Self defense load .45 ACP

[BP Hunter]

Hello folks. I have been using 5.8gr of Unique for my Hornady 230gr ACP for my defensive loads for my Taurus PT1911 and Sig P220. I just purchased a Glock 36 which will be my carry weapon. Is it true that that either a 180gr or 200gr bullet should be more appropriate for a smaller handgun/shorter barrel? If so, what should be the average fps of the bullet to make it a sufficient self defense round? Thanks for your answers.

 

[JDGray]

a 185gr Golden Saber at 1000fps will work. Can get this without a max load using Power Pistol

 

[buck460XVR]

The best SD load for any gun is the one that shoots the best outta that gun. There is no magic bullet, regardless of what all the ammo ads claim, and what works the best outta someone else's gun is just that. Believe me, whatever shoots the best for YOU, outta YOUR gun is the answer. No one here knows that, but you.

 

[Steve C]

While the barrel on the Glock 36 is just under 4" I think you would find that you loose little velocity from your loads. The polygonal barrel in the Glocks tend to shoot faster than the typical conventionally rifled barrels. You'd need a chrono to find out for sure.

You can increase your load to 6.2grs of Unique for a little more velocity if you're worried about it.

 

[Creature]

I have come to really like the performance of 200gr Speer Gold Dot +P JHP from my G36.

 

[BP Hunter]

"The best SD load for any gun is the one that shoots the best outta that gun. There is no magic bullet, regardless of what all the ammo ads claim, and what works the best outta someone else's gun is just that. Believe me, whatever shoots the best for YOU, outta YOUR gun is the answer. No one here knows that, but you. "

Buck, you are very correct! I know it is a science with ballistics but it all boils down to where you shoot. Any bullet, especially a .45cal bullet at defensive range, will perform well.

THANKS!