What is the best type of ammunition to take for defense while camping?

Question

I'm going camping in the west virginia hills this weekend and my girlfriend insists I bring a firearm to protect us from both wildlife and humans(I have my CC permit). But i only have a 40 s&w. What would be the best style of ammo to bring? I can't find a such thing as 40 hunting ammo and don't know if i should take fmj for penetration in case of a large animal or jhp for more knock down power. any suggestions?

Answer 1

dont spend any more on ammo than you already have.  more than likely you will not need it, and if so you are packing some major heat anyway, its gonna hurt.  

i carry a 45 acp, and white box ammo on my camping.  if it gets wet or damp, you havent lost much.

Answer 2

I have a cabin in upstate New York and sympathize with you.  I like a Mini 14 with standard FMJ ammo, or a Shotgun with two rounds of birdshot followed by 3 slugs.  I too have my CC permit and like Hydrashocks, luckily I have never had to use them, but from what I understand they will take down anything that is going to cause your problems.  I'm not sure what animals you are worried about....bears, or smaller, but if you hit a Bear in the head with a .40S&W it'll go down.  Good luck, you have a lot of choices.

Answer 3

Hornady TAP is an extremly versatile round in the .40 as is the Federal Hydra shock. The "best" round for your purpose would probably be a heavy grain J.H.P.

Between the weight of the round and the controlled expansion available from both of these modern hollow points you get good knockdown power and a larger wound channel.  I also own and carry a .40 and the rounds that protect My family when we are in the woods of Oregon are Hornady TAP.

I.M.H.O., I think the trend towards FMJ had less to do with penetration and more to do with reliable feeding. Modern firearms with improved feed combined with the JHP's of today have virtually eliminated the need for FMJ ammo.

Answer 4

I saw that movie - you need a compound bow and a canoe - banjo optional

Answer 5

Winchester makes a round SXT that is very popular. Also a 180 gr silvertip.

Hornady does their custom loads in 155, 165 and 180 grains.

Also Hornday does their TAP loads in 155 and 180 gr.

Federal does their loads in a 155 expanding FMJ, 155, 165 and 180 gr Hydra Shok loads.

Speer Gold dot is a good load in a 180 grain.

All will suffice for pers protection, but what load may work well with your gun is up in the air until you give it a try.

I've personally shot just about all of the loads except the SXT and find they shoot well thru my Sprinfield XD.

Good luck

Answer 6

See if you can pick up some corbon DPX rounds.

They are heat treated all copper hollow points. I carry them when I go hikining in the woods as they are the best handgun round for critters with 2 or 4 legs.