices like the Barnes XPB, Lehigh Defense Xtreme Penetrator and Cutting Edge Bullets\u2019 HG Raptor are all suitable choices for a defensive situation. The Barnes has a skived nose with a deep hollow-point. The Lehigh bullet has a nose profile that looks much like a Phillips-head screwdriver bit. The HG Raptor is designed to have the section of the nose along the hollow cavity break off into small blades after initial impact to cause considerable trauma, while the base penetrates deeply, maintaining caliber diameter.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cast-lead-38-spl.jpg\" alt=\"cast-lead-38-spl\" class=\"wp-image-291871\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cast-lead-38-spl.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cast-lead-38-spl-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cast-lead-38-spl-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cast-lead-38-spl-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cast-lead-38-spl-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cast-lead-38-spl.jpg\" alt=\"cast-lead-38-spl\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291871\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cast-lead-38-spl.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cast-lead-38-spl-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cast-lead-38-spl-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cast-lead-38-spl-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cast-lead-38-spl-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A simple cast lead bullet will still get it done, especially in a low-recoiling .38 Special. Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Like their rifle bullet counterparts, copper alloy bullets tend to run on the lighter side, as copper takes up more space for the same weight when compared to lead or lead-core bullets. But because the material is harder than lead, these bullets tend to hold together nicely. The exception to that rule is the Cutting Edge projectiles, which are purposely engineered to break apart, with the bullet\u2019s base designed to remain intact.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-surprising-brass-considerations\"><strong>Surprising Brass Considerations<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>While plain brass cases are affordable, available and reloadable, I prefer nickel-plated brass cases for my defensive handgun ammo, especially in an autoloader. My hands are rather acidic, and repeatedly handling brass-cased ammunition (as in an EDC situation) tarnishes them quickly, to the point where they get almost sticky to the touch\u2014and I don\u2019t like that all. It\u2019s not as critical in a revolver, but in an autoloader, it can pose an issue. Nickel-plated cases can keep things much neater.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nickel-plated-handgun-ammo.jpg\" alt=\"nickel-plated-handgun-ammo\" class=\"wp-image-291880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nickel-plated-handgun-ammo.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nickel-plated-handgun-ammo-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nickel-plated-handgun-ammo-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nickel-plated-handgun-ammo-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nickel-plated-handgun-ammo-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nickel-plated-handgun-ammo.jpg\" alt=\"nickel-plated-handgun-ammo\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291880\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nickel-plated-handgun-ammo.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nickel-plated-handgun-ammo-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nickel-plated-handgun-ammo-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nickel-plated-handgun-ammo-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/nickel-plated-handgun-ammo-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The author much prefers nickel-plate cases in his EDC ammo to keep things cleaner, as it won\u2019t tarnish like brass cases. Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-feed-me\"><strong>Feed Me<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>No matter how great a bullet may be, if it doesn\u2019t feed in your autoloader, it\u2019s useless. There are few brands\/configurations that\u2019ll feed in every type of handgun, and I highly recommend investing the money in thoroughly testing a number of varying ammunition types in your chosen handgun. Standing with a handgun that hasn\u2019t fed another round into the chamber can be a terrible feeling if the proverbial excrement has hit the oscillator. I\u2019d much rather a traditional bullet that feeds reliably than the best premium design that sits cocked in the lips of a magazine or is wedged due to an improper feed ramp angle.<\/p>\n<p>Extraction is another issue that can contribute to a malfunction. If the firearm is screaming to you that it just doesn\u2019t like Brand X ammo, listen to it. Bottom line: It\u2019s got to feed and extract, or it shouldn\u2019t be relied upon for defensive situations.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/hornady-30-super-carry.jpg\" alt=\"hornady-30-super-carry\" class=\"wp-image-291882\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/hornady-30-super-carry.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/hornady-30-super-carry-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/hornady-30-super-carry-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/hornady-30-super-carry-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/hornady-30-super-carry-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/hornady-30-super-carry.jpg\" alt=\"hornady-30-super-carry\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291882\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/hornady-30-super-carry.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/hornady-30-super-carry-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/hornady-30-super-carry-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/hornady-30-super-carry-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/hornady-30-super-carry-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Hornady Critical Defense ammo line features the FTX bullet, with a polymer insert to prevent the hollow-point from clogging up.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-under-pressure\"><strong>Under Pressure<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>We Americans have an undeniable love of speed, and the modern efforts to bring an older cartridge to a different level of performance through the +P (read: higher pressure) designation. Some guns can handle the higher pressure levels. Others\u2014especially the older ones\u2014don\u2019t fare so well.<\/p>\n<p>For example, I got my hands on some +P ammo for my S&amp;W Model 36 .38 Special, and while it might not have been the wisest choice in that gun, the absolute ear-shattering report from the snubnose was enough to have me set the ammo back on the shelf. That little gun is much better served (in my opinion) by standard-grade ammo. If you feel the additional velocity and energy values of the +P ammo engenders more confidence, so be it. Just make sure you can shoot it as well as the standard ammunition, in a real-world situation.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-punch-40-SW.jpg\" alt=\"federal-punch-40-SW\" class=\"wp-image-291881\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-punch-40-SW.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-punch-40-SW-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-punch-40-SW-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-punch-40-SW-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-punch-40-SW-672x420.jpg 672w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-punch-40-SW.jpg\" alt=\"federal-punch-40-SW\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-291881\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-punch-40-SW.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-punch-40-SW-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-punch-40-SW-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-punch-40-SW-696x435.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/federal-punch-40-SW-672x420.jpg 672w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">With excellent terminal capabilities, Federal\u2019s HST bullet is loaded in nickel cases and is the author\u2019s go-to ammo choice for everyday carry. Photo: Massaro Media Group.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-in-conclusion\"><strong>In Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>My late mother used to advise: \u201cIt\u2019s all about balance.\u201d While I didn\u2019t understand the wisdom of that statement as a younger man, it rings in my ears more often as get on in years, and it surely applies to the handgun world. I want the best blend of terminal performance, reliable feeding and acceptable recoil\/muzzle jump possible, so that if I have to use my handgun to save a life, there are no questions about the chosen ammunition.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Editor&#8217;s Note:<\/strong>\u00a0This article originally appeared in the 2023 EDC special issue of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gundigestservice.com\/customer\/subscribe.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gun Digest the Magazine<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-more-on-defensive-handgun-ammo\"><strong>More On Defensive Handgun Ammo:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-27\" style=\"margin: 8px 0; clear: both;\">\n<div style=\"border: 2px solid #e5e5e5; padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"color: #333; text-align: center;\">Next Step: Get your FREE Printable Target Pack<\/h2>\n<p>Enhance your shooting precision with our 62 MOA Targets, perfect for rifles and handguns. Crafted in collaboration with Storm Tactical for accuracy and versatility.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter<\/strong> and get your downloadable target pack sent straight to your inbox. Stay updated with the latest firearms info in the industry.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- AI CONTENT END 1 --><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Photo: Massaro Media Group. A discussion on the finer points of defensive handgun ammo and how to choose the right load for your needs. If you carry a firearm on a daily basis, odds are good that you load and unload your weapon frequently and have already given serious thought to your choice of ammunition. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":786,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-785","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tactical-gear"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/785","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=785"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/785\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":787,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/785\/revisions\/787"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/786"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=785"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=785"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=785"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}