What is the Best Gun & Ammo for Home Defense | Ballistic Test | Tactical Rifleman

Published on April 5, 2019
Duration: 24:42

This guide details a ballistic testing methodology for evaluating home defense ammunition, conducted by a retired US Special Forces veteran. The test simulates real-world scenarios using ballistic gel and drywall to assess stopping power against over-penetration risks. Key findings highlight the superior performance of small-caliber rifle rounds for home defense due to their energy transfer and reduced collateral damage potential.

Quick Summary

Retired USSF veteran Karl's ballistic tests suggest small-caliber rifle rounds (.223 Rem) with frangible projectiles are superior for home defense. They deliver maximum energy into the target with minimal risk of collateral damage through interior walls, outperforming traditional 12 Gauge buckshot and .45 ACP rounds which carry higher over-penetration risks.

Chapters

  1. 00:19Introduction and Testing Methodology
  2. 02:58Ammunition Selection
  3. 08:1012 Gauge 00 Buckshot Results
  4. 09:52.45 ACP Golden Saber Results
  5. 13:029mm G9 and Inceptor Results
  6. 17:20.223 Remington Rifle Results
  7. 22:51Final Assessment and Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ammunition for home defense based on ballistic testing?

Based on ballistic tests simulating home defense, small-caliber rifle rounds like .223 Remington with frangible or varmint projectiles are recommended. They offer high energy transfer and minimal risk of over-penetration through interior walls compared to traditional handgun or shotgun rounds.

Does 00 Buckshot penetrate interior walls in a home defense scenario?

Yes, 12 Gauge 00 Buckshot pellets can penetrate interior walls, posing a significant risk of over-penetration and hitting unintended targets. Testing showed only a fraction of the pellets were recovered after passing through drywall.

Are frangible rifle rounds effective for home defense?

Yes, frangible .223 Remington rifle rounds demonstrated excellent performance in ballistic tests, delivering substantial energy upon impact while disintegrating within the first gel block, virtually eliminating the risk of over-penetration through interior walls.

What are the risks associated with .45 ACP ammunition in home defense?

.45 ACP ammunition can penetrate interior walls. While it may stop before a second barrier, factors like clothing can cause hollow points to clog, turning it into a solid projectile with increased penetration potential, posing a greater risk of over-penetration.

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