If you are trusting it with your protection its .45 or better IMO. I am not a big fan of 9mm. In a situation where you are lucky to get one round on target stopping power is paramount. Training is a very close second though, having a range where you can practice varied techniques is very important.

 

Being a .45 man myself I can really appreciate the "knock down" power of the .45. That being said, with todays technology in defense ammo most calibers will do the trick.

 

Yes there have been marked improvements in defense ammo but there is still no replacement for kinetic energy. Looking at my favorite defense ammo the difference in force is about 60% between a 9mm and .45. Considering all other aspects of the bullets are the same and most factors in wound physics are linearthe .45 should create a cavity 60% larger.Thats why I wouldprefer to have a .45 if my life depended on it. Its much more powerful and stillpretty easy to shootaccurately.

On another topic, are there any decent outdoor ranges out in callahan? I am tired of indoor ranges here in Jacksonville.

 

Here's some good info on various types of ammo in all the basic calibers, a good read to say the least.http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_De..._FAQ/index.htm.
I hear there's a decent out door range out in Hilliard. I'm looking to put my AR10 through it's paces next week during the Thanksgiving break, I'll let you know if it's worth a trip.

 

Thanks for that link very good read.

 

I would appreciate that I am building 2 ARs in January, I need a good outdoor range.

As far as that site is concerned, it appears to have some good info (i just skimmed it so far). However, when there are so many variables I would much rather have a round with more power in case I dont get the best placement, I only get one shot, I have to shoot through some minor obstruction, etc..

 

What kind of AR you looking to build?

 

I want to builda carbinewith a Mega Gator Lower, Vltor VIS upper, Magpul CTR, undecided on which barrel at this point. The second build I want to use for longer range fun, most likely using noveske parts up top, Mega lower, Magpul PRS, I need to find a nice heavy barrel, I have a virtually new Trijicon Accupoint to throw on it as well.

I would rather have a .308 or in a perfect world a .338 lapua for long range fun but I am worried about the AR going away again so I figure I will buildtwo in.223 so I can buy mags and ammo in bulk before the taxes go up.

 

thank you for reporting in brother did not know when we start talk in the chit chat thread it was goning to be a real hot topic