Fast vs. Slow Ammo

[BMFOTP]

I have been trying to read up on all the information on ammo available for my XD Compact .45. What I have been able to understand is that a person can either use a heavy slow round or a light fast round for personal defense. Does anyone know which round will penetrate through heavy clothing the best and reliably?
I have tested Speer Gold Dot 200gr +p rounds (because I think +p mean the powder will burn faster and shot more reliably out of my XD 4" barrel) Winchester SXT 230 gr and Federal Hydrashock 165gr.
I have yet to test Federal Hydrashock 230gr, Remington Golden Saber( all sizes), Cor Bon or Triton ammo.
Any suggestion on personal defense ammo is appreciated.
I am sure this question has been asked many times so if someone can tell me how to such the forum I would appreciate that also.

[Ishpeck]

It really doesn't matter as much as you might expect. Just be prepared to empty your magazine on somebody who doesn't go down after the first shot.

[lobster_roboto]

I prefer 185 grain +p golden sabers in my XDcompact just because I have HEARD from multiple sources that even the best hollow point rounds tend not to expand unless they are going around 1000fps or faster.

I can not confirm nor deny this but I am just going to go with it.
I got a good deal on the sabers and they feed and function spot on in the XD.


Ultimately like ishpeck said... It really doesn't matter just be prepared to put some more holes in an attacker who keeps coming.

[portsider44]

not to hijack, just wondering if the 185 or 200 gr have lower felt recoil?

[pinpointshot]

THose gold dots are actually IMHO the best blend of weight and speed in a .45. Lower grain weights are lighter recoiling but usually much faster which cuts out some of it to but if you get a mild speed load with a light bullet it will be light recoiling

[RobFMJ]

Originally Posted by portsider44

not to hijack, just wondering if the 185 or 200 gr have lower felt recoil?

If the loads are of comparable "hotness" (pressure), yes, the lighter bullet will yield less recoil.

And it is true that it doesn't take much of a velocity drop for a .45 to fail to expand. <soapbox>This is why a subcompact .45 ACP is a very bad idea. I personally will never buy a .45 with anything shorter than a 3.5" barrel.</soapbox>

[lobster_roboto]

Originally Posted by portsider44

not to hijack, just wondering if the 185 or 200 gr have lower felt recoil?

With the 185 grain generally has less recoil. I've noticed "softer" recoils with 230grain wwb jhp rounds vs +p 185 grain jhp loads.

[fredj338]

Originally Posted by RobFMJ

If the loads are of comparable "hotness" (pressure), yes, the lighter bullet will yield less recoil.
And it is true that it doesn't take much of a velocity drop for a .45 to fail to expand. <soapbox>This is why a subcompact .45 ACP is a very bad idea. I personally will never buy a .45 with anything shorter than a 3.5" barrel.</soapbox>

Well not really. If diff. bullet weights are fired at the SAME vel. the heavier bullet will recoil more. It really doesn't have much to do w/ presure of the round. You'll find most 185gr+p loads have more "snap" than std. vel. 230grJHP/FMJ.
I'm old school & still liek the idea of the 1000fps ceiling but todays JHP will reliably expand down to 750fps or so. Even the old school 38sp FBI load of 158grLSWCHP will expand down to 800fps or a bit less. Just about any of the current generation JHP will work fine for SD/HD. Just make sure it's #1 reliable & #2 reasonably accurate in your pistol.

[Tally XD]

I read on here, from some reliable members opinions, that you should choose the heaviest bullet, regardless of powder load, that is available for your caliber.

That is what I am sticking with until I am convinced its wrong.

Recoil, to me, makes little difference between a few grains or power load. I just think I would rather have a couple of well placed heavy bullets onthe bad guy than a couple of well placed lighter bullets in their place.

[BMFOTP]

I agree that a few well placed shots with a heavier bullet is the best bet. However, if the recoil from the heavy bullet prevents me from being able to perform follow up shots with accuracy then I am wasting my time. That is why I am trying to find that middle ground where I can get good stopping power and accuracy of shot placement. I am still new to defensive shooting and do not have the skills to perform double taps with confidence and skill. Thanks to everyone for their responses.