Best Defensive Ammo for the 97b

[DonNikmare]

I did a search for "ammo" n then "defensive" but none of the posts had specific info r/d this....
           
            1. So what do you think is best defensive ammo for the 97b n what do you keep in yours?
           
            2. Does grn matter n if so in what way does it affect anything?  I read it's best to use 230 grn in some post a while back as that is what the gun is designed to shoot but would smaller grain bullets affect anything negatively or positively(accuracy, expansion, etc.)?
           
            3. Is  p ammo of any kind OK to shoot in the 97b n would it affect anything negatively or positively (accuracy, expansion, etc.)?
           
            I keep Federal 230grn jhp's in mine when at home but I keep reading here n there that federal is not the best.  I bought it cause it was the cheapest n comes in 230 grn but I'm not sure which of the other ones would be better.
           
            Nik

[rbernie]

The Remington Golden Sabre in 185gr and 230 seems to be well thought-of; not too much muzzle flash and excellent bullet performance in denim-covered gelatin.
           
            I carry 230 Golden Sabres.

[Hermo Gut]

               I use Remington Golden Sabre 185gr.+p JHP and Federal without any problem. Accuracy & expansion very satisfactory  
               For full metal jacket , I use Speer Lawman & Armscor 230gr., very reliable for my 97B.

[Radom]

1.  I carry 230gr FMJ or LRN, when I carry the pistol.  JHPs are fine, but they are probably a waste in anything heavier than 200gr, since the velocity is much lower.  Most studies that I have seen show that the 200gr JHP is the optimal load.  
           
            2.  Grain weight affects velocity and point of impact.  Higher weight = lower velocity.  Higher weight = higher point of impact.  The CZ 97B is "designed" for the 230gr weight in the sense that the fixed sights are registered for this bullet weight.  Lighter bullets will shoot lower with the OEM sights.  
           
            3.  The theory behind +P is that the higher pressure (+P) allows for higher velocities.  Once again, +P loadings make more sense in the 185gr and 200gr bullet weights.  230gr loads do not greatly increase in velocity, as compared to the lighter bullets.  The CZ 97B can handle +P loads, but I would suggest at least a 16# Wolff spring.  
           
            In theory, a 200gr +P JHP would be the best defensive load for the pistol.  In practice, the big and slow 230gr load is a bit more accurate.

[DonNikmare]

Thanks for the responses.
           
            The Remington Golden Sabers seems to get very good feedback from many different people - I just have not been able to find them at a local store yet.  I only buy ammo a little at a time so buying on-line would not offset the shipping at this point.
           
            FEG thanks for the detailed response - it answered a lot of my questions.
           
            Nik

[rbernie]

I coulda sworn that Cheaper Than Dirt carried them. If not, I know that Galyans does....

[DonNikmare]

They did have some when I went last Friday but not in .45ACP.
            Nik

[CZ75BSA]

I am a big fan of Speer Gold Dots.
            In just about every caliber they seem "hotter" and more accurate than other brands.  
            I just found some 200 gr, +P in .45 !!
            I haven't shot them yet, though.
           
            The main downside to Gold Dots is that they are expensive. I usually by the 9mm and .40 by the case to get a good price, but I have been unable to find the .45 in case sizes.
           
            The only compensation is that even generic .45 roundball is also a very effective defense round; after all, it is already as big a diameter and heavier than the biggest .40 hollow points can only hope to be under ideal conditions.  
            A LOT of people have been killed in combat by .45 ACP hardball ammo.

[DonNikmare]

Quote:A LOT of people have been killed in combat by .45 ACP hardball ammo.

           
            I am concerned with their dealiness but I don't foresee ever carrying the big 97b although I know several of our members do so successfully.  I'm planning to get the P-01 for my CCW.
           
            I plan to keep the 97b at home so I am equally concerned with the possibility of overpenetration.  I want the round to expand sufficiently in order to help prevent overpenetration through drywall n such.
           
            Nik

[jwc007]

When overpenetration becomes an issue, the Winchester Silvertip line generally has been the recommended ammo.  I have their 185 grn Silvertips for my .45's, although I prefer Remington 185 grn +P Gold Sabre's.  You may wish to see if they cycle in your CZ97B.  They should, as their current bullet shape has a fairly rounded ogive, but the cartridge OAL is on the short side, which some CZ97B's actually prefer, from what I've seen posted here.  
           
            Below is a link to Steve's Pages, where results of Ballistic Testing of .45 ACP ammo is shown.  Note the results for the Winchester Silvertip.
           
            stevespages.com/page8f45acp.html

[rbernie]

www.ballisticreview.com/45acp.html
           
            www.ammolab.com/Test%20Results.htm

[BENETONE]

I like FEDERAL's EFMJ, 230gr P+. JHPs are not alowed around here.

[reveasy]

Mine seems to prefer Federal's Personal Defense 165-grain Hydra-Shoks, so that's what it gets; that's how it's loaded when I carry it concealed.

[Uncle Alvah]

I like plain old 230 gr ball. I used to shoot hydrashocks but they were too expensive to shoot much. Also, a personal friend in Alaska pumped 7 Hydra 45's from a 1911 into a big old porky-pine and it wandered off quite a way before expiring! He was very un-impressed......The shooter that is, we didn't get the porkys opinion on the whole matter.....

[CaesarI]

DocGKR is a published member of the International Wound Ballistics Association, and has done rather more tests using the State of California's money than anyone else.
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            -Morgan