[mikecnorthwest]

Although the obvious choice seems to be HP ammo for self defense, I have read some arguments in favor of using ball ammo. The rationale is that HP rounds may not effectively penetrate multiple layers of clothing especially leather. I live in the Pacific Northwest where people often bundle up, especially transients. Perhaps ball ammo would make sense when carrying a .380 but not in 9mm? Any thoughts?

 

[Mas Ayoob]

Mike, JHP isn't likely to be defeated by heavy clothing. On the contrary, if inert fabric plugs its cavity, it can be expected to turn into flat-nose ball and penetrate (or over-penetrate) much like FMJ ball.

In .380, something like the 90-grain Hornady XTP may be the best you can make of a bad lot. The problem with .380 is the poor little thing has enough power to expand a bullet but not drive it as deep as FBI suggests, or penetrate deep enough with no expansion. .380 ball has had a mediocre-at-best reputation since its inception for this reason.

Hoping this has been of help,
Mas

 

[Mas Ayoob]

Oddly enough, .45 ball actually does tend to overpenetrate. One of our most famous SWAT teams went from 230 grain FMJ in their trademark 1911 .45s to JHP after a shooting in which 3 out of 4 solidly-hitting 230 grain FMJ's went through and through a hostage taker, one inflicting a (fortunately minor) wound on one of the hostages.

 

[Mas Ayoob]

All good points.

However, fellas, in deference to our host Eric we need to close this thread here, and take the discussion to Training and Tactics or Carry Issues. The reason is, Eric wants GATE to be a quick, short answer "express lane" for reader questions, as opposed to the usual discussion/debate forums.

Thanks for understanding,
Mas