[BruceDante]

Bought my first Kimber. I feel somewhat spoiled being 22, and purchasing such a fine firearm But, I was wondering what the general consensus would be pertaining to self defense loads. I purchased a box of Hornady CD 185 grain. I'm of the opinion that penetration is slightly over-rated, as I'd rather have more expansion and quicker energy dump. Less risk of over penetration and hitting an unintended target. I've watched Massad Ayoob's 1990 video, and he goes into more depth with this scenario. What do you guys favor in terms of adequate defensive loads?

 

[Islander]

First, welcome to the forum! As to your question, I tend to believe a lot of people way overthink ammo. My main concern is that it works reliably in the firearm. Ballistics, penetration, and such is probably more of a concern for someone who carries a gun professionally and has a higher chance of having to use it.

 

[Insta-Gator]

I agree with Steve. I have some Critical Duty (220 gr IIRC) that I've never shot in my 1911. I'm still in 'break in mode' so I'll save the +P stuff for another day.

If I were to EDC my Kimber I wouldn't be too concerned about the ammo, so long as it works. I don't know anyone that wants to be shot with a .45 slug, regardless of the bullet design.

 

[v35b]

I found that Hornady critical defense runs in my Kimber better then any thing else, I also carry a spare mag loaded with critical duty in case i need more power

 

[Dude22]

For me it's all about shot placement. Get some training by a qualified professional and practice, practice.

My 0.02. For what it's worth.

 

[Chuck43]

Welcome to the forum from northern Illinois BruceDante and congratulations on getting a new Kimber. I don't know how long you've had your gun but your first concern should be in getting it properly broken in. Once you've done that the next step would be to shoot as many different types of defensive ammo as you can and let your gun tell you which one is the best. In a defensive situation my primary concern is that the gun goes bang each and every time I pull the trigger, my secondary concern is the type of bullet that's going down the tube.

 

[Insta-Gator]

Yep, Chuck has it right. Must go "BANG"

After that it's a matter of me putting the projectile on target.

(which causes me to thing of another thread topic ... )

 

[Islander]

You know, another thing to consider is the fact that two identical guns from the same maker may not like the same ammo. Plus all ammo is tested in a controlled environment and will perform different in the real world. Therefore the tests become only "guidelines".

 

[v35b]

I agree I would never carry a type of ammo I had not tried in the gun being used. it is costly but I prefer to put about100 rounds down range before I carry that type ammo

 

[bigdog10]

Welcome from NY. congrats on your new Kimber. Hornaday critical defense is my choice.

 

[Lineman]

The number one priority with ammo is that it functions in your pistol reliably, 100% of the time!! While expansion is nice, it is not all that important with a .45! Look at it this way, GI hardball is a legendary one center mass shot, man stopper!! It's been putting bad guys down with one well placed shot for over 100 years. A 1/2" hole clean through someone tends to take the starch out of them very quickly!!! At that point, add a little bit of expansion, well so much the better!!

As for my personal choice: I choose either Hornady Critical Defense 185 grain or Winchester Supreme PDX1 230 grain loads. I have used both on game in the field and trust their performance!! I have never shot anything more than once with either!!

Congrats on your new Kimber and welcome to the forum!

 

[pbsdaddy]

I'm old and that means Old School. I believe Ayoob and the good Col. and others had the right idea. After all, as has been said, Hell, they were there. As I have stated in another post, I broke my gun in with Lawman 185 grain truncated nose FMJ's. After a couple tests, I have settled on my 185 grain jacketed hollow points. I am not going to go into the 100's of scenario's that might happen but the near guaranteed over penetration of hardball ammo is an additional responsibility I am not will to bear. My 2 cents is break it in then find the hollow points you and the gun like and don't look back.
BTW, welcome to the group. We like pictures. Thanks.