+P Ammo is Better for Self Defense?

Published on August 23, 2022
Duration: 8:02

This video explores the effectiveness of +P ammunition for self-defense, detailing how increased pressure affects muzzle velocity, bullet expansion, and penetration. It highlights that while +P can enhance performance in some firearms, particularly short-barreled revolvers, it also increases recoil, gun wear, and can negatively impact accuracy and terminal ballistics in other contexts. The speaker advises testing +P ammunition in one's specific firearm to determine its actual benefit.

Quick Summary

+P ammunition is loaded to higher pressures than standard loads, increasing muzzle velocity and energy. While this can enhance bullet expansion for self-defense, it also increases recoil, firearm wear, and may reduce penetration. It's crucial to ensure your firearm is rated for +P ammo and to test it to confirm performance benefits.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Bigger is Better?
  2. 00:21What is +P Ammunition?
  3. 00:41The Lethality Assumption
  4. 01:17Factors Affecting Terminal Performance
  5. 01:44SAMMI Standards and Pressure
  6. 02:239mm Pressure Limits
  7. 02:41+P Option for 9mm
  8. 03:07Ballistic Increases vs. Terminal Performance
  9. 03:14Hollow Point Expansion Dynamics
  10. 04:08Case Study: .45 ACP Golden Saber
  11. 04:41The Trade-offs of +P
  12. 04:53When +P Ammo Benefits a Firearm
  13. 05:01Case Study: .38 Special Snub Nose
  14. 06:09The Complication of +P+
  15. 06:34Should You Use +P Ammo?
  16. 07:12Conclusion: It Depends

Frequently Asked Questions

What is +P ammunition and how does it differ from standard ammo?

+P ammunition is loaded to higher pressures than standard ammunition for a given caliber. This typically results in increased muzzle velocity and energy, but also higher recoil and increased wear on the firearm. The exact pressure increase is not standardized, but it's generally around 10% above normal.

Can +P ammunition improve self-defense effectiveness?

+P ammunition can potentially improve self-defense effectiveness by increasing bullet velocity, which may lead to better hollow-point expansion and a larger wound cavity. However, this is not always the case, and it can sometimes lead to reduced penetration or bullet disintegration.

Are there any risks associated with using +P ammunition?

Yes, using +P ammunition increases recoil, which can affect accuracy and shooter comfort. It also causes more wear and tear on the firearm's components. Crucially, firearms must be rated to handle the higher pressures of +P ammo to avoid damage or catastrophic failure.

When is +P ammunition most beneficial for a firearm?

+P ammunition is often most beneficial in firearms with shorter barrels, such as snub-nose revolvers chambered in .38 Special. In these cases, standard loads may not achieve sufficient velocity for optimal bullet expansion, and +P can provide the necessary boost for better terminal performance.

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