SHTF 45acp FMJ or JHP?

For a carry gun or home defense JHP is obviously better because it’s less likely to over penetrate and hit a bystander or family member, and it causes more tissue damage.

But in a bad SHTF scenario family members will be behind me and collateral damage is an afterthought, and being able to shoot through windows and walls and still have enough power to kill someone could be a real benefit IMO.

what do you guys think?

 

I use 230 gn HP. That way, it doesn't matter if it doesn't expand. 230 gns makes for a helluva lot of energy transfer.

As for penetration, heavy, slow moving, .45 ACP isn't very good. In fact, that is why law enforcement started using BARs during the Capone days to penetrate cars where the Thompson just wasn't doing the job.

JMHO

 

My .45ACP SHTF loads are 230 grain FMJ and plated RN. It's what Saint Browning designed it for.......

 

big slow bullets get the job done because for the most part they do not pass thru the mutant zombie thus transfering all that kinetic energy to the body in a split instant. Mass hydrastatic shock waves rock the body, and often it is so intense that the brain says... DANGER WILL ROBINSON! DANGER WILL ROBINSON! and the brain shuts down the body.

 

I'm with Highspeed, 230 HPs until I run out, then transfer to 230 grain ball.

 

Seawolf is spot on. I dunno if you are running a 1911. The 1911 has a bit of trouble feeding other types. Almost all the time, a little finesse will take care of that. Be sure to try HPs if you choose them. A little polishing (by a gunsmith if you are uncomfortable doing it) will take care of most feed issues. A high quality magazine is also a must.

Browning fixed this in his later design... the Hi Power (ramped barrel)



I may have done it again
If Browning would make a Hi Power in .45 ACP.... I'd buy. About the only think close is a Para with their ramped barrel. Browning is a saint.

 

I shoot the Hydra-Shoks as well, my 1911s and XDs eat them with no problems.

 

Browning actually did design a 45ACP type Hi-Power, this was known as the BDA(Browning Double Action). The same design pistol is now manufactured by Sig Sauer, it is known as the Sig P220.

 

I would like to add that it was Browning Arms that developed the BDA back in 1983 and not John M Browning himself, but the BDA incorporates the Hi-Power locking system, including the ramped barrel.

 

LOL great description

 

My pet Norinco feeds all bullet types.

 

I prefer ball, especially if over penetration is not an issue. It rarely fails, and to my knowledge has the best record around.

 

Now, how about that. You learn something new everyday. Now I have to go shopping. Thanks Routeclearance, now I have to spend my girls' inheritance

ETA: Nevermind, I found one on Guns America.... sure enough, it's just like a SIG P220. I guess I won't have to buy one after all.... I already have two P220s

 

My M&P eats the just fine. FMJ is my choice since huntress will be slinging the .40's next to me. I don't mind a few holes in the walls, if it takes out a MZB in the process.

 

I shoot more 200 gr. SWC that I cast than anything else in my .45s. I keep several magazines on JHP in the weapons lying about the house but I shoot way too much to use them in my practice. I can put four of those 200 grain pills in the alpha zone much faster than most folks can get two center of mass after recovering from the recoil.

 

My 'personal defense' ammo is JHP, which my Colt M1991A1 has no problems with. But, I took the OP's meaning as the ammo we have stashed for The Day it comes crashing down. So, I have some 1600 rounds of ball ammo loaded and cached, ready to go.
The only ammo so far that my Colt has problems with is anything marked SPEER. Factory or using Speer bullets in reloads - they just don't work in my Colt. Seems like those bullets are a tad oversized. No problem, as Hornady's XTP works very well!