a question about the acu'rzr....

[Hankster]

Seeing the vastly increased expansion you get, has anyone done any "research" into the increased effect it would have in using the .22 as a "defensive" round??? Don't want a discussion on how "X" caliber is far better (we own .357's and a CZ75 9mm)... Just want to focus on the effect such expansion has if a .22 is used for defense compared to "standard" HP bullets. Off the top, it would sure LOOK like expanding to what looks to be about .44/.45 diameter would make a big improvement. Does such expansion slow/stop penetration??? Anyone use these on anything bigger than rabbits etc? Ballistic gelatin? What?

[Buffboy]

Any form of expansion of a bullet reduces penetration. That's the point, to make the energy dump in the target instead of what's behind the target in the instance of excess energy. I suspect it would depend what the target is. The nasty nose increases the expansion but 22LR does not have a lot of excess energy for penetration in larger animals. In a defensive role the 22LR is a good killer but not a good stopper in handguns. If I were using a 22 in a defensive situation I would probably load a normal hollowpoint or a solid in a pistol.

[donw]

i agree with buffboy about the penetration factor.

i read a recent article about how police are now questioniong the ability of ANY handgun cartridge as being able to "stop"...

as we understand the issue of "stopping" and "killing", they are two different issues that may, or may not, be related.

police normally use firearms to "stop" someone or something...if it "kills" it in the process of stopping it, then, c'est la vie.

when we shoot a deer, elk, bear, etc, we intend, and are trying to, "kill" it; will 'penetration' or an expanding bullet work best? why do big game rifles used in africa, normally shoot solids? to penetrate the big animals and KILL them.

there's lot's of scientific test data available about 'penetration vs stopping' to support any results you'd care to see. in fact, much, if not most, 'penetration' data i've seen supports the 9mm as being superior to the .45 ACP for 'penetrating' due to bullet size and speed. that's the basic reason the military uses it along with hardball ammo; penetration. (this is not intended to ignite a 9mm vs 45 debate, either)

i personally believe in the 9mm/.45 ACP as being probably the best all around choice for personal defense rounds available; i have both.

but...here again...if the .22 rimfire is what you have in hand when needed...by all means...use it.

[JustaJeepGuy]

...if it "kills" it in the process of stopping it, then, c'est la vie.

...so to speak...