• SUBSCRIBE
Athlon Outdoors Supersite
Tactical Life Website
Ballistic Website
Personal Defense World Website
Skillsetmag Website
  • Guns
    • Handguns
      • Semi-Automatic Handguns
      • Revolvers
    • AR Pistols
    • AR Rifles
    • Rifles
      • Semi-Automatic Rifles
      • Lever Action
      • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
    • Custom Guns
      • Handgun Build
      • Rifle Build
      • Shotgun Build
    • Specialty Guns
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
  • Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Shooting Rests
    • Targets
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
      • 9mm
      • 10mm
    • Rifle Ammo
      • .223
    • Shotgun Ammo
      • 12 Gauge
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
      • Ears
      • Eyes
        • Thermal Vision
        • Night Vision
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
      • Body Armor
    • Knives
      • Fixed Blade
      • Folding Knives
      • Tactical Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
      • Self-Defense
      • Hand to Hand Combat
    • Home Defense
    • Sport Shooting
      • Hunting
      • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
      • Shooting 101
    • Survival
      • First Aid
    • Tactical & LE
    • Pop Culture
      • People
      • Rides
      • History
      • Military Lifestyle
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Gun Facts & Laws
    • Police News
    • Military News
    • Politics
  • VIDEOS
No Result
View All Result
Athlon Outdoors
  • Guns
    • Handguns
      • Semi-Automatic Handguns
      • Revolvers
    • AR Pistols
    • AR Rifles
    • Rifles
      • Semi-Automatic Rifles
      • Lever Action
      • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
    • Custom Guns
      • Handgun Build
      • Rifle Build
      • Shotgun Build
    • Specialty Guns
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
  • Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Shooting Rests
    • Targets
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
      • 9mm
      • 10mm
    • Rifle Ammo
      • .223
    • Shotgun Ammo
      • 12 Gauge
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
      • Ears
      • Eyes
        • Thermal Vision
        • Night Vision
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
      • Body Armor
    • Knives
      • Fixed Blade
      • Folding Knives
      • Tactical Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
      • Self-Defense
      • Hand to Hand Combat
    • Home Defense
    • Sport Shooting
      • Hunting
      • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
      • Shooting 101
    • Survival
      • First Aid
    • Tactical & LE
    • Pop Culture
      • People
      • Rides
      • History
      • Military Lifestyle
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Gun Facts & Laws
    • Police News
    • Military News
    • Politics
  • VIDEOS
No Result
View All Result
Athlon Outdoors Super Site
No Result
View All Result
  • TL
  • PDW
  • BM
  • Skillset
 
ENTER TO WIN: FREE GUN FRIDAY ft. Browning, Caldwell & Black Hills!

12 Centerfire Loads for Personal Protection & Home Defense

ShareTweetPin
defensive loads, defense loads, handgun loads, ammo loads, ammo load, ammunition load, ammunition loads, defense loads, home defense loads, personal protection loads, home defense ammo, personal protection ammo
Richard MannbyRichard Mann
December 10, 2014
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
defensive loads, defense loads, handgun loads, ammo loads, ammo load, ammunition load, ammunition loads, defense loads, home defense loads, personal protection loads, home defense ammo, personal protection ammo
One of the most overlooked defensive handgun cartridges, the .32 H&R has never gained a tremendous following. This is unfortunate because its recoil is lighter than that of a .38 Special, and with Hornady’s 80-grain Critical Defense load it comes close to the standard. (http://www.hornady.com; 800-338-3220)
With this powerhouse you have a formidable defensive handgun cartridge. DoubleTap’s 1,500-fps-plus load, which utilizes a 75-grain Barnes TAC-XP bullet, will penetrate about 17 inches and expand to 1.7 times its original diameter. It is also comfortable and controllable to shoot. (http://www.doubletapammo.net; 866-357-1066)
defensive loads, defense loads, handgun loads, ammo loads, ammo load, ammunition load, ammunition loads, defense loads, home defense loads, personal protection loads, home defense ammo, personal protection ammo
Working up the caliber ladder, many consider the .380 ACP the minimum caliber for personal protection. The problem with the .380 ACP is that loads capable of penetrating over 12 inches, with 1.5 times expansion, are as rare as unicorns. Lehigh Defense feels the same way, which is why it offers a non-expanding Xtreme Penetrator load for the .380 ACP. It will for sure meet the penetration goal but does not expand. However, the 85-grain bullet, with its skived nose, does create wicked wounds. (http://www.lehighdefense.com; 215-536-4100)

defensive loads, defense loads, handgun loads, ammo loads, ammo load, ammunition load, ammunition loads, defense loads, home defense loads, personal protection loads, home defense ammo, personal protection ammo
The 9mm cartridge probably offers the best balance of power, shootability and capacity. And, there may be more 9mm loads to choose from than any other. I’ve tested many of them and prefer the new Black Belt load from Remington, which is soon to be released for civilian purchase. This stuff is barrier blind, offering 14 inches of penetration, 1.5 times or more expansion and almost 100-percent weight retention. (http://www.remington.com; 800-243-9700)
defensive loads, defense loads, handgun loads, ammo loads, ammo load, ammunition load, ammunition loads, defense loads, home defense loads, personal protection loads, home defense ammo, personal protection ammo
Though not as popular as it once was, the .38 Super is like a 9mm Magnum cartridge. However, this increase in power is not accompanied by a tremendous increase in recoil. One of the most devastating .38 Super loads I’ve tested is Buffalo Bore’s 124-grain bonded load. It will expand to at least 1.5 times its original diameter and penetrate to a surprising 18 inches. (http://www.buffalobore.com; 208-756-3434)
defensive loads, defense loads, handgun loads, ammo loads, ammo load, ammunition load, ammunition loads, defense loads, home defense loads, personal protection loads, home defense ammo, personal protection ammo
This is a very popular cartridge for personal protection, and .38 Special ammunition is also commonly, and wisely, used in .357 Mag revolvers to reduce recoil. There are lots of good .38 Special loads to choose from, but like with the .380 ACP, few meet the performance benchmark in every category. Winchester’s new Train & Defend load comes close, and it does so without intense recoil. The 130-grain bullet penetrates to almost 12 inches, retains near 100-percent of its weight and expands to 1.5 times its original diameter. (http://www.winchester.com; 800-945-5237)

defensive loads, defense loads, handgun loads, ammo loads, ammo load, ammunition load, ammunition loads, defense loads, home defense loads, personal protection loads, home defense ammo, personal protection ammo
Unless you’re using a full-size service revolver, .357 Mag handguns can be a handful. But they don’t have to be. Remington’s 125-grain Golden Saber +P load will provide more than 12 inches of penetration, more than 1.5 times expansion and almost 100-percent weight retention. (http://www.remington.com; 800-243-9700)
defensive loads, defense loads, handgun loads, ammo loads, ammo load, ammunition load, ammunition loads, defense loads, home defense loads, personal protection loads, home defense ammo, personal protection ammo
Though not as popular as many thought it would become, the .357 SIG is a very formidable defensive handgun cartridge. One of the best loads for it is in Sig Sauer’s new line of Elite Performance Ammunition. The 125-grain, non-bonded bullet will push to 14-plus inches in gelatin, retain all its weight and expand to 1.7 times its original diameter. Sig also has .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP loads in the lineup. (http://www.sigsauer.com; 866-345-6744)
defensive loads, defense loads, handgun loads, ammo loads, ammo load, ammunition load, ammunition loads, defense loads, home defense loads, personal protection loads, home defense ammo, personal protection ammo
Considered the ultimate compromise cartridge by many, the .40 S&W offers a terminal performance and capacity balance between the 9mm and .45 ACP. Federal’s 165-grain Guard Dog load is a good choice. It will push to about 12 inches and expand to around 0.64 inches. Weight retention is 100 percent and recoil is mild. (http://www.federalpremium.com; 800-379-1732)

defensive loads, defense loads, handgun loads, ammo loads, ammo load, ammunition load, ammunition loads, defense loads, home defense loads, personal protection loads, home defense ammo, personal protection ammo
Many consider the .45 ACP to be the ultimate for personal protection and many loads are available. After testing most of them, I settled on the 160-grain Barnes TAC-XP bullet. Several companies load this bullet at various velocities, but DoubleTap created a load just for me—the company calls it the Mann Load. It’s a non +P load with a muzzle velocity of about 1,050 fps from a 4-inch barrel. It will penetrate to about 15 inches, retain all its weight and expand well in excess of 1.5 times its original diameter. (http://www.doubletapammo.net; 866-357-1066)
defensive loads, defense loads, handgun loads, ammo loads, ammo load, ammunition load, ammunition loads, defense loads, home defense loads, personal protection loads, home defense ammo, personal protection ammo
With the popularity of the AR for personal protection, a host of new loads have been developed. Many offer deep penetration, while others deliver tremendous wounding potential. To prevent the concerns of over-penetration and put as much damage on target as possible, I’m fond of CorBon’s Urban Response load. This very frangible bullet will create a nasty wound cavity, but only to a depth of about 10 inches. (http://www.corbon.com; 800-626-7266)
defensive loads, defense loads, handgun loads, ammo loads, ammo load, ammunition load, ammunition loads, defense loads, home defense loads, personal protection loads, home defense ammo, personal protection ammo
Many believe the ultimate load for the home defense shotgun is 00 buckshot. Buckshot is nasty but will penetrate very deep. For that reason I keep my home defense shotgun loaded with birdshot, but in the Mesa Tactical side saddle there are three rounds of Hevi-Shot’s Hevi-Duty frangible #4 buck to reduce the worries of over-penetration and shooting through the walls of my home. (http://www.hevishot.com; 541-367-3522)

Any cartridge/ammunition combination you rely on to save your life needs to provide 100-percent reliability, but, from a terminal performance standpoint, is there a benchmark to reference when making these decisions?

Home Defense Loads

For the most part, the de facto standard lies with law enforcement. As a result of wound research and ballistic testing the FBI has standardized, law enforcement generally considers a handgun load to be suitable for duty use if it will penetrate at least 12 inches, expand to at least 1.5 times its original diameter and still retain at least 80 percent of its original weight. The penetration stipulation carries over to carbine and shotgun ammunition, too.

As definitive as these specifications might seem, they are really nothing but a guide because these criteria are based on the notion that 10-percent ballistic gelatin replicates the bodies of bad guys. Lots of loads from lots of cartridges meet or exceed this standard, but the existence of the standard does not mean loads that fall just shy in one or more of the performance categories will not work. Just as important is the fact that for concealed carry or home defense, you may not need the same level of barrier-defeating penetration as required by law enforcement.

As a bullet geek, I spend a lot of time testing ammunition in gelatin and through various barriers. It’s given me great insight into terminal performance, and based on what I’ve learned, here are what I consider the centerfire loads I would trust for home defense and/or concealed carry.

For More Information

Hornady
http://www.hornady.com

DoubleTap Ammunition
http://www.doubletapammo.net

Lehigh Defense
http://www.lehighdefense.com

Remington
http://www.remington.com

Winchester
http://www.winchester.com

Buffalo Bore Ammunition
http://www.buffalobore.com

Federal Premium Ammunition
http://www.federalpremium.com

Sig Sauer
http://www.sigsauer.com

Corbon
http://www.corbon.com

Hevi-Shot
http://www.hevishot.com

Related

Best New Self-Defense Ammo For Fall 2014

5 Short-Barreled Handgun Loads

The Best Ways To Carry Backup Ammo For Your Wheelgun

Product Spotlight: Sig Sauer’s Elite Performance Ammunition

Didn't find what you were looking for?

MOST POPULAR

300 Blackout vs 308, rifles, ammunition

300 Blackout vs 308 Win: Which Round Reigns Supreme in AR-15s?

Taurus Home Defender revolver in .410.

KA-BOOM: Here Comes the Taurus Judge Home Defender!

13 Best Snub-Nose Revolvers for Concealed Carry [2023]

13 Best Snub-Nose Revolvers for Concealed Carry [2023]

Police Sidearms, police duty pistols, Handguns, America's Largest Police Departments 2018

Police Sidearms: Handguns of America’s 10 Largest Departments

TRENDING

Apollo Max Muzzle Brake Exploded

Ultradyne Apollo Max Muzzle Brake Tames .30-Caliber Recoil

Washington gun initiative, anti-gun

Washington Gun Initiative Renewed by State Supreme Court

pocket pistol, pocket pistols, pocket pistol concealed carry, concealed carry, concealed carry pistols, concealed carry gun, concealed carry guns

How To Choose The Right Pocket Pistol For Self-Defense

Hodge Twins on Memphis Riots

VIDEO: Hodge Twins Question Stupidity Behind Memphis Riots

BROWSE BY BRAND

Skillset-Logo_yellow-153x47png
Ballistic_LOGO-217x47
CH-Logo_blue-153x47
T-L-SS-stack life-47x140
PDW_CCH_LOGO-300x101
PDW-2022-Sidebyside-logo 160x30-blk
GOW LOGO x101
AF_LOGO-184x47

SPOTLIGHT

HEVI-Shot HEVI-Bismuth Upland loads.

HEVI-Shot HEVI-Bismuth Upland Expands Hunting Lineup

HEVI-Shot announced expansion to the HEVI-Bismuth line of shotgun shells–right in time for upcoming hunting seasons. The new 12-gauge, No....

RELATED POSTS

HEVI-Shot HEVI-Bismuth Upland loads.

HEVI-Shot HEVI-Bismuth Upland Expands Hunting Lineup

...

The Sig Sauer P320 FCU and Custom Shop circumvent restrictive state regulations.

Sig P320 FCU and Custom Shop Overcome Restrictive State Laws

...

The GOSAFE Mobile Mag and Mobile Safe.

The GOSAFE: Is This the Most Convenient Pistol Safe Yet?

...

Load More

TRENDING

Top 10 Concern Kalashnikov IZ132SM lead

Top 10 Concern Kalashnikov IZ132SM Features

Though it’s now restricted in the U.S., Russia’s latest Saiga rifle packs several next-gen enhancements for today’s warfighters!

Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle in American Sniper.

Reel Shooters: The Best Movie Snipers & a Few of the Worst

Fans of action and war movies would be forgiven for thinking that trained snipers carry their rifles disassembled in an...

The Sig Sauer P226 Zev.

The Sig Sauer P226 Zev Reviewed: Is It the Best P226 Ever?

Sig Sauer HQ in Newington, New Hampshire, has been a busy place for the last several years. Multiple successes with...

The Tisas Model 1911A1 Aviator

Tisas 1911A1 Aviator: Bringing Back the ‘Feel’ of the Original

SDS Imports just announced the release of its newest take on the famed Government Model. The Tisas 1911A1 Aviator brings...

MOST POPULAR

The Mossberg MC2sc semi-auto pistol.

12 Best Micro-Compact Handguns for Concealed Carry [2022]

A thick veil of fog stood forever in front of me as I cruised down the highway at 6:30 in...

Police Sidearms, police duty pistols, Handguns, America's Largest Police Departments 2018

Police Sidearms: Handguns of America’s 10 Largest Departments

Law enforcement in the United States is in constant evolution and that includes various police sidearms. These days, law enforcement...

U.S. Secret Service adopts Glock G47

FIRST LOOK: Glock Just Very Quietly Unveiled the New Glock 47 Pistol

Tuesday afternoon we broke news that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection selected three Glock 9mm pistols as its new standard...

All the best new handguns seen at SHOT Show 2023.

21 Best New Handguns [2023]

The NSSF SHOT Show is the premier event to get your hands on new gear. It gives us a first...

VIDEO SERIES: AT THE READY | SEASON 2

MORE VIDEOS

Walker's Disrupter earbuds.

Walker’s Disrupter Earbuds Tested: Comfortable All-Day Protection

The Vortex Bantam HD 6.5x32 Youth Binocular.

Vortex Bantam HD 6.5×32 Youth Binocular Gets Youth into the Hunt

HANDGUNS

The Sig Sauer P320 FCU and Custom Shop circumvent restrictive state regulations.

Sig P320 FCU and Custom Shop Overcome Restrictive State Laws

New Graphene finish.

The Taurus GX4 Micro-Compact is Now Available in Graphene

The Pedersoli Howdah.

The Pedersoli Howdah: Recreating the Howdah’s Legacy

The SK Customs Morelos.

SK Customs Morelos 1911 Heralds Generalissimo Jose Morelos

The Tisas Model 1911A1 Aviator

Tisas 1911A1 Aviator: Bringing Back the ‘Feel’ of the Original

The Sig Sauer P226 Zev.

The Sig Sauer P226 Zev Reviewed: Is It the Best P226 Ever?

RIFLES - click to see all

The Heritage Tactical Rancher Carbine.

Heritage Tactical Rancher Carbine Brings the .22 LR and Mag Fun

The limited edition RISE Armament Topo Watchman rifle.

UPDATED: New RISE Armament Topo Watchman Limited-Edition

The MDC “Trench Art” Classic AK-47 Rifle.

MDC “Trench Art” Classic AK-47 is Back with Limited Availability

Davidson's Ruger American Predator

Ready to Pounce: Ruger American Predator From Davidson’s

AMMO - click to see all

HEVI-Shot HEVI-Bismuth Upland loads.

HEVI-Shot HEVI-Bismuth Upland Expands Hunting Lineup

Ammo Storage, Survival Ammo, long term ammo storage, Prepper

Best Methods for Long-Term Ammo Storage

6 .410 Ammo Options for Home and Personal Defense.

.410 Ammo for Home Defense [2023]

.44 Magnum dirty harry

Your Guide to the .44 Magnum Cartridge

The Escort PS Youth 20-gauge shotgun.

The Escort PS Youth Shotgun is Now Available in .410 Bore

The 2022 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous event.

Rendezvous Roundup: Guns & Gear at Athlon’s Signature Event

Magazines Available Now! Subscribe today for Home Delivery!
FREE NEWSLETTERS! Subscribe!
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TERMS OF USE
  • CORPORATE
  • ADVERTISE
  • EDIT DESK
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • Handguns
      • Semi-Automatic Handguns
      • Revolvers
    • AR Pistols
    • AR Rifles
    • Rifles
      • Semi-Automatic Rifles
      • Lever Action
      • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
    • Custom Guns
      • Handgun Build
      • Rifle Build
      • Shotgun Build
    • Specialty Guns
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
  • Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Shooting Rests
    • Targets
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
      • 9mm
      • 10mm
    • Rifle Ammo
      • .223
    • Shotgun Ammo
      • 12 Gauge
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
      • Ears
      • Eyes
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
      • Body Armor
    • Knives
      • Fixed Blade
      • Folding Knives
      • Tactical Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
      • Self-Defense
      • Hand to Hand Combat
    • Home Defense
    • Sport Shooting
      • Hunting
      • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
      • Shooting 101
    • Survival
      • First Aid
    • Tactical & LE
    • Pop Culture
      • People
      • Rides
      • History
      • Military Lifestyle
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Gun Facts & Laws
    • Police News
    • Military News
    • Politics
  • VIDEOS

© 2023 Athlon Outdoors - Premium Firearm product and industry news, reviews and magazines" .