Best Definsive Caliber

openryan · May 28, 2007

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I have searched many boards, an innumberable amount of independent articles and as I am sure everyone knows, there is no one resonating answer when it comes to the best caliber for defensive purposes.

Personally I like the 9mm, but I could probably even go with a .40, its a recoil issue for me, but with more and more practice, I could probably shoot a .45 almost as reliably as I can shoot a 9mm...

But then I have to compare stopping power to the number of rounds I can carry...

But anyway the purpose of this thread is to get everyone take on what they think the best defensive caliber is -- looking forward to hearing your thoughts...

openryan · May 28, 2007

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Well I have never had so much trouble creating a poll, if anyone can delete this thread please do so, and I will try to recreate it, without all the number mumbo jumbo that has magically appeared...

unrequited · May 28, 2007

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I say .45, but that's personally to me, the best defensive caliber is the largest one you can accurately shoot obviously. > )

Capacity isn't an issue really even with 13+1 being so small and compact in the XD .45's so it's really accuracy and user handling.

KodiakISGOOD · May 28, 2007

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just like chris with his .45, i too have a favorite caliber.

i have three favorite numbers, all odd and they are sequential, can you guess?

oh and ryan..... the most important this is shot placement and accuracy (center mass)!

happy carrying,

jason

BobCav · May 28, 2007

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openryan, I deleted the extra numbers in you poll, though you could do that same thing if you edit your first post. If you still want me to delete the thread,just let me know.

openryan · May 28, 2007

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No you can keep it up now

, thanks for your help Bob, I tried to edit, but couldn't find out how to edit the poll.

Your help is much appreciated!

Forty-five · May 28, 2007

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.45 acp for me. Federal 230gr. Hydra-Shok JHP to be exact. Bigger bullets make bigger holes.

Collier4385 · May 28, 2007

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.357 magnum for me. It can be loaded with self defense loads of 125 gr to do 1450-1600 fps to hardcast loads of 200 grain to do 1300-1400 fps. 38 special can be employed to plinking, and offers good economy in that sense.

I prefer a revolver though. I shoot better with a revolver than with a semiauto. The recoil to a 1911 was not enjoyable as compared to my .357 spitting out 125-158 grain loads. I could bring my .357 back on target quicker than my friends 1911.

Find your caliber, learn it well.

KodiakISGOOD · May 28, 2007

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Collier4385 wrote:

.357 magnum for me. It can be loaded with self defense loads of 125 gr to do 1450-1600 fps to hardcast loads of 200 grain to do 1300-1400 fps. 38 special can be employed to plinking, and offers good economy in that sense.

I prefer a revolver though. I shoot better with a revolver than with a semiauto. The recoil to a 1911 was not enjoyable as compared to my .357 spitting out 125-158 grain loads. I could bring my .357 back on target quicker than my friends 1911.

Find your caliber, learn it well.

+:celebrate

Drewesque · May 28, 2007

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The best defensive caliber is the one that you can hit your target with. I use a .45, but I wouldn't feel underpowered by a 9mm. The key is to practice enough to consistently hit your target.

BobCav · May 28, 2007

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Like the others have said, go to a range and rent a few different calibers util you find the largest that you can handle and accurately hit your target with. One well placed .22LR is worth more that 100 misses with a .45. Once you find "your" caliber, practice, practice, practice.

I'm 6', 210 and for me that is the.45ACP because nothing says STOP like a .45!

Hawkflyer · May 28, 2007

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The best caliber?

Well, .50 is nifty. But the most practical firearms for carry do not come in that caliber. Moreover, hitting the target (more then once if necessary) is critical.

So when ALL the factors are included (not just bore size), for me the .45 is the walk away favorite in a semi-auto.

For a revolver, I like a .44 magnum, loaded with light .44 mags or .44 specials.

Regards

VAopencarry · May 28, 2007

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Hell everybody knows you hit a fella in the toe with a .45 and he will be knocked back 10 feet and bleed out in a few minutes.

Seriously, .357 mag is the best defensive handgun cartridge. I don't own one.

I carry 9mm, .357 SIG and .45, depending on my mood.

Go with the 9mm, it will get the job done and ammo is cheaper. If you decide to go .40, don't.... go .45. jmo

tarzan1888 · May 31, 2007

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It does depend. For Home Defense, 12 gauge with 00 buck by my bed, but daily I carry a .45 ACPor a .357 Magnum.

kurtmax_0 · May 31, 2007

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For home defense: 12 gauge.. period.

Elsewhere: Europellets. It's just my preference, but 9mm bleeds just as well as .45, but doesn't have as much recoil. I also can't imagine anybody not being stopped by 9mm slugs. If they keep coming you can generally fit more 9mm in a mag anyways

SBD · May 31, 2007

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kurtmax_0 wrote:

For home defense: 12 gauge.. period.

Elsewhere: Europellets. It's just my preference, but 9mm bleeds just as well as .45, but doesn't have as much recoil. I also can't imagine anybody not being stopped by 9mm slugs. If they keep coming you can generally fit more 9mm in a mag anyways

I read a quote from a Navy SEAL (I think) that was something like, "You can laugh at my 9mm all you want, but the guy who I hit twice in chest and once in the head won't be laughing too much."

markand · Jun 1, 2007

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I would opine that the "best" caliber is the largest gun/caliber combination you are able to shoot well and are willing to carry with you all the time. For me, thats a .357 SIG or .45. But somebody with arthritis or a hand injury might only be able to shoot a .22. While it wouldn't be *my* first choice, a .22 beats bare hands any day. And a compact 9mm beats the hand cannon you leave at home because its too bulky, heavy and uncomfortable to carry around.

irtwisted · Jun 1, 2007

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I am new to this forum coming from californiaccw.org.

I am retired and have held an open carry permit for years.

As far as best defensive caliber goes, it used to be the old adage, what ever made the biggest hole. Winchester has a site that might break it down a bit
http://www.winchester.com/lawenforcement/flash/win_flash.html

As for me .40 in a Glock 22/27 works for me:lol:

tarzan1888 · Jun 1, 2007

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And the WINNER is

:celebrate

markand wrote:

I would opine that the "best" caliber is the largest gun/caliber combination you are able to shoot well and are willing to carry with you all the time. For me, thats a .357 SIG or .45. But somebody with arthritis or a hand injury might only be able to shoot a .22. While it wouldn't be *my* first choice, a .22 beats bare hands any day. And a compact 9mm beats the hand cannon you leave at home because its too bulky, heavy and uncomfortable to carry around.

Sounds good to me!

357SigFan · Aug 25, 2007

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Poll's closed but figured I'd share my opinion... I feel .357Sig is probably one of the best CCW defense round. It packs the ballistics of a .357 Mag, which arguably has the highes "one shot stop" ratio, into an auto pistol. I was speaking with an Off Duty LEO this week who felt that the .357Sig could overtake the .40 as a defensive round.

Best Definsive Caliber

What do YOU think the best defensive caliber is?

.22lr

0.25

0.32

0.357

0.380

9mm

10mm

0.40

0.45

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