M.Magis
Well-known member
More power and energy aren't always what you want in a self defense gun/load. Big, powerful loads tend to blow right through the target at close range, which means most of the energy is lost. Ideally, you want the load to put all of its energy into the target, which equals more stopping power. It's been well documented that people under the influence of substances, or just adrenalin, can sometimes seem unaffected after being shot with large caliber weapons, especially with FMJ bullets. That's why defense loads are made to fragment at close range. I keep a 12 gauge loaded with 7.5 shot next to my bed. It won't kill every time, but a load of that to the face will stop anyone. It also won't penetrate walls.