How to Choose Defensive Ammo for Your Carry Gun

Your carry gun gets plenty of attention. The ammo inside it deserves just as much thought. The good news is that choosing a solid defensive load is not complicated once you know what to look for.

Stick with proven hollow points from major makers

For self-defense, nearly every expert points to quality jacketed hollow points (JHP) from established manufacturers. Loads such as Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, Hornady Critical Duty and Critical Defense, Winchester PDX1 Defender and Remington Golden Saber have long track records with law enforcement and civilian carriers. They are designed to expand and stay together, which helps them stop where they should.

Reliability comes first

The best bullet in the world does nothing if it doesn't feed. Before you trust a load, run at least 100 rounds of it through your own pistol if you can, or at minimum a couple of boxes, using the magazines you actually carry. Watch for failures to feed, extract or lock back. If a load hiccups, switch to another.

Bullet weight

Most calibers come in several bullet weights. In 9mm, 124-grain and 147-grain loads are popular; 115-grain is common too. Heavier bullets often feel softer in recoil and tend to penetrate a bit deeper; lighter bullets move faster. There is no single right answer. Pick a well-regarded load your gun runs reliably and that you can shoot accurately.

Short barrels and pocket guns

Small pistols with short barrels produce less velocity, and some hollow points need a minimum speed to expand well. Several makers offer loads designed specifically for short barrels. If you carry a compact .380 or a snub-nose revolver, look for these.

+P loads

+P ammo is loaded to higher pressure for more velocity. It also brings more recoil and more wear. Only use it if your gun's manufacturer says it is rated for +P, and make sure you can still shoot it quickly and accurately.

Practice with matching range ammo

Defensive ammo is expensive, so do most of your practice with FMJ in the same bullet weight. That keeps recoil and point of impact close to what you carry.

Replace it regularly

Carry rounds get handled, chambered over and over and exposed to sweat and lint. Rotate them out about once a year, and shoot the old ones at the range so you keep confirming they work.

Follow your state and local laws on carry and ammunition. When you are ready to stock up, check our daily ammo deals for defensive loads at fair prices.