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BillCA · October 23, 2008, 06:48 PM

I'd stick with the .45 ACP standard velocity 185g to 230g ammo. Not only is it readily available, the lower velocity reduces the overpenetration hazard.

I like the 10mm, but most of the commercial loadings are glorified .40 S&W loads. It is not the fire-breather that the original 10mm loading was (a 200g FMJ at 1200 fps). And in the confines of your home, the full-house 10mm loads are overkill.

Using hollowpoints (of most any caliber) might make a difference on soft targets, however when penetrating sheetrock or plaster, they simply tend to fill up with material and act as FMJ. A standard velocity .45 ACP does not typically overpenetrate and when it does, the velocity is much lower.

In addition, if the spam hits the rotating air-mover, .45ACP ammo is common enough to find almost anywhere. And there is the useful argument that many police use the .45 ACP, which avoids some prosecutorial arguments.

To play devil's advocate for a moment, your existing .40 S&W 10-round pistol would be entirely adequate for HD. Most home defense shootings result in less than 4 rounds fired (would you stay if a homeowner was banging away at you?) As far as wall penetration is concerned, any round that is a fight-stopper will, by definition, penetrate sheetrock walls. You have to plan accordingly to reduce the risk to others.

October 23, 2008, 06:48 PM	#11
BillCA Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2004 Location: Silicon Valley, Ca Posts: 7,117	I'd stick with the .45 ACP standard velocity 185g to 230g ammo. Not only is it readily available, the lower velocity reduces the overpenetration hazard. I like the 10mm, but most of the commercial loadings are glorified .40 S&W loads. It is not the fire-breather that the original 10mm loading was (a 200g FMJ at 1200 fps). And in the confines of your home, the full-house 10mm loads are overkill. Using hollowpoints (of most any caliber) might make a difference on soft targets, however when penetrating sheetrock or plaster, they simply tend to fill up with material and act as FMJ. A standard velocity .45 ACP does not typically overpenetrate and when it does, the velocity is much lower. In addition, if the spam hits the rotating air-mover, .45ACP ammo is common enough to find almost anywhere. And there is the useful argument that many police use the .45 ACP, which avoids some prosecutorial arguments. To play devil's advocate for a moment, your existing .40 S&W 10-round pistol would be entirely adequate for HD. Most home defense shootings result in less than 4 rounds fired (would you stay if a homeowner was banging away at you?) As far as wall penetration is concerned, any round that is a fight-stopper will, by definition, penetrate sheetrock walls. You have to plan accordingly to reduce the risk to others. __________________ BillCA in CA (Unfortunately)