Best Self Defense Round 

I believe it was you, sir, from whom I first heard the adage: You don't shoot to kill, you shoot to live. That can be taken a few different ways, but all of them are worth considering. Thank you for so many years of entertaining, yet invaluable wisdom. God bless you, Mr. 45!

It's always a very sad thing when someone forces another person to defend themself. The best thing to do is keep an eye out for conflict and proactively avoid it.

A solid hit is better than a loud miss. Carry what you know you can handle accurately.

Hickok45 for President! Another great conversation. Life is Good!

I’m a retired street cop of 33 years, if all the variables are equal the larger handgun round you can control is going to be your best bet. However I did see quite a few people shot with .22’s that were killed. When it all boils down shot placement is 90% of success. Personally i’m buying pistols in 5.7 now because of large capacity, low recoil, excellent reliability, combined with great accuracy and multiple options for bullet types. One thing to consider is a handgun is just a bridge to get to a better option which would be a shotgun or a rifle.

a wise person once said that you should Only carry ammunition used by your local cops. a jury/ prosecutor can never hold it against you.

Well said Sir. Logic is needed in this world today. At 72 I take for granted the common sense of earlier times.

22 is very capable with shot placement, especially with 22 magnum

A long term study was done on one shot stops years ago, and the 357 Magnum with the Federal 125gr JHP or the Remington 125gr JHP was number one for handguns, and that the 357 and the 12 ga. with 00 buckshot were only 1% apart. The military did a multi million dollar test of the 12 ga shotgun, they determined that the 00 buckshot load rained supreme over all others. So pick a major brand name that's moving fast and you're set.

In the early 80s an older cop told me you want to carry something that's going to stop somebody running at you..... so for me it's always been a 45 caliber on my side and a 12 gauge at home........ just my two cents worth 😂😂

I agree about shot placement being first concern. For years I used to carry a 22 revolver in my car and used to feel it was adequate. It wasn't until more recent times that I felt the need to change my car gun to a 9mm and started carrying a pocket gun in 380 auto. 380 is about as much recoil as I can handle in a mouse gun and still have good shot placement. I feel it's more important to stay within your limit than to have the biggest round on the block.

I really like 38 special double action revolvers myself. Best with a 3 inch barrel. In a self defense situation. Under that much stress, the easier the gun is to operate, the better. And my little 38, i can easily carry in my front pocket. If I dont have it, its not very useful.

The fastest accurate hit wins. Expansion is nice and helps but will not be the determining factor.

Hickok better live to at least 100! We need your knowledge! You are an American Icon!

When I 1st got into firearms 20 years ago, this was an important curiosity of mine. Back then, I always went with 40 caliber. 20 years later, I find the perfect rounds for self defense is what you’re best shooting with basically. You can become precise with anything as long as you practice with it. From 22lr to 50ae.

Shotgun for sure, even a .410 But in a handgun I'd say a 45 has the best all around stopping power. Or affords you the best chance with poor placement. And I'd say this for home defense, interiors as opposed to outside, where a barrel is not an impairment to accuracy. Extreme calibers can be risky. They may knock down your target but they can also travel through walls with ease. You are still responsible downrange....

The best firearm? The best calibre? The best first aid kit? The one you have in your hand when your need it.

When I went for my carry permit I like so many others asked my shooting instructor what would be the best self defense firearm / caliber and his response… - The one you have on you - Whatever you carry just make sure you are proficient in its use .

Spot on talk Hickok! Thank you for all you do for the gun community. I'm good with whatever round my older hands can shoot well.

I have carried 32 cal for 40 of my last 60 years of handgunning. Thin 3/4 in., light 7oz. Keltec p32. Never jammed, ever, You can carry it with shorts on. I carry it 85% pf the time. With a jacket on 9mm -45 cal. Depends on the places I go.

The one that you can place precisely on the target accurately, rapidly, and repeatedly with absolute certainty. Critical hits are paramount. Size of holes is not nearly as important as exactly where they are located.

For one young boy a rock and a slingshot was his best round.

Thank you Hickok45. You're exactly right. During my lifetime I've hunted a lot of big game and have met many hunters who want their rifle to compensate for poor shooting form or poor shot placement. It doesn't work. Naturally I've never been in a self defence situation with a firearm but I think shot placement would be the right thing to focus on.

as a hunter ,tracker, with over 45years experience and knowledge of reloading many, many calibers and when possible retrieving bullets checking retaining weights and expansion I have taken deer from 22lr to 50 cal muzzle loaders. I would point out my 22mag bolt action has taken many game animals in my state which is legal. here many hunters take deer with 22lr and 22mag. my daddy killed so many hogs and beef cows with a 6 in barrel 22lr revolver. many farm livestock taken every year for the freezer with a old single shot 22lr or 22 short. my point is as I've always believed if it can kill a250_400 lb hog and a 1000 pound beef then it can be used in self defense. one exception, I don't and will not own one of the little mouse guns. only around 35 to 60 ft/lb energy. I won't go shorter than 3in barrel 22lr in any pistols or revolvers. with the selection of 22lr today with 3 in barrel energy ranges 75_ 118 or so ft/ lb energy. I enjoy your videos..papa wishing you well. 😊

“It’s nothing like in the movies.” So true.

I like my Glock 19 and 9mm Pistol Carbine with a 8.5" barrel. Interchangeable with a Silencer. I don't have much use for 300 to 1000 yard shots. It's mostly in and around the house self defense rounds.

Active Self Protection is a channel that reviews shootings almost every day. If anyone wants to study the effects of gunfire, that’s a good resource. You don’t always know the caliber they use, but it’s still valuable info.

The best defense round is the one that stops the threat ... which is entirely determined by shot placement.

Gold Dot wins the day for me … or Federal HST

Agree 100% Shot placement.

hickok45 is a awesome man

Remember, you are responsible to account for all seeds your freedom spreader delivers. Make sure the recipient only receives the seeds, not everything next or behind said recipient. Alot of decisions to be made in a fraction of a second. Mental hopscotch/calm reserve/focus before any physical actions, well except breathing 😊

As Hickok just said, there is not only the right bullet placement, because there are other factors like the stamina and strength of the person. I've just remembered the tragic murder of the beautiful singer and dancer Selena by Yolanda Zaldivar when she was shot in the heart with a 38 caliber at extremely short distance, but Selena was able for her great physical condition to run the street away from Yolanda yelling for help until she tragically passed.

What's best is what's in your hands when you need it. 😮

"Sorry if your name is Billy......unless you're a bad guy" lol

Hornady Critical Duty. The 175 Gr. .40 S&W is perfect for my needs out of a Glock .40.

I have often wondered why people put such focus on which defensive round. It is similar to round count in your firearm. Most occurrences take 2-3 rounds, so why does someone need 17. I am not opposed to having 15+ rounds, just curious as to why the emphasis on having it. With caliber, why do you need 9mm, 10mm, 357mag etc., when a 22LR or 32 ACP will actually work. Again, not opposed to a higher caliber, I normally carry a 40 S&W. If you enjoy toting a 50 cal. Desert Eagle, go for it. The better question than what is best for defense is what is enough. What firearm will allow you to function in your daily life and feel comfortable. Hickock45 keeps referring to a 22 or 32. A large number of 380 ACPs and other lower power caliber firearms are used every day and perform their role as needed. If you look at gel tests which are all over RU-vid many defensive rounds / calibers work sufficiently, and those that are noted as not working as well is due to expansion issues. Shot placement matters more with lower power rounds. The firearm and ammunition industry are happy to keep putting out new rounds and new firearms. In the end they are tools, buy the ones that will work for your situation and skill.

A lot of times bad guy just seeing you have a gun is enough to stop the aggression...

Love to hear of your commonsense "talks". I hope you keep them up!

That’s it, I carrying a pocket full of angry bees; I guess they’d be pretty angry, cause they’re in my pocket.

Thanks Hickok45. Excellent video. Great advice. Shoot what you feel comfortable with. Practice a lot.

This is Joe, and I couldn't agree with you more,😂😂 thanks Hick! Lol I appreciate your input

Yep, I agree. I think we all agree shot placement is the most important. Other than that get what you like.

I don't think there is a best, only trade offs.

The best round is the one you can practice with. My wife and I have several we practice with. Options are good to have.

Shot placement is almost always the most important consideration.

My prefer carry rounds are the Hornady Critical Defence and Federal Personal Defence. 9mm, 327 and 32 H&R.

Some years ago, I ordered an IWB holster for my Charter Arms Bulldog. As the holster maker and I discussed my requirements, he opined that, as a retired NYPD detective who had worked the "Son of Sam" murders in the mid '70s, I had chosen an "adequate defence round". I took that as a meaningful endorsement.

I try not to overthink this too much. The self defense rounds I carry are either Speer Gold Dots or Federal HST. Both being the 9mm 124 grain +p variety. I think those have been pretty well proven rounds. Lot’s of different rounds out there. But I see no need to change. For home defense, it’s my trusty 1964 Remington 870 with Federal Flight control. Again. I don’t overthink this stuff. Aim small, miss small. Shot placement for sure.

I know a guy that has 40 plus years of law. Enforcement in a major city. He carries a 22 magnum airweight, using critical defense.

What I've noticed about a law enforcement response to a lethal threat, is that officers typically count on multiple rounds, fired quickly, to neutralize a suspect's ability to cause harm. If 4 or 5 or more bullets strike the suspect, it significantly reduces the problem of bullet placement from the equation. The choice of bullet caliber thus becomes secondary.

I think many of us get wrapped around the axle trying to come up with the perfect caliber and bullet design. The reality is that shot placement and penetration are the most important. Caliber, revolver vs pistol, ammo, are all a distant second.

45acp

Well said, brother.

My nephew is still too small for a 9mm pistol at the range. He uses .22LR and I try to maintain his confidence as well as his respect for firearms by saying that people didn't suddenly become bullet-proof overnight.

Excellent advice. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

Best response I have ever seen on this subject. Love it!

As its always been said, the one you will carry, everyday, all day, that's comfortable, and that you can hit with, is wayyyy better than nothing.....

For common citizens 380ACP it’s my favorite.

Officer Mark Coates died when he received a shot from a 22 l.r. in the armpit that hit his heart after he had shot the assailant 5 times in the chest with a 357 magnum this happened in I think 1992 in South Carolina!

I use the same round that my local Sheriff's Department uses.

Depending on what I am wearing, I carry either a 1911 45 ACP with Liberty Civil Defense (78g, 1900 FPS, Frangible), or a.380 with Liberty Civil Defense (50gr, 1500 FPS, Frangible). They also make a 50g, 2040 FPS, Frangible for 9mm lovers. Low recoil, reduced over-penetration, massive damage - great ammo. I agree with most of what Hickock said, with the exception of 22 short. I had a friend that had to shoot someone in self defense with a 22 short. He was wearing a thick leather vest, and the bullet just bounced off. He never carried that gun again.

H 45 you have the best features of Elmer Kieth....Skeeter SKELTON...Bill Jorden...rolled into one....Old school is the way brother... I'm with you all the way....

And practice, practice, practice!

Hi , been watching Sunday ShootAround for years and this was my first “Talks “ video you are right to keep innovating with the platform, because there is So Much USEFUL INFORMATION in your Brain , n you are a enjoyable unmet friend 💥💥🔫 from Commy Ct.🇺🇸

I carry the same thing I practice with every weekend: quality 115gr ball. Billy won’t stop to discern your ammo selection if you are putting effective rounds on target.

I just love this channel.

Ken Hackthorn said the best ammo is what you have in your handgun when the fighting starts

Im considering an all copper round because, often enough, the surgical doctor wants to just leave the bullet in there and leave it alone. However, if the bullet has a lot of lead content, surgery may be necessary.

" In Home " Self Defense Round / Weapon = 12 Gauge Shotgun with ' 00 ' Buckshot & Sabots ( 2 - 3 / 2 - 3 )

At one time the .357magnum 125gr Nyclad bullet was the most lethal, the most highly rated handgun round per the FBI.

Great advice. Glad you didn’t pretend to answer this question for all responsible firearms owners and the self- defense situations they might face. Be confident. Be fast (enough). Be accurate. Be ready.

The best one is the one that is easiest to conceal that has the best reliable hottest ammunition for the firearm and the carrier knows how to operate the weapon.

Intimate Fear of Death or Grave Bodily Injuries. I get it turned around, but close enough for now. Many people could die or become disabled by a Full Adrenaline Charge. Anxiety can cause trouble for anyone in a situation of self defense. Training and preparations are needed and it is not easygoing. I care!!!!

In my opinion , 12ga 00buck first round, 2nd round 1oz slug. 6

An excellent and well thought-out presentation.

Excellent talk!

It is shot placement that matters. Practice with whatever you carry and get that muscle memory working for you.

To avoid unnecessary legal trouble it might be wise to get the same caliber as your local law enforcement. Some prosecutors will complain about your 'extra powerful' rounds..

Subscribed! 100% agree with stopping power versus lethality. Assassins have favored the .22 for years; it will kill someone dead of wounds the next day. But you can be killed by a mortally wounded assailant if you don't have stopping power. I hope to live out my life with this being a matter of discussion only.

A good point on actual rounds may be police and military use. 9mm, .40 cal etc.

Cliched answer: the one you have on you. But true.

Great presentation and the absolute right answer to the question posed.

It’s a very easy question to answer. Whichever caliber and out whichever firearm you can put the most shots on target at center mass the fastest and at the most rapid rate of fire possible is the best self defense round for you.

Hickok you know what you're saying in this video as well.

Common question, perfect answer!

There's a LEO on here called 'free field training' who insists that smaller calibers are insufficient with stopping a threat, but he focused more on headshots and how much power you actually need to actually penetrate the skull. I always viewed it as 2 games you could play. Where, if you aren't trying to impart as much energy on target, then your other option is to poke as many holes in the target as possible so they bleed out faster, or you hit a vital through sheer probability. But I can see this as a problem with multiple targets, so I opt for the energy game. But obviously you get the issue of overpenetration. You see stuff on youtube showing hollowpoints vs various barriers, but they seem inconclusive. I really wonder if frangible rounds are an option with magnum rounds, on paper it would seem to be the best of both worlds. But until then I'm just shooting my friend's guns until I decide if I want a revolver as my first gun.

Thanks for your videos! I learn something every time I watch your channel!!😊

If you're not carrying a phase plasma rifle in 40 gigawatt range you might as well just curl up in feedle position. Works every time all the time!

That's exactly how I feel rather the threat survives or not is irrelevant as long as the threat leaves me alone. That's why I don't care much about penetration I like round like civil defense that will cause shock and extreme pain FIBS factor

I've thought about this too, which round, what gun, where to shot, when exactly to shot: before or after the "get out of my..." It came down to this for me, it's whatever handy. It may even be a kitchen knife. I pray it never happens. It may never happen, and yet... Thank you for this video.

As a former arty guy I'll take the 155 over anything for defense, in a pinch 105.

On the North American continent my top 2 choices for 4 legged threats among long guns would be a semi-automatic 12 gauge shotgun or semi-automatic rifle chambered in 30 06. As far as handguns I’d still opt for one of the large caliber revolvers. 2 legged threats however any firearm should suffice assuming the assailant isn’t armored up.

There are no guarantees for best caliber or even weapon. It's a series of variable equations that determines the outcome. The best gun with the best round in it does nothing for a person who isn't comfortable or confident with them. The only thing you can do is cover the equations in your control. Get a gun you can control, know inside and out and reliably hit the target when firing it. Any gun you use and are confident in knowing it will work when and how you need it to is the best defense.

I saw a guy with 14 rounds in him from a 9mm, who was still coming at the cops. One well placed .22LR between the eyes can stop someone dead in their tracks, so to speak. No matter what caliber I carry, I just make sure that the gun has a mag that carries many rounds. I prefer 9mm for my every day carry gun since it holds 17+1, and I also carry 2 extra mags with it. A .22LR can be just as effective as long as you have 'enough' rounds. I would rather carry a .22LR with a 20 round magazine than carry a 9mm with only 7 rounds in the mag. But that is just me, as I'm sure everyone has their own choice, but I will say this, there is NOTHING worse than running out of ammo during a gunfight, knowing that you could survive if you only had more bullets. Not a good feeling at all...

Stop the threat.

Well, as far as I'm concerned, the one that I think would be the best one is the one that goes off when you pull the trigger I carried. I won't tell you what company for 6 month. Well I don't know how long it will carry. It was in there in the chamber for a reasonable amount of time and I went to go and Target shoot a little bit and I decided I need to use the ones that were in there and I went sided in fool's the trigger and the thing never went off. Not even the second time and I really don't want to get shot with any caliber. That's all I got to say about that and you have a good day. Be safe

This cannot be to hard to figure out. Would think any caliber is better then no caliber at all. But since cops and military uses and used 9mm, 38s, 40s, 45s, for decades now, would think those calibers are the best 1s. If they are not then why the military and cops uses them for.

I appreciate these chats more than the shooting.

You can always have the best self defense round if you always know where the danger is coming from. If not, you have the best defense round for your ability and physical size, since you can NEVER predict where danger is hiding() There may be a time when your best situational awareness protocols fail. your ability to defend your family and self are called out at that moment.