What Is My Carry Ammo? Q & A

Published on October 18, 2023
Duration: 38:41

Hickok45, a recognized elder statesman in the firearms community with decades of experience and a former reserve deputy sheriff, shares his insights on selecting carry ammunition. He emphasizes the long-standing reliability of Speer Gold Dot and Federal HST, discusses acceptable malfunction rates for defensive firearms, and stresses the critical importance of caliber compatibility and correct bullet weights for effective self-defense.

Quick Summary

Hickok45, a veteran firearms instructor, recommends Speer Gold Dot and Federal HST for concealed carry due to their decades of proven reliability. He stresses that a defensive firearm should be highly reliable, ideally experiencing no more than one malfunction before being taken out of service for inspection. Proper caliber compatibility and appropriate bullet weights, such as 230gr for .45 ACP and 158gr for .357 Magnum, are also critical for safety and effectiveness.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Q&A
  2. 02:41Preferred Carry Ammunition
  3. 07:46Revolver Frame Sizes
  4. 09:09Carry Gun Reliability
  5. 12:37Caliber Compatibility and Safety
  6. 17:55Bullet Grain Recommendations
  7. 18:11YouTube Channel Origins
  8. 21:13The Rifleman and Westerns
  9. 23:31Addressing Stereotypes

Frequently Asked Questions

What ammunition does Hickok45 recommend for concealed carry?

Hickok45 consistently recommends Speer Gold Dot and Federal HST for concealed carry, citing their proven track record and reliability since the early 1990s. He notes that while other good options exist, these two have earned the best reputations over decades of use.

How reliable should a defensive firearm be, according to Hickok45?

Hickok45 believes a defensive firearm should be exceptionally reliable, stating he would remove it from his carry rotation after experiencing even one significant malfunction. He emphasizes investigating the cause, whether it's the magazine, ammunition, or a mechanical issue.

Why is caliber compatibility important when choosing ammunition?

It is crucial to understand caliber compatibility because cartridges with similar names can be vastly different and dangerous if mixed. For example, .44 Magnum is not interchangeable with .44-40, nor are .45 ACP, .45 Colt, and .45-70. Using the wrong ammunition can cause firearm damage or severe injury.

What are recommended bullet weights for common defensive calibers?

For .45 ACP, Hickok45 recommends a 230-grain bullet. For .357 Magnum and .38 Special, he suggests a 158-grain bullet, noting that a 125-grain weight is also a classic and highly effective choice for .357 Magnum.

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