Hk45USP

The gun is used as a "back up" only. Even though it's a "mouse gun", what is the best factory load to buy for this gun to use as a last ditch option (When and if my .45acp malfunctions). Thanks in advance.

XTP

Since I assume we are talking about defense from two-legged predators,penetration isn't a big issue.I would use a JHP that feeds reliably in your gun.Hornady has a 60 grn xtp @ 1000fps that should leave an impression on anyone dumb enough to attack a man with TWO guns!!

BigEd

I agree XTP's 1st and Silver-tips 2nd, if your packing an auto-loader which ever one feeds reliably.

wolf6151

Whatever will feed reliably in your gun would be the best to use, those little autos can be picky sometimes about what they'll feed into the chamber. I really wonder though, if you 45 acp. doesn't get the job done then do you really expect a 32 acp. to have much effect?

propmahn

wolf6151- its a backup in case his .45 jams or breaks. its not a defnse where you shot a guy with 7 rounds of .45 and then you pull out .32 and expect it to knock the guy over.

i would load xtps or silvertips in the summer months when people arent wearing much clothing, but in the winter a fmj would be a good bet.

Mark whiz

My wife carries a little Beretta Tomcat .32auto as a CCW weapon. I keep it loaded up with either the Hornady XTPs aleady mentioned or with Speer 70gr Gold Dot HPs. Either will get you about as much performance as you can expect from such a small caliber.

I also stay stocked up on American Eagle (Federal) 71gr RN FMJs for target practice - cheap & reliable.

Hk45USP

Wow, thanks guys for all the great advice. I think I'll go buy the Hornady XTP's. I bought the Beretta 32 "Tomcat" in stainless steel. Yes it is absolutely a "back up" gun only. If my regular duty weapons jams, breaks, or whatever...I can go to the little .32. Preferably the gun will be used for head/neck shots (or any type of contact shot) if Im struggling with a suspect. I know the .32 is a "mouse" gun, but I figure 7+1 rounds at close to contact range will put a hurt on somebody. I usually carry a S&W Airweight .38 snub with 125gr +P Gold Dot's. The .38 is my primary b/u gun. It's just when I work in an undercover roll, I usually carry a .38snub and nothing else. I've always felt naked if I dont carry 2 guns either in uniform or plain clothes. Now with the 32, I can have a back up gun for my plain cloths duty while the .38 remains the primary gun in that roll. I can't carry anything larger due to the fact most of the time I need a light gun that can fit in the pocket of a pair of short. Anything bigger than a .38snub Airweight or the little 32 would be more noticable.

I also figure that with winter time, even a hollow point getting plugged up with clothing will just act like a fmj bullet.

Mark Whiz,,,,does your wife like the little Beretta??? Any feeding problems encountered?


Edited by - Hk45USP on 03/05/2002 16:35:59

Adui13

Greets,
My Dad shoots a tomcat, he asked the gunsmith this very question when he bought his and was told to use silvertip HP's. Thats what he carries in his.

Just my uneducated opinion!
Terry