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[alexinc]

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[Lucky Scott]

There is a lot you can do to your home to strengthen your defenses. Heavy duty metal screens. Extra strong doors, and locks. Dogs, alarms, security lights.
Having said that, the shotgun with 00 Buck would be your best bet.

[CHEONG_FUN]

Here are some pistol ammo tests that have been done with most common JHP. You will not be using your range FMJ ammo for home defense. That will surely go through walls etc.

My 2 cents, make your assessment of where you live and the surround...ie apartment, single home etc.

The FBI suggests penetration tests between 12-18 inches. Look that info up.
Then decide what ammo you'd like to carry.

https://www.ammunitiontogo.com/index.php/cName/pistol-ammo-9mm

For 12ga that's a rabbit hole. General rule is 00buck is home defense. It will absolutely be doing damage. Issue is it may very well do too much damage. Within the size of my home, I've decided on #4 personally. Everyone will have an opinion.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

[CHEONG_FUN]

There is a lot you can do to your home to strengthen your defenses. Heavy duty metal screens. Extra strong doors, and locks. Dogs, alarms, security lights.

Having said that, the shotgun with 00 Buck would be your best bet.

+1 for dogs, lights, metal screen doors versus cheap aluminum ones.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

[The War Wagon]

That said, IF it came down to it, I don't want to be shooting through walls obviously. What exactly "type" of 9mm and 12 gauge shell should I be looking at that minimises over penetration? Does this even exist?

fugedaboudit. Putting bad guys DOWN, is job #1.

I live in a brick house built in the '50's, built with steel framing. I have a 1911 at my side at all times, and I'm 3' away from my AR's here at my computer. Those are MY go-to pieces in case of home invasion - over-penetration is NOT a concern.

[Harry Ono]

There is a lot you can do to your home to strengthen your defenses. Heavy duty metal screens. Extra strong doors, and locks. Dogs, alarms, security lights.
Having said that, the shotgun with 00 Buck would be your best bet.

The stronger the door, the more time you have. That counts alot.

[boattail]

The best defense for over penetration is lots of practice hitting your target. If you hit what you shoot at there is less a chance of the bullet going anywhere you don't want it to.

I have a 12g with 00 buck, a 357 magnum with 158g hollow points, and a 22 magnum pistol all waiting for some idiot to think my home is their playground. And if that is not enough I can get to a 9mm with 90 rounds loaded and ready plus a 45 acp with 16 rounds at the ready in just a few seconds time. Over penetration is the last thing I care about where I am but I know it's a concern for those living in close with others. Aim well shoot well!

[Starslinger]

As others said and a couple more things:

1) Strengthen passive defenses such as doors, etc.
2) It is safer to use 'bunker defense.' Secure a door and aim at the door while calling 911. Don't try to hunt for bad guys in your house, unless you must rescue your wife/child.
3) Study the layout in your home - in what directions can you shoot without shooting into your child's room, etc.
4) Use hollowpoints not full metal jacket ammo.
5) Consider #4 buckshot instead of 00 buckshot.
6) Generally everything overpenetrates, so shoot only if you have to and don't miss.

[baih777]

For 12g.
Look for loads with #5 shot.
Look for a sling for the shotgun.

[tigerpan]

Camera, security door, and live in better neighborhood.

[SanDiego619]

147 grain Federal HST and Federal LE Tactical #1 Buck.

Yes get HST for the handgun. I have Hydra-Shok that I bought 10+ years ago loaded into my HD mags and hopefully they will never be fired in my lifetime.

[MarikinaMan]

You will die a painful death if you second guess your actions when the time to be decisive comes.

Take lessons, think out scenarios, and have a plan of action on said scenarios. Be a robot. There will be no time to think when the time comes.

[Like2fly]

I think this YouTube video from Lucky Gunner is excellent for preparing from home defense, and because the advice may lower the odds that you will get to the point that you have to use your weapon:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=u3Admf-Rt7U

[Oldmandan]

Food for thought...

https://www.theboxotruth.com/tag/original-chapters/

[flavor]

This is California so pick up a phone, call 911 and let the suspects know a police officer is enroute. If that doesnt scare them and they get inside then utilize a flashlight to blind them and then blow on a whistle as loud as you can until the police officer arrives on scene to assist. Or tell the suspects you have COVID 19, and threaten to cough on all of them.