When it comes to self-defense and preservation, everyone naturally wants more odds in their favor. After proper training and shot placement, understanding a few basic principles surrounding bullet construction and choice of caliber (within reason) are important as well.

When selecting ammo for self-defense, please consider these basic principles:

1. Heavy for caliber UNbonded hollow-point (HP) bullets generally outperform their lighter-weight counterparts (across the board) in Gelatin, 4-Ply Denim, Heavy Cloth, Wallboard, Glass, and Metal, with only a few exceptions. Example: 9mm = 147-gr. unbonded HP / 40 S&W = 180-gr. unbonded HP / 45 ACP = 230-gr. unbonded HP. Plus P (+P) loads at 50 – 75 fps higher velocity typically perform better than standard pressure loads with the same bullet.

2. Exception #1: Mid-weight BONDED bullets need to be driven at faster (+P) velocities in order to perform well in all-around testing through various media. UNbonded mid-weight bullets (at regular or +P velocities) are typically outperformed by most heavy for caliber loads. Example of mid-weight BONDED loads: 9mm = 124-gr. +P / 40 S&W = 165-gr. +P / 45 ACP = 200-gr. +P.

3. Exception #2: Lead-free all copper JHP’s (Jacketed Hollow Points) are lightweight in nature and in comparison to regular HP’s, their make-up in volume is longer than the weight of a regular HP bullet. Hence, a medium weight copper JHP might have a similar overall length to a regular heavy for caliber HP. Barnes makes XPB and LE Tac-XP (Law Enforcement Tactical) copper bullets in most calibers and manufactures are jumping on the band wagon using copper JHP’s that are very effective when driven at higher (+P) velocities.

4. Most self-defense situations will require a bullet that penetrates deeper than imagined in order to reach the vitals! Bad guys (BG’s) typically will be moving and your selected HP load may have to penetrate at LONGER odd-angles than imagined in order to reach the vitals. (They won’t hold still for you like a B-27 target at the range will.) Furthermore, during stressful situations, it is often necessary for a bullet to have to (first) go through an extremity before even penetrating the upper chest cavity (e.g. hand, arm, shoulder, neck, leg, thigh, ribs, bones, and etc…)! Because of these factors, selecting a bullet that comes close to meeting or exceeding the FBI protocol of 12" minimum penetration is preferred in order to ensure full penetration.

Note: If your favorite handgun load typically struggles to reach 11" - 12" of penetration into Gel, 4-Ply Denim, or Heavy Cloth, consider upgrading to a heavy duty bonded HP, hardcast wadcutter, or use FMJ.

5. After shot placement into the upper Thoracic (Sniper's) Triangle area, penetration is the key to putting more odds in your favor. Good expansion characteristics is a plus and this (along with penetration) makes for a good choice in BALANCED self-defense ammo.