Apt Complex HD Caliber?

[coldfusion]

I've been reading a lot of contradictory information so I'm hoping you guys can sort me out. I'm moving into an apartment complex and I'm concerned about over-penetration in a potential HD situation vis a vis my neighbors. I'd go with a shotgun but this is a pre-war building with tiny doorways and narrow hallways and a long barrel would prove cumbersome so I'm opting for a pistol. So, 9mm? 45? Yeah I know shot placement is everything, and that all calibers can penetrate plaster, but given that, what's the least likely of having a missed shot harm a neighbor? What would be the "responsible choice?" And what brand? I was keeping Hornady Critical Duty by my bedside before but I'm concerned about its penetration in my new close-quarter environs. Thanks for any advice.

[jkonquer]

In a perfect world, a jhp 45 will do the least of penetration from the two choices you've given. But in reality, you can get lucky and possibly hit a stud or metal frames and stop a bullet, or you can be very lucky and have the bullet travel between the studs and right "in" your neighbor. It a very tough call for apt since there is only a wall thats stopping the bullet. Thats being said, i seen a 223 out of ar15 being stopped by a wall stud, changed its trajectory and shoot straight down the wall without the bullet penetrating the second dry wall. So Anything could be possible. If the over penetration is your main concern, you should really stick with a shotgun with a BB rounds, bird shot or even a small 410 rifle.

Also look into 380, its pretty much a slower 9mm. And as far as hornady duty +p, they are made to penetrate the first layer or pretty much anything. That is what i use on my 9mm m&p. I guess, look for low velocity and stay away from +p loads for your needs

[pastureofmuppets]

I am by no means recommending it, but on your list to investigate Federal Guard Dog. It's an expanding FMJ designed to mitigate over penetration. Downside is it is very light indeed.

http://www.federalpremium.com/products/brands/guard_dog.aspx

Again, not a recommendation, just a suggestion of something to check out. I'm sure someone will show up here with something to say about it.

[G21Shooter]

Something a little lighter like .380 ACP or .38 Special loaded with quality defensive ammo is certainly going to have less penetration in walls.

['ol shooter]

12 gauge with bird shot.

[mr2ndamendment]

I would suggest a shotgun with bird shot or a .223/5.56-caliber rifle with varmint tipped stuff. We've seen, on average, that a 9mm has the ability to penetrate through walls better than a 5.56. With ballistics, anything can happen, but I would most of all recommend obtaining drywall/studs/etc. and doing your own testing with different types of ammo and guns. Nothing beats seeing it for yourself.

[hermosabeach]

What would the Police use to go into an apartment complex?

Duty pistol - ie modern manufactured pistol in a major caliber
(9mm, 40 S&W, .45)

If they respond to an identified threat- add
AR/ M4 rifle
Shotgun- 12 Gauge w/ buckshot

And the training they have received that individuals must also acquire.


---

Don't get hung up on the caliber.

Get training

The more training you have, I believe-
You are less likely to need to shoot someone
You are more likely to shoot the right person when needed
You are more likely to mentally deal with all of the emotional aftermath of the event ( how will people see you at work, home, church)
You are more likely able to explain what happened to the LEO responces


If your biggest worry is on the caliber to use, get training

Just my $0.02 for the morning