A recent scientific survey revealed that self-protection is the overwhelming reason Americans exercise their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

Published in the journal Injury Prevention in late July, authors of the study stated, “Firearm ownership for protection in the USA 2023: results from a nationally representative survey,” found that “of all firearms owners, 78.8% … owned a firearm for protection.”

Understanding Handgun Self-Defense Ammunition

It’s likely that many first-time gun owners also fall into that category. However, with limited knowledge about various types of ammunition, new gun owners can have a difficult time choosing self-defense ammo since gun shop shelves are literally covered with different offerings, creating confusion for those who haven’t been there, done that.

While rifles, shotguns and handguns are all commonly used for self-defense purposes, for this story we’ll narrow our discussion down to handgun ammunition, since handguns are the most commonly used type of firearm for self-defense.

Range Versus Self-Defense Ammo

In a nutshell, pistol and revolver ammunition is available in two different types—range and self-defense. Let’s dispense with range ammunition quickly by noting that it is typically full-metal-jacket ammo that is generally unsuitable for self-defense purposes. Usually easy to find and cheaper than self-defense ammo, these rounds do not expand upon impact, causing less damage to the target, and can also be prone to overpenetration in self-defense scenarios. Definitely use them for range use and training, but for self-defense always choose purpose-made ammunition.

Self-defense ammo, typically hollow points or other expanding rounds, is made with the specific purpose of stopping an immediate threat while minimizing the risk of overpenetration. These are the rounds you’ll want to always use in your handgun for self-defense purposes—whether home defense or concealed carry.

The vast majority of self-defense ammunition falls into the category of jacketed hollow points. This simply means that the ammo has a hollow point for expansion upon contact with a target, and the bullet is enclosed in a very thin metal “jacket.”

Bullet Selection Criteria

There are three important requirements to consider when choosing a jacketed hollow point or other self-defense round. First, it needs to be able to penetrate the target enough to stop an attacker. It also must reliably expand to create enough internal damage to put an immediate end to an attack. Lastly, it must be accurate and reliable in your firearm. 

One thing to note: Good self-defense ammunition is typically much more expensive than range rounds. But if the need ever arises, you’ll be glad you paid a little more for ammunition made for the purpose.

Don’t overlook the accuracy and reliability part of the equation. While it might put a dent in your pocketbook, you must shoot enough rounds of any potential self-defense ammunition through your chosen firearm to ensure that it reliably ejects and feeds every time you pull the trigger. And you must shoot enough rounds to ensure that it is very accurate through your particular handgun.

Some Quality Self-Defense Rounds

Now, let’s take a quick look at a handful of good, purpose-made self-defense rounds from some different ammo makers.

Hornady Critical Defense

Hornady’s Critical Defense has been a top choice for many gun owners for years. The FTX bullet used in the round maximizes the penetration potential of this ammo, and the patented Flex Tip within the hollow point not only aids expansion but eliminates clogging when passing through clothing. Critical Defense is available in 19 different calibers including the popular 9mm, .45 ACP and .357 Magnum.

Federal Premium Personal Defense

Federal Premium’s Personal Defense line owns a reputation as proven, favored by many. Its specially designed hollow point expands reliably through a variety of barriers, and the bullet’s expanded diameter and weight retention produce the desired penetration for personal-defense situations without over penetrating. It is also available in a multitude of calibers, including for the most popular self-defense chamberings.

Speer Gold Dot

The Gold Dot line has been around for decades and is a favorite of many law enforcement officers. This ammunition’s hollow-point design features a structural-plated, pressure-formed core, bonded to an extremely uniform jacket a single atom at a time. It is also widely available in just about any caliber and bullet weight you might want for self-defense purposes.

SIG Sauer V-Crown

SIG Sauer doesn’t just make great guns, and their V-Crown ammo is another good self-defense option. According to SIG, this ammo creates a consistent V-shaped main cavity on top of a deep narrow trail with superior weight retention, maximum expansion and optimal penetration depth time after time. It comes in calibers from .380 Auto to .44 Magnum.

Winchester USA Ready Defense

Winchester’s USA Ready Defense line of self-defense ammo also has plenty of followers. A select grade of personal-defense ammunition offering the ideal combination of stopping power, penetration and reliable expansion, USA Ready Defense features a Hex-Vent rigid insert that shields the bullet’s hollow point from obstruction while channeling material flow for positive bullet expansion. Available calibers include 9mm, .40 S&W, 10mm and .45 ACP.

Black Hills HoneyBadger

Also, consider the Black Hills HoneyBadger ammo. Typically lighter for the caliber (for instance, the 9mm bullet weighs 100 grains) instead of a hollow point, these rounds with solid copper, non-deforming, non-fragmenting projectiles utilize wide, sharp flutes. The company calls them, “ballistic broadheads that cut through barriers that cause hollow points to fail.” While not available in as many chamberings as some of the other ammo mentioned, they do come in all of the most popular self-defense calibers.