help me settle on a self defense load

[matt85]

so I was hoping that accuracy testing would help me pick but both loads ended up being similar on paper. I'm looking for a general purpose self defense load against anything that could want to separate me from the mortal coil. the pistol will be used for home defense and defense when hunting/camping.

which do you like better and why?

Underwood 180gr bonded JHP

or

Underwood 200gr Hornady XTP

I'm game for other suggestions but so far these are my favorites.

thank you
-Matt

[tommac919]

My old SD carry round is the Silver Tip 175 gr... well tested bullet, warm plus side on scale
But lately I have been moving over to the Underwood 165 gr GD as i get better keeping them in a tighter group with multi shots

For woods carry when i go hiking, I do carry the 200gr XTPs and I like the heavier bullet ... as i mostly see smaller Black bears.

[The_Shadow]

Underwood 165 gr GD is an excellent choice.
The UW's I have were stuffed with IMR800X 9.6 grains Muzzle Velocity: 1400 fps  Muzzle Energy: 718 ft. lbs

During colder weather Underwood 180gr bonded JHP or Underwood 200gr Hornady XTP would word to punch through heavier coats and clothing layers...

[matt85]

how does the 165gr GD hold up at 10mm speeds? in the tests ive seen the 180gr GD just barely holds together at 1300fps.

-matt

[tommac919]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHYEhGlw87M

[matt85]

thanks for the link.

will do a bit more testing before I settle on something.

-matt

[txbadge]

I thought Underwood 180 or 165 then found the Double Tap 155 grain Barnes Bullet.  Awesome round.  Since I carry two spares for self defense I will carry one extra mag of 155grain Barnes and one mag of 180 grain for penetration and getting the heck out of dodge  by that time.

[sgtbones]

What are you going to carry in your main mag?  180 or 165.

[Olgo]

I carry Uw 10mm 200 XTP in my G29. With an average of 1150 fps I get 580 fpe.

[SA4044]

Thanks for the info guys! I just bought UW 165 gr GD and Doubletap 165 gr GD for my 29.

[Overkill338]

Odds are the Underwood will be faster than the double tap.

[SA4044]

Interesting! Ok and thanks!

[4949shooter]

The Underwood 165 grain offerings are truly excellent in my personal opinion and experience.