The Debate Over Using Guns for Self Defense

Let’s start by looking at some statistics regarding guns for self defense.

  • People use guns 2.5 million times every year in self defense. This means that guns are used 80 times more to protect lives than to take them.
  • Of those 2.5 million times, the gun owner only waves their gun or fires a warning shot. An attacker is killed or wounded 8% of the time.
  • A study found that the Police shot and killed 1,527 people in one year. This compared to 606 people shot and killed by citizens using guns for self defense.

An innocent person mistaken for a criminal and shot and killed by a citizen in self defense accounted for 2% of that 606.

The Police percentage of innocent people mistaken for a criminal and shot and killed accounted for 11% of their 1,527. That is almost five times higher than the citizen percentage.

Tragedy Prompts Inquiry

The Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on 14th December 2012, in Newtown, Connecticut shocked the world. Adam Lanza, aged 20, shot his mother dead before driving to the school and shooting dead twenty children and six members of staff. He shot himself in the head as paramedics arrived.

After the tragedy, President Obama asked researchers to assess the existing gun studies and recommend new studies.

Results of the Inquiry

The assessment carried out by the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council cited studies carried out between the years of 1988 and 2004. These showed that victims of crime who use guns for self defense suffer consistently less injuries than victims of crime who use whatever is to hand and / or other strategies, such as stalling for time, phoning the Police or using knives or baseball bats for self defense.

In the 2004 study assessed by the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council, Gary Kleck (renowned Criminologist at Florida State University) and Jongyeon Tark (Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of New Haven) examined if the use of guns as self defense would result in:

  • The loss of property
  • The victim of crime receiving a minor injury
  • The victim of crime receiving a serious injury

Conclusions of the Inquiry

They discovered that using a gun for self defense actually reduced the chance of all three things happening. Using a gun for self defense resulted in an injury in only 10% of incidents.

The Institute also concluded that more research is necessary. The effectiveness of guns used in self defense varies depending on the crime and the circumstances of that crime, as well as the victim and the criminal.

The assessment also reviewed a study done in 2013 which found that since 1999, many more people own guns for self defense than for hunting or other shooting related activities.

The debate will continue.

Best Training for Self Defense

Self defense is a vital component to healthier living. Living your life knowing how to protect yourself and your family is so important. You need to know how to stay safe and keep away from the bad guys. The hardest part is doing it right and being able to know what works best for protecting yourself as much as possible. In this article, you’ll get a ton of great ways of training for self defense and learning to protect yourself successfully.

Training for Self Defense: Learning to Use a Gun

It is highly recommended to go out of your way and begin to train yourself to use a fun because this is the best way to stay safe. For example, learning the basics and knowing all about ammo can be very useful for when a moment happens where you need a gun and a specific type of ammo. You must know the difference between a 10mm auto ammo and other bullets. Choosing a good gun and being trained to use it wisely is your best bet if you want to stay safe. Do not be a reckless fun owner where you don’t care about the other people who are around you. Be sensitive to how others are knowing you have a gun, so be sure to know how to care for it and know how to use it the right way.

Jiu Jitsu / Karate / Self Defense Classes

Jiu Jitsu and Karate are two very good activities you and the entire family can get into in order to help educate yourself on protecting yourself. It is a nice little way to train yourself to know about basic self defense and keeping yourself safe. It is not easy to understand the basics of self defense. Taking generic and basic self defense classes along will already be helpful for you on understanding the basics of it all when protecting yourself against others.

In this crazy world where people are always changing, you need to know when and where you’re safe. Knowing how to protect yourself and keeping yourself safe is not easy, but if you try the tips above, you may be able to know what to do in order for you to stay away from predators and crazy people who may want to harm you. Without taking action beforehand, you may not know how to handle the situation. Training yourself is much easier when you know what to do when danger and harm comes.

7.62x54r – Red Army Ammunition for Self Defense

7.62x54r, also known as the “7.62 Russian,” comes with a cartridge that is powerful, reliable and extremely versatile. Able to offer excellent performance in the military field and in the hunting field. In the late 1880s, two icons of weapon design joined forces to give rise to a BB legend. Russian Sergei Mosin and the Belgian Léon Nagant were the authentic progenitors of the 7.62x54r, a cartridge originally created to feed the legendary Soviet rifle Mosin-Nagant.

Thus, the birth of the “7.62 Russian” is closely linked to Mosin-Nagant’s entry into military rifles in 1891. Since then and until today, 7.62x54r has been progressively consolidated its position of leadership within the weapons of Soviet origin. This cartridge is still officially feeding weapons of the Russian army. As well as a good part of the countries that were under Soviet influence during the Cold War.

History of the Red Army’s 7.62x54r

The prominence of this ammunition has just increased since the Red Army adopted it as its official gauge in 1891 . The cartridge designed for Mosin Nagant participated in both world wars. In 1959, after the arrival of the Warsaw Pact, became official ammunition of countries linked to the Communist bloc.

In terms of their behavior, the “7.62 Russian” has excellent ballistic properties, like the popular American cartridge.30-06. This has helped the 7.62x54r to become the main ammunition of military rifles and weapons sniper during a good set of years.

7.62x54r Today

Today, in the 21st century and after that have passed more than 120 years since its first public appearance, 7.62x54r ammo still has a significant presence both in the military sphere and within the sector of sport shooting. In the first case, yet there are many military weapons that use this cartridge, as for example the rifle Dragunov SVD. Even the armed forces of some nations like China or Finland are still recognizing him as one of their official gauges.

Sportier Side

Regarding his sportier side, it was mostly during the second half of the 20th century when the use of this caliber began to expand to other areas. Specifically, the first who enjoyed the virtues of this powerful weapon was the hunting sector. Therefore had to take hold of new projectiles, both soft tip (soft point) as fully shielded (full metal jacket), which offered an excellent result in the depletion of game pieces.

Within this more sporty aspect, 7.62x54r also has incorporated in recent years to aesthetic military weapons designed for precision shooting. A good example of this presence in this type of weapons comes from the hand of the civil versions of the Dragunov, which include the Tiger model.

As a historical curiosity, an American weapon, the lever Winchester M1895 rifle, furnishes this cartridge. Even though, it is linked to the Red Army and a symbol of the Communist bloc. Additionally, for a few years it was one of the official gauges of the Spanish Civil Guard. There was a large amount of this ammunition in Spain at the end of their Civil War.

The year 2011, met 120 years of the official birth of 7.62x54r. A figure which makes it one of the more ancient cartridges, though not so old-fashioned. Despite this the demand for this ammunition is on the rise in recent years. This is thanks to its use in heavy machine guns, sniper rifles and sporting guns and hunting.

How to Choose a Handgun

Handguns are the most popular self defense weapons in the world. However, with so many models, caliber options, and styles available, selecting the perfect handgun can prove to be a daunting task. Let’s first talk about why we choose a handgun in the first place.

Why Choose a Handgun

Handguns lack the range and stopping power of rifles but are also portable and are perfect as concealed weapons. Therefore, if you want a weapon that’s small enough to fit inside a briefcase or a glove compartment and provide decent level of protection, handguns are your best bet. Here’s our list of 3 things you need to check that will ensure you select the best handgun every time.

Selecting a Size

The size of the handgun totally depends on the way you are going to carry it around. If you are looking for a gun that will always be concealed you might want to go for a smaller frame. There is a wide range of 9mm compact pistols and .380 super light pistols available in the market. Anything heavier and bigger might make it uncomfortable to carry it for long hours in a pocket or a bag.

However, if you are selecting a gun for your home and have no intention of concealing it, then it’s advisable to go for the larger framed models. Select ones that can fire larger caliber rounds and have longer barrel length. This will make sure your gun has more stopping power and accuracy.

Selecting A Caliber

This is one of the most crucial decisions when selecting any gun. To be sure, go to the firing range and fire handguns with different calibers. You might be tempted to go for the larger calibers but be sure you are comfortable holding and firing the handgun you select.

There is no point in selecting a hand-cannon if you fail to hit the target when you need it the most. The 9mm and .380 pistols are easier to control as they have less recoil and barrel jumps when fired. Once considered to be large calibers the 357 Sig ammo or the 357 magnum is now considered to be intermediate calibers. They have more stopping power but has slightly more recoil than the 9mm and .380 pistols. The large caliber handguns which fire .45 rounds and more have the best stopping power. However, a shooter needs to train himself or herself to deal with the recoils and barrel jumps.

Reliability

A reliability of a handgun is a matter of life and death. You need to be sure that every time you take it out of the holster and pull the trigger the gun is going to do what it’s meant to do. Unfortunately there is no set parameter to measure reliability. Therefore, it’s best to avoid experimentation and go for reputed brands. You can also read user reviews before deciding on a particular model. There are plenty of review videos available on YouTube so check them out before making that final call.

Glock – The Ideal Self Defense Weapon

Often, in the modern world, danger can seem ever-present. As the world continues to change rapidly, new threats continue to emerge as well. These threats come in a wide range: small-scale terrorism operations, acts of random violence and many other dangerous situations. Because of them, there are plenty of reasons to be diligent about the issue of protection. But, there is a way of being prepared for any situation which might pose a threat to a person or their loved ones, and it is called a Glock.

What Makes a Glock Ideal?

This handgun offers a complete solution when it comes to self-defense. It’s also simple and affordable. Additionally, when this handgun is equipped with 357 SIG ammunition, the result is a force that can stop any assailant right in their tracks.

History

Glock Ges, an Austrian firearms company, produced the first Glock several decades ago. Police all over the world use the handgun. This is thanks to its great precision, quality, design ingenuity and reliability. Today, almost two third of all guns sold to the US law enforcement agencies belong to the Glock family.

Key Features

One of the key features that make this firearm efficient for protection is the fact that is produced from a polymer frame. This makes it very light and easy for handling, carrying and concealing. At the same time, novice gun owners can quickly learn how to use it in a firing range. People who have never fired a gun or don’t have much strength will easily be able to use a Glock.

This fact, alongside its extremely low instance of any kind of failure like ammo jams, make the Glock very reliable. Also, the .357 type of ammunition is the perfect match for this gun, and just like the firearm, it is the first choice for many law enforcement agencies. Produced by SIG Sauer, a famous Swiss-German company, this ammo has an excellent balance of accuracy and sheer stopping power. A Glock 15 plus 1 round magazine capacity can deliver a powerful punch.

A Glock pistol, loaded with SIG Sauer ammo, is a fantastic home defense and personal protection weapon.

Why a 12-Gauge Shotgun Is Perfect for Self Defense

You might be wondering what type of gun to by for your self defense. While conventional wisdom suggests buying a pistol, opting for a 12-gauge shotgun might be the wiser choice. There are a few very compelling reasons for this.

A 12-Gauge Shotgun Is Easy to Operate

A basic pump shotgun has, essentially, two parts required for operation. The first is the pump that feeds a shell into the chamber and the other is the safety. If a round is already in the chamber, simply pressing the safety button on or off allows you to pull the trigger.

Unlike the double-action semi-auto pistol with a safety, trigger guard, and hammer, you have no complicated features to deal with. You could even have handle grips affixed to the pump and stock making the weapon easier to hold and aim. You can put a laser sight on the top of it making it very easy to aim the shotgun in a high stress self-defense scenario.

A Wide Variety of Ammunition

It has been said that a 12 gauge shotgun is the most versatile of all weapons a person could own. This caliber of shotgun could literally be used to hunt for ducks and just as easily be employed to stop a charging grizzly bear. The great range of 12-gauge ammunition makes this possible.

Target loads (also known as birdshot) are perfect for those who worry about over-penetration. Also, the recoil on birdshot is minimal making this ammo perfect for those with limited experience. At close range, target load does not spread out very wide and dissipate. Honestly, most self-defense scenarios are at close range anyway.

For those who to feel more confident about stopping power, 00 Buck ammo might be the better choice. This load fires 9 pellet balls designed to take down deer and other large animals. For home defense, there are “no recoil” rounds offered so you do not have to worry about a huge kick.

Rifled slug shotgun shells do provide a massive kick, but these slugs can stop pretty much anything. These shells deliver the load capable of killing a grizzly bear.

12 Gauge Power

No matter what type of ammo you put into a 12 gauge shotgun, the muzzle velocity is over twice that of a .44 magnum. In short, a shotgun is a massively powerful, easy to handle weapon. So, why not make a 12 gauge your number one choice for a home defense firearm?

The Benefits of Using Quality Handgun Ammo for Self Defense

Owning a handgun in this day and age is so often recommended, but a lot of people don’t consider it. They are afraid it will cause danger to their loved ones. Being able to protect your family is never a dangerous or  a bad thing. The true danger lies from the people who can cause harm to your family.

Having a gun in your home or office to protect yourself can be the ideal choice to keep you safe. However, aside from owning a quality handgun, it is also important to own quality handgun ammo as well.

The best kinds of ammo are the ones that will not falter especially when you will need it most. Do your research to find out what type of ammunition you will need for the type of gun you want to purchase. Educating yourself about all the aspects of a gun will allow you to better understand why it is needed.

The Benefits Of Owning A Handgun

The main benefit to owning a gun is being able to protect the people around you in the face of danger. Everyday there is a possibility of experiencing home break-ins and kidnappings. Being able to defend yourself can save your life. Having ownership of a handgun will psychologically help you. You won’t be afraid of dangerous people who may find you as a target.

You will be able to take control of the doubts you may have in case of a burglary.  Knowing how to use a gun and having one can put your mind at ease. If you take the proper precautions of owning a handgun and use it according to what it’s meant for, then you will find it beneficial.

Before Purchase

Before you purchase a handgun, you will be required to take a course to better prepare you to use it and target properly. Gun ranges are always a great idea to take advantage of, especially if you plan on purchasing more than one. It is also recommended to have every one of your family members to get trained as well in case of emergencies. Having trained people in charge of a handgun will ensure that no one will be harmed accidentally.

What Make Handguns the Best Home Self Defense Tool

We live in the world of great uncertainties. This fact can be seen around every corner. Danger could be lurking anywhere and it is easy to see why so many people feel this way. Since the beginning of the 21st century, a multitude of new problems has appeared. In many regions of the world, conflicts are spawning terrorism and global insecurity, but also creating a huge overflow of illegal weapons.

At the same time, economic hardship and financial insecurity are a factor. People are continuously pushed into a life of crime, where they often get their hands on those illegal weapons. These are then used in scenarios like robberies, carjackings, muggings and most frighteningly, home invasions and residential attacks.

These are especially gruesome and terrifying because they take place in and around a person’s house. This is the place where you and your family should feel most secure. This is the exact reason why there is a need for an effective self defense tool. These tools are handguns and with one of these, everyone could sleep tight and not worry about their safety.

What Make Handguns the Best Home Self Defense Tool

Handguns have many advantages when it comes to being a reliable self defense ally. With a minimal amount of training, anyone can learn how to handle and used them, even in the case of an emergency. On the other hand, all handguns present a formidable force in any enclosed space like a house or an apartment. A loaded handgun can be stopped right in their tracks.

At the same time, getting everything needed for this defensive tool was never easier. There are many options for choosing the most suitable handgun. The market for handguns is huge and many of these have different characteristics when it comes to performance, magazine size, weight and so forth, but all of them are more than effective in a home self defense role.

Handgun Ammo

The same fact is also true for their ammo. Today, everyone can find ammo online and purchase the amount and type they need while the same is true for classes and training on using and handling guns. Because of these factors, getting a handgun and learning how to use it was never more accessible.

Looking at all of these advantages of owning a handgun and using it as a home self defense tool, it is clear that with one of them, every individual or family can feel much safer in their place of residence.

Self Defense With 38 Special Ammo

Selecting a cartridge/handgun combination can be a formidable decision. Should you choose the optimum gun and settle for its chambering? Or would it be better to begin with a fight stopping, proven cartridge and wrap a gun around it? A century ago, there weren’t many choices available. Today, a plethora of popular handgun platforms are available in a wide array of trigger actions, sizes and chambering.

38 Special Ammo

38 special ammo is considered to be one of the most versatile handguns. It represents three distinct power levels using the same bullets and any Magnum gun  can fire all three cartridges. These have been popular for decades, and are more popular now than ever. A decent defensive load is a balancing act between controllable recoil, bullet weight, gun durability and good velocity from a short barrel. The 38 special has all of these qualities and more.

It represents a step up in versatility and power. Bullet weight varies from 120 to 200 grains, with 159 grain lead bullets and 125 to 129 grain jacketed bullets being the most popular choices. No matter what pressure load you choose, it will always provide minimum blast.

The 38 special load is an effective self defense ammunition. It is a good reduced recoil option for anyone looking to curtail the felt recoil of their compact, lightweight personal protection handgun. It offers 100% reliability in self defense situations. Even from a snub revolver, it can provide a good stopping power. It comes in two variants, the extra power +P and the regular pressure. Both types are easier to shoot and control in lightweight, small revolver.

What Makes 38 Special Good for Self Defense?

In self defense situations, a person is seeks to apply force to dispel a life threatening criminal, 38 special is ideally chambered for a round that is capable of penetrating at least 7 inches of bodily tissue. After two or three shots will incapacitate your attacker, and thus they will be unable to attack you or fire back.

It is a fairly cheap cartridge and when bought in bulk, it is even cheaper. The 38 special has a mild coil and is also easy to conceal in a small frame handgun. You can also readily find it available in online stores and many sports stores.

It is a top quality, welcome relief that provides utmost quality to deliver the best value to the customers. Many people believe that this is the best tool in self defense situations.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning a 380 Pistol

When talking about guns and ammunition stress is given to the large calibers and high powered rifles. Not a lot of attention is given to small handguns which are quite popular as concealed weapons. Super compact pistols like Sig Sauer P238 and Ruger LCP don’t have the firepower of a 9mm. However, these can easily be carried around in a small bag, ankle holster or even in a pocket. This is where these compact pistols have managed to create a market for themselves. They are small enough to be carried around anywhere and provide a basic level of protection. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of the 380 pistols as personal defense weapon.

Advantages

Light Weight: Thanks to the smaller rounds and compact design, the 380 pistols are significantly lighter. To give you an idea the Sig Sauer P238 weighs just 430g compared to 950g weight of a standard 9mm Beretta 92 pistol. This light weight makes it perfect for women to carry it in their purse or it can even be carried in pockets without being uncomfortable.

Easily Concealed: This is what this weapon system is all about. People carrying 380 pistols has no trouble keeping it hidden from view. Like a perfect defensive weapon, these pistols will suddenly seem to appear out of nowhere and serve as a decent protective tool.

Lot of Pistol Options: There are no shortages of options when you are looking for the perfect pistol that can fire the 380 rounds. Colt Mustang, Beretta Pico, Taurus 738, Kahr P380, Walther PK380, and many more, the list of 380 is seemingly endless. All of these pistols are great but be sure to select a model that fits nicely in your hand.

Cheap Pricing: 380 pistols are cheaper than 9mm pistols. Usually priced below $400, this is a great option for average individuals looking for a firearm for their personal protection.

Disadvantages

Lack of Stopping Power: Everything said and done, the 380 rounds definitely lacks stopping power. Thanks to modern technology, the penetration and fragmentation of the 380 ammo is significantly more than it used to be 10 years ago but it’s still not as effective as a 9mm pistol. This is a serious disadvantage as there is nothing more demoralizing than shooting an attacker who simply won’t go down.

Introduction of 9mm Compact Pistols: The introduction of compact 9mm pistols like the Beretta BU9 Nano and Kahr CM9 kind of questions the decision of going for a 380 pistol. These are slightly heavier and larger but deliver a lot more punishment when it’s needed the most.

45 Auto Ammo Delivers Super Self Defense Stopping Power

The .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol is considered a legendary firearm. This was a weapon of choice for many in the military during World War II and for good reason. The .45 offers a tremendous amount of stopping power. For home defense, the .45 is a consistently recommended weapon. Once again, the stopping power of the firearm is suggested.  Anyone in the market for a home defense or a concealed carry gun should consider buying a .45 and .45 auto ammo.

.45 Auto Ammo Is Supreme

When you are confronted by a dangerous person in a life or death scenario, you may have to draw your weapon to defend yourself. The weapon should be sufficient enough to stop the threat. Many self-defense experts recommend the 9mm because it offers less recoil and 9mm handguns are capable of holding significant amounts of ammunition. What if a home invader is wearing a thick leather jacket or it is winter time and he has a thick coat on? Can a 9mm reliably penetrate these layers? More than likely it could, but do you want to rely on “more than likely” when faced with a brutal criminal?

45 auto ammo is going to deliver a massive payload. No matter what type of makeshift body armor the assailant is wearing, a .45 is more than up to dealing with the threat.

Low Recoil Loads Are Available

The question of whether or not the recoil on a .45 ACP may be too much, the standard answer is summed up in a single word: practice. The more you practice with your .45, the better you will be able to handle the recoil. You will also become a more accurate shot.

That said, you may also wish to look into purchase low recoil ammo for a .45 auto.

Low recoil loads are, essentially, standard .45 ammunition with a lesser amount of grain in them. Since there is less grain, discharging the weapon comes with smaller kick. Accuracy improves greatly since your hand is not jerked around and the muzzle does not move up or down, right or left without warning.

Does the lower amount of grain reduce power? No, not when it comes to self-defense because most self-defense scenarios take place in close range.

One Again, Practice

Regardless of what type of load you are using, you do want to get a lot of practice in with your .45. You might even wish to enroll in a concealed carry or home defense course. Doing so increases the chances you can use the weapon effectively.

Why Preppers Use 223 Ammo For Self-Defense

The .223 Rem ammo is one of the most common centerfire rifle cartridges in the world, which also means that it’s some of the best ammo on the market. Although widely used as a sporting and hunting cartridge, .223 is also quite popular as a home defense round. This is because the cartridges are efficient and versatile. You can use .223 Rem cartridges for any situation or problem. With bullet weights of 35-90 grains, the .223 is ideal as a good all-around ammo. While it is popular for varmint hunting, plinking, range training, competition shooting, and small to medium game hunting, the rounds can also be used for self-defense. They also offer a good blend of range, velocity, and penetration power.

Versatility of .223 Rem Ammo

The reason behind the versatility of .223 cartridges is because they contain more powder than other types of cartridges. For example, the .22 LR cartridge has less powder. Furthermore, despite its relatively heavy build, the .223 can still travel at higher velocities than most other cartridges, which basically means that it can deliver a lot more power on impact. They can, for example, puncture through lead pipes and other similar materials, creating neat entry and exit points at the same time.

Aside from their versatility, it’s also worth mentioning that .223 Rem cartridges can deliver 90 grain VLD’s at approximately 1,000 yards. Furthermore, thanks to extensive customization, .223 Remington ammo can match the accuracy of more advanced cartridges when used in a good rifle.

Current Specifications

The standard .223 cartridge uses a .224-inch diameter boat-tailed bullet in a rimless, bottle-necked case. The bullet measures 1.76 inches in length with the overall length of the round is 2.26 inches.

Standard factory loads range in weight from 35 to 85 grains. However, the most common is the 55-grain bullet. It uses a small rifle primer and has a max pressure of 55,000 PSI.

Other Features

The .223 can create relatively large wound channels, and this is because of cartridge’s tendency to tumble upon impact. There’s also the fact that .223 cartridges have hydrostatic shock, which helps to increase their overall performance and power. In terms of performance, .223 Remington cartridges do offer a lot of range and power.

These features make the .223 cartridge an ideal option for a homeowner or hobbyist, but aside from pure performance, .223 rounds are also easy to store around the house. The light weight means there is hardly any recoil. Soft point and hollow point rounds will stop any intruder without the fear of collateral damage.

Furthermore, thanks to their popularity, acquiring .223 Remington cartridges is also relatively easy to handle and quite affordable. Even during a bad situation, you’ll have an easier time finding .223 rounds over other types of ammo.

Popularity

Since 9/11, the sale and use of ARs has skyrocketed. People fear for their homes, personal safety, and the threat of terrorism. Hobbyists have also learned that the military-style rifles can be fun to shoot.

Collateral Damage

Gun owners often express concern about rounds that will over-penetrate.  That concern is one reason why many choose handguns over rifles. The truth is that handguns are just as lethal. Choosing the correct ammo is the key to staying – and keeping your family – safe.

Experts talk about different types of bullets and how they impact a target. Ballisticians use terms like “temporary wound cavity” and “hydrostatic shock.” The important thing to know is simple: the amount of energy shot into a target determines the damage. Novices often think full metal jacket rounds are the best for home defense. The truth is that FMJ bullets tend to go straight through a target, often causing collateral and property damage. If you’ve shot a bad guy, there is a chance that he might bleed to death – eventually. Soft Points and Hollow Points expand and fragment upon impact. The round tends to stay inside the target rather than passing through. Therefore, SP and HP rounds are more likely to stop the target.

Bullet Types and Weights

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)

The Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) is the most common type of ammo because it’s easier to manufacture and less expensive than other rounds. Standard bullet weights of FMJ ammo in .223/5.56 NATO are 55 and 62 grain.

Hollow Points (HP)

Hollow Point (HP) ammunition is most often related to personal and home defense. The cost of a hollow point is higher than an FMJ but is more effective for defense.  The ballistics of an HP are like an FMJ, only lighter.

Soft Points (SP)

Soft Points (SP) a popular type of home defense ammo. Law enforcement often use .223 SP round for accuracy when on patrol. The expansion of an SP is superior to an FMJ but has more control than the HP. The ballistics of SP ammo are excellent, particularly when paired with a boat-tail design.

M855 “Green Tip”

M855 ammo is often referred to as “green tip” because of its appearance. The round has a bad reputation with some factions as it is considered an armor piercing round. The White House claims that the round and its lethal abilities should be banned from the public. People may be misled by the development of this round. It is not new by any means and has been used in warfare for decades. The main difference is that the M855 uses a steel core rather than a soft lead core, allowing it to penetrate through steel and armor.

Boat-Tail

Boat-tail is a feature often seen in FMJ ammo. It refers to the hard metal casing around the bullet which looks like a boat. The main benefit to using a boat-tail for an AR is the easy assembly and protection against damage that could affect long range performance.

Best Self-Defense Ammo

Federal Ammunition: LE Tactical TRU 55 Grain SP

Federal LE Tactical TRU is a Soft Point round with the expansion capabilities of a Hollow Point (HP). This ammo was developed specifically for semi-automatics include the AR-15. The soft point offers excellent weight retention and penetration. It is ideal for home and personal protection. It is also an excellent choice for those on patrol.

Ballistics Info:

  • 3,241 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 55 Grain
  • Soft Point
  • Steel Casing
  • Berdan Primer

Prvi Partizan Ammunition: Soft Point 55 Grain

Prvi Partizan produces 400 types of ammunition, making it one of the biggest ammunition manufacturers in the world. The company is known for manufacturing high quality cartridges for military and civilian use. They specialize in rare and unusual ammo.

Ballistics Info:

  • 3,248 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 1,283 ft lbs Muzzle Energy
  • 55 Grain
  • SP Bullet
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer

Remington Ammunition: JHP Cartridge 45 Grain JHP

Remington .223 ammo is a versatile round that serves well as part of your varmint hunting arsenal. The brass casing has non-corrosive characteristics which allows you to spend time stalking your pesky prey without fear of damaging the ammo or your weapon. The JHP offers reliable expansion, accuracy, and a flat trajectory.

Ballistics Info:

  • 3550 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 1,259 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy
  • 45 Grain
  • JHP Bullet
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer

Federal Ammunition: Premium 165 Grain Nosler Ballistics Tip

Federal Premium tops our list for the best .223 ammo for varmint hunting. This new production ammo is designed for maximum reliability and performance. Hunters have been using Nosler Ballistics Tip Hunting bullets for nearly 25 years. These bullets are precision-made to provide the utmost quality and accuracy with every shot. The heavy jacket and polycarbonate tip prevent bullets from deformation during firing and remain intact at extreme velocities. Simply put, this is one hard hitting round that will get the job done.

Ballistics Info:

  • 3,240 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 1,282 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy
  • 55 Grain
  • Nosler Ballistics Tip Bullet
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer

Speer Gold Dot 64 Grain SP

Speer Gold Dot is one of the highest rated brands for home and personal defense rounds. The ammo is chemically bonded to guarantee accuracy and consistent weight retention. The .222 64-grain Soft Point is also a top choice with law enforcement.

Ballistics Info:

  • 3,000 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 1,279 Muzzle Energy
  • 64 Grain
  • Soft Point
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer

Federal Premium Law Enforcement: Sierra GameKing 55 Grain BTHP

Federal LE Tactical created this .223 Remington specifically for law enforcement in urban areas. The boat-tail hollow point shoots straight and hard, with high accuracy.  This round is ideal for home and personal defense, range training, and tactical exercises.

Ballistics Info:

  • 3,220 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 1,266 Muzzle Energy
  • 64 Grain
  • Boat-tail Hollow Point
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer

Conclusion

The .223 Remington cartridge has proven to be an adaptable, reliable and accurate caliber with loads ranging from lightning fast varmint rounds, to ammo suited for range training, self-defense, precision marksmanship, and tactical sharpshooting. Aside from the .22LR, .223 Remington ammo may be the most versatile round on the market. Because it’s also an inexpensive ammunition, the .223 should be in every shooter’s armory.

 

Handgun Self Defense Considerations

The use of guns in senseless acts of violence and crime is one reason why people talk about gun control. It is always dangerous for a very violent person to own a gun. That is why there are conditions that one needs to meet before they own a gun. Most citizens apply for gun ownership but only a few of them meet the conditions for gun ownership.

What Makes Handguns Good for Self Defense?

Handguns are very effective and widely available. For these reasons they are among the deadliest self defense weapons. You can also buy bulk ammunition online for your handgun if you use it on a regular basis. This article will highlight some of the most important considerations when it comes to owning a handgun for self defense.

The most violent street criminals use handguns because of their ability to deliver deadly force and that is why they are very effective when it comes to self defense. It is possible to deliver force with a handgun regardless of strength, sex and age. Many lives have been saved by handgun self defense. It is a perfect choice for most licensed gun owners. A gun is a very effective weapon when used in a responsible manner.

There are common mistakes that those in possession of handguns are likely to make and that is why you should know them if you intent to own a handgun for self defense. It is not always a good idea to buy a gun out of emotional reaction because you can end up using it in a wrong way. You should never rush out to buy a fire arm anytime you become angry or frightened because that is a disaster in waiting.

It is important to know that personal safety is not guaranteed by simply owning a handgun. Relying on a particular weapon for self defense is a popular fallacy that most people have come to believe. It is advisable to complement your weapon with other aspects such as security alarm systems and street fighting techniques for total protection.

Handgun Limitations

There are some limitations that come with owning a handgun for self defense that one should also be familiar with. To begin with, there are some areas where you may not be allowed to enter with your handgun. Your handgun can misfire, run out of ammunition or completely jam and in the process leave you defenseless. It is also good to know that the use of a hand gun for self defense is not justified in all situations.

What You Need To Know About Gun Self Defense

It’s 2:00AM.

You are sound asleep when you hear a loud bang coming from downstairs. You reach into the nightstand and pull out your handgun and fumble around and load in some 9mm ammunition.

Slowly you creep downstairs and………..how would you finish that sentence?

How would having a gun impact your approach to self defense?

Would you run downstairs and start shooting?

Would you attempt to call the police the hide and use your gun only in a life and death situation?

The truth is that each person handles situations differently and there is no absolute truth as to what to do. However, it is important to remember a few basic rules to help prevent something catastrophic from happening.

Guns Can Be Used to Intimidate Intruders

First and foremost, in a self defense situation guns are primarily used for intimidation rather than being used to actually harm someone. Statistics show that law abiding citizens don’t often harm criminals. Odds are that you probably won’t have to discharge your firearm. Therefore, initially some find it best to scare the intruder at first by just simply pointing the gun at them. Remember never to point the gun at something you’re not willing to shoot, but in this instance shooting may be necessary. The intruder may or may not try to flee, and if they do then the next step depends on your comfort level. Keeping safety in mind, the safest choice would be to let them flee and then immediately call the police. Chasing them or subduing them is usually not recommended as they could be carrying a gun or fight back.

What to Do If the Intruder Doesn’t Run?

If the intruder does not flee and decides to fight then it may be time to discharge your weapon in the act of self defense. If the situation reaches this point then it is time to practice all that you learned up to this point. However, your memory may be a little shaky and your body may not respond the way you want it to due to adrenaline. Regardless, exercise the basic rights of firing a gun. Hold the weapon in the firing-ready position. Steady the gun with your other hand. Keep your thumbs clear of the hammer. Steady your stance. Develop your sight picture and focus the aim on the intruder. Slowly squeeze the trigger, and follow through. If all goes well, the intruder has been incapacitated and you are able to get to safety and call the police.

Remember, it is better to have a hand gun and not need it than need it and not have it. Stay safe!

Four Reasons Why 5.56 Ammo Is a Great Option for Urban Defense

5.56 ammo is quickly becoming the standard ammo for most developed and rapidly developing countries in the world. Most people believe that we adopted 5.56 ammo because it was less lethal and would wound rather than kill. However this is a myth. The human body is quite weak and a 5.56 round has enough power to bring it down. Thanks to its smaller size, the bullet travels a lot faster. It also has an tumbling effect when it enters the body making it quite deadly. In fact, even the Russians adopted the smaller bullets when they introduced the AK-74 in the 1970s. Here’s 4 reasons why the 5.56 is a great option for self defense.

Lighter Ammo and Weapon Systems

When compared with the 7.62 rounds the 5.56 is significantly lighter. Even the weapon systems that fire these rounds are lighter. One classic example is the lighter weight and maneuverability of AR15s over much larger and bulkier AK47s. From the perspective of home defense option, the lighter round and rifle reduces the reaction time and can easily be used my women and aged individuals.

Carry More Ammo

When going on hunting trips or just venturing outdoors for some target practice, the smaller and lighter rounds enables you to carry more ammo. In fact, it’s almost half the weight of a standard 7.62 round.

Ammo of The Future

If you are fond of carbines and lighter advanced weapons systems then you have to switch to 5.56 rounds. The larger rounds are slowly becoming obsolete while newer weapons keeps getting introduced that are based on the 5.56 platform. What this means is when you head to the neighborhood gun store you simply get more options with the 5.56 than you would get with any other round.

Great For Urban Defense

There is a reason why the 5.56 has become the preferred choice of most modern day armies. Thanks to its maneuverability and lighter weight it’s a great choice for urban warfare. This means it also a great option for urban defense. You don’t need a bullet to fly 800m to hit a distant target when its sole purpose is to provide security in an urban environment. Tight corners and constricted space calls for weapons that are accurate at close range, has a good rate of fire, and super light. All of these attributes together makes the 5.56 and their weapons systems the best choice for small houses, apartments, and pretty much anywhere in the city.

Ensure the Security of Your Gun and Your Loved Ones

With the rate of crime going up, many people are buying guns for their protection. When guns are bought, people mainly focus on how to use them safely. Couple of hours of practice at the shooting range is enough to build up the confidence. But what is equally important is keeping the gun safely. You must consider the importance of keeping your guns and their 30-06 ammo and other calibers out of reach. It should be kept out of reach so that accidents and injuries are avoided. If minors, untrained people or burglars find the gun, the risk goes up tremendously.

Investing in Gun Safes

This is an investment that’s worth considering. A safe that is extremely sturdy and offers adequate protection is worthwhile. Opt for a safe that has a combination of locks and password security. It is important that only the person who can access the safe knows the password. Apart from keeping it away from the reach of other people, it is important that the gun is secured from all harsh conditions that may result in its wear and tear. Exposure to moisture, dust and similar factors will affect the functioning of the gun, and put the user at risk too. Safety from natural calamities such as floods and rains should also be taken into account too.

The safe should have the ability to withstand fires and all other kinds of harsh impacts. These days, it is easy to find gun safes that are strong enough to survive in high temperatures (caused due to accidental fire or arson) and do not corrode easily.

Proper Anchoring of the Safe

It is good to anchor the safe, irrespective of its size or the value of the gun placed within. At times, burglars just move the safe instead of breaking into it. Anchoring ensures that the safe can’t be moved and along with the combination of locks/password, the guns will be absolutely safe. If your house doesn’t sound like a good option, you can keep your gun in a security firm. Strict measures are taken at such firms to keep every gun safe. Only authorized people can access these areas and the chances of your guns being stolen are almost negligible. The security firm will provide a great degree of protection, but make sure that you have done your bit too. You shouldn’t have a password that is easy to guess(like a family member’s name or birthday). Comply with the rules of the firm.

Storing 30-06 Ammo and Keeping Guns Safe

Keeping a gun safe ensures complete protection of you and your loved ones. Wall safes, floor safes or security firms, choose the one that you think would be the best for you. Guns and your 30-06 ammo (or other ammunition and pellets) are dangerous products, making it even more important you to take appropriate measures to ensure their safety.

All the best.