I'll give you what I believe to be the best calibers. Loads are mostly preference now days. I rank them by two factors. Stopping power, and ease of shooting. Some w/ great stopping power will do you no good if you can't get off a needed second shot. And easy handling won't do you any good if you need more than 1 or 2 shots to stop an attack.
1. .357 Magnum (just about any load).
2. .45 acp, any 230 grain hollowpoint.
3. 10mm (if you can handle the recoil.
4. .44 Magnum (if you can handle the recoil)
5. .44 Special
6. .40 S&W
7. .38 Special
8. 9mm Parabellum
9. .32 acp.
Anyway, there they are. But that's just my opinion and you'll get many. Good luck sorting thru it all.
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Danny
Life Member, North American Hunting Club
Life Member, National Rifle Association
Life Member, Buckmasters
Oklahoma Hunter Education Instructor
I came across these reads yesterday while looking up terminal ballistics for different personal defense hand gun ammo. You can get to any of the other pages from the forst but these three are pretty informative.
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I personally like either a 45ACP or the 40S&W.My primiary carry gun is a Glock M-27 loaded with Federal Hydra Shok.In my 45 I carry Hydra Shok 230 grain .I don't have much use for a 9mm for a defense round.Allot carry the 9mm but to me the 40S&W is a much better choice.
Ruger Redhawk
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**** NRA Patron Life Member ****
1.) .357 Magnum (if you prefer a revolver) with any premium defensive JHP or frangiable bullet (i.e. Glasier Safety Slugs).
2.) .45ACP (if you'd rather have a semi-auto), preferably with 230gr. JHP's. 185gr +P's are OK too.
3.) .40S&W
4.) 9mm Luger (9x19)
5.) .44 Special
6.) .38 Special
7.) .380ACP
I can't recommend the 10mm or the .44Mag. Both of them just have more recoil than most people can handle in a handgun small enough to be practical for carry or to keep in a desk or nightstand. The flash and muzzleblast are also a bit much as well. Since the gun will most likely be used at night, muzzle flash is an important consideration because you don't want your first shot to blind you. Overpenetration is also an issue with these high powered rounds.
Are you looking for a carry gun or a home defense gun?
If the gun is only for home defense then I'd stick with #1 or 2. I'd also suggest that you consider a 12ga. shotgun for the house. Shotguns shooting buckshot are vastly superior to any pistol for short range firepower, are easier to aim and shoot under stress, and with the right loads overpenetration isn't too great of an issue.
My two choices would be .357 (in revolvers)
and .45 ACP (in semi auto)
Both are great stoppers without excessive recoil or taking out someone in the next room or next door!
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Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty or Safety!
Ben Franklin
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best self denfense gun
