What grain is best for self defense round (.40)?

[floogy]

9mm: Federal HST 147gr
.40 S&W: Federal HST 180gr
.45 ACP: Federal HST 230gr

I wish Federal would make the HST in .38 special and .357 mag.

Yeah. HST is pretty much on the top of the pile when it comes to defensive pistol ammo. Its predecessor, Hydra Shoks were good, but often failed to expand reliably. XTP is good but more of a hunting type JHP. The other two that are closest and I wouldn't mind carrying are Gold Dot and PDX1.

[anonymous308]

Well thanks for all the responses guys! Surprised by the relative consistency of some the answers. Looks like 180g HST is what I will go with.

[-hanko]

I have an idea where this thread is going to go, but is there a grain bullet weight that is best for self defense with regard to .40?

My understanding is that smaller grain lighter weight bullets have a higher muzzle velocity higher ft. lbs. of energy but more recoil and less penetration? Is this somewhat accurate?

Like everything are we trading pros and cons as we move up in bullet weight? Is there a happy medium?

Lastly for the win. Federal HST or Speer Gold Dot?

I'd opt for something with at least 12" of penetration in ballistic gelatin. Beyond that, the "best" round is the round you shoot most accurately, which is where recoil and, perhaps, flinching enter the picture.

Beyond that, asking "which grain should I use?" is equivalent to saying "how many pounds are you?" v. "what do you weigh?".

[anonymous308]

I'd opt for something with at least 12" of penetration in ballistic gelatin. Beyond that, the "best" round is the round you shoot most accurately, which is where recoil and, perhaps, flinching enter the picture.

Beyond that, asking "which grain should I use?" is equivalent to saying "how many pounds are you?" v. "what do you weigh?".

Touche

Semantics aside if someone asked me how many pounds I am I would know what they meant nonetheless, but thank you for the correction.

And of course what I shoot most accurately is best (in which case I wouldn't be shooting a .40). I was just more curious from a ballistic standpoint.

[9kracing]

I know everyone thinks the HST is the best thing since sliced bread, and in the 9mm not much beats it... but take a look at the Barnes 140g XTP .40 rounds. They have MASSIVE expansion, and acceptable penetration.

[bountyhunter]

I have an idea where this thread is going to go, but is there a grain that is best for self defense with regard to .40?

My understanding is that smaller grain bullets have a higher muzzle velocity higher ft. lbs. of energy but more recoil and less penetration? Is this somewhat accurate?

Yes on muzzle energy, that's why ammo makers reduce bullet weight and crank up the velocity. Lighter grain does not necessarily reduce penetration. 125 grain .357 magnum are known for "over penetrating" because they are going really fast.