How much is too much?

[JlazyH]

For a long time now I have been carrying my Kimber Ultra Carry STS ll 45 acp. I don't fire it very often but I am wondering if it's just too much. I live in a duplex and often think what if I need to use it indoors? I know that it will go threw my walls as well as the neighbors. I wonder too if ever needed at say a store, bank, and so on even if I hit my mark, will it pass threw and take out someone else? What are your feelings on the 45 acp as a daily carry? I have even been thinking about trading it for a 38/357 mag. I'm 64 years old and either will carry a 1911 or a wheel gun short barrel. Something like a S&W model 19 2.5" or the like.

[Hannu]

If you want overpenetration, there are few better CCW calibers than full house .357 Mag. I have seen .357 mag 125gr Gold Dot penetrate 20" of ballistic gelatin - just because there was not any more...
Generally, .45 ACP with proper CCW ammunition penetrates LESS building materials or hard targets (like car doors) than 9x19 or .40 S&W.

My first mag is full of Cor-Bon Pow´r Ball, just because of overpenetration concern - it really does not penetrate, but still has some punch.

If you wanna carry M19, use .38 Special +P ammo or something close to 9x19 performance in it.

My advice: stick with .45 ACP but choose your carry ammo carefully - do not use hardball.

[Irving]

I challenge you to find any documentation of over penetration being an issue for any shooter, ever. That might help you be more comfortable with your caliber choice.

There are a ton of discussions and arguments about "over penetration" but the people that know what they are talking about, aren't worried about hitting other people, they're worried that there will be energy left over that won't be spent inside the bad guy's body.

[275RLTW]

carry what you shoot best and feel comfortable with...

[josh7328]

Yeah man, my informal tests have shown that alot of common defensive pistol calibers perform similarly as far as penetration IN A SOFT TARGET... and its not very much, maybe a few inches difference, except for with FMJ. I wouldn't worry about a .45 JHP overpenetration of a bad guy much. I would select my home defense caliber/load carefully though, because apparently, even the weakest rounds slice through walls like butter. If you feel the shot is unsafe, don't take it. Nice gun, btw!

[Bailey Guns]

I'd worry far more about missing my target than the bullet over-penetrating my target and hurting someone that I didn't intend to hurt.

[Byte Stryke]

I'd worry far more about missing my target than the bullet over-penetrating my target and hurting someone that I didn't intend to hurt.


This^

Hit what you are aiming for
Use defensive rounds, FMJs are right out
Try not to put all 8 in the same hole.

;)

[Ronin13]

Training is key, I try to go shooting 3x or more a month just to keep my skills sharp. I use Hornady Defense JHPs (the kind with the little rubber deal in the tip to ensure symmetrical spread). I don't worry about over penetration unless using my AK or AR, and if that is needed for a bad situation then over penetration is the least of my concern.