Concealed Carry Corner: Self-Defense Ammo Rundown
Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we looked at micro-carry guns and some of the best options when it comes to very small-carry guns. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I want to cover a topic that I get a fair amount of questions on but we don’t get to talk about often. Carry ammo for self-defense isn’t something you should be ignoring or overlooking because it’s one of the most important aspects of your carry gun load out. Let’s take a closer look at what are some factors when looking at this self-defense ammo roundup.
Why Carry Self-Defense Ammo?
One of the most common arguments I hear from people is the idea they don’t need any sort of self-defense ammunition. Whether it is the added cost, increased recoil, or just laziness, there is a fairly significant group of individuals who refuse to carry anything other than full metal jacket rounds. Out of everyone, I see this mindset most commonly in the older crowd that carry larger calibers like 45 ACP or 44 Magnum rather than the younger generations. While you can carry full metal jacket rounds, when it comes to some larger calibers, it’s not a great idea.
The 45 ACP is the most common caliber that is associated with not using self-defense ammo because the full metal jacket rounds have been known to quickly stop a threat. While that is true, having the latest hollow point technology only allows for more efficient energy transfer. While 45 ACP can be carried with full metal jacket rounds as a last resort, other calibers should not be carried with regular FMJ rounds, especially the 9mm variants. Unlike the 45 ACP, the 9mm or 9×19 round is moving at a significantly faster rate. With a much higher velocity, the 9mm has a hard time transferring energy into its target and instead punches a small clean hole right through them before continuing downrange after exiting the back of the target.
As a concealed carrier, you are liable for any rounds you fire so having a round go through your target and continue on an unknown path could be potentially deadly to an innocent bystander. Having a self-defense round that can quickly open up inside your target and transfer all of its energy within the area of your target’s body is the most important factor.
Standard Ammo Versus +P Ammunition
Another thing that will occasionally confuse people is the difference between standard power self-defense rounds and +P defense rounds. For the vast majority, standard-powered self-defense ammo will do everything someone needs but medium to large-framed pistols can handle the larger powder charge of the +P ammunition. The +P is higher-pressure rounds that offer more velocity than the standard self-defense rounds on the market.
Most modern pistols on the market today are rated for +P rounds but it’s always important to check your owner’s manual to ensure your specific carry gun can hold up to the higher pressures of +P rounds. The overall experience shooting +P rounds compared to standard pressure self-defense rounds isn’t much different other than a sharper recoil due to the hotter +P powder charge but it’s certainly manageable. Now +P ammunition certainly isn’t a necessity but it certainly offers a slight advantage with higher velocities which ultimately turns into more energy transfer into your target.
How Long Does Carry Ammo Last?
Once you get your handgun loaded up with your choice of self-defense ammunition, the other half is keeping an eye on the overall quality of your ammo to determine when it needs to be replaced. In the grand scheme of things, the cost of carry ammo is relatively low. Typically, I will recommend replacing your carry ammo on a significant date like New Year’s, your birthday, or the 4th of July to the full freedom experience. I’ve talked to people over the years who buy a box of carry ammo and then proceed to carry that same ammo for 5-6 years.
A big factor when determining to switch out carry ammo is the overall frequency you carry your handgun and how much the ammo is exposed during the day. If you only carry a gun once a month, then your carry ammo will probably be fine for much longer than if you carry every day in a hot humid environment. If your ammo becomes discolored or the casing becomes dirty with debris, it may be time to start looking at new rounds. It’s really up to your judgment to determine the proper time to switch ammo, but the major takeaway point is that ammo is a consumable good rather than just a one-time purchase.
Overall Thoughts
For the vast majority of people, this may seem like common knowledge but I think some of you would be shocked how many people walk around with regular-range FMJ ammo loaded up in their guns. While FMJ is effective at putting holes in paper economically, it’s not the best option for stopping a threat. Next week, we will talk about various self-defense rounds and what various rounds are better at when it comes to self-defense.
If you have questions about carry ammo or firearms in general, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you next week for another edition of Concealed Carry Corner.
