Home defensive 300 BO load that is unstable?

[41Bear]

Where I live the houses are very close together, between houses side to side is no more than 5 to 10 yards, front to front (across the street) 20 to 30 yards. That being the case I'm looking for a factory load that will stay within the confines of my home.

I know I could go to a different round (223/556/277or 6.8spcII) by building another upper but I'm trying to avoid doing that at this time. I have 2 10.5" barreled pistol uppers with a lower just for them. I have read that the Nosler220 gr RN subsonic is somewhat unstable, does anyone here know that to be true?

Any other load or advice will be appreciated.

[ozleux]

I've made repeated attempts to get the Nosler 220 Ballistic Tip to stabilize. In 4 different weapons, with about 6 different powders. I haven't had any luck, and have all but given up on them. There is a thread in the handloading section. Take a look at Lehigh, Maker, and the new kid on the block is Discreet Ballistics. Hornady is coming out with a 190gr loading, but I don't have my hands on any yet. Lehigh and Maker are proven performers by several members here.

[NeVs24]

I wouldnt go subsonic unless it's a Lehigh projectile or one specifically designed to expand at subsonic speeds. Otherwise it will over penetrate like crazy.

I prefer light supersonic loads with a suppressor. Less penetration, more energy and depending on the cartridge safe enough to shoot in door with no hearing protection.

[WAWII]

I was listening to a pod cast the other day where they were discussing a new Frangible bullet for self defense in your home, you might look into it?

[batman4706]

I use 78 grain Lehighs in mine.

[plant.one]

I use 78 grain Lehighs in mine.

that would be my suggestion. a bullet that dumps and frags relatively shallow but still gets ok penetration into soft targets


check this gel test

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZDIurn7ku0

[NeVs24]

I use 78 grain Lehighs in mine.

that would be my suggestion. a bullet that dumps and frags relatively shallow but still gets ok penetration into soft targets


check this gel test

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZDIurn7ku0

The video of the close quarters in clay was pretty damn impressive

[41Bear]

I agree guys the Lehigh 78 gr. load would be my preferred load but my problem with it is that in the two years I've tried to buy it it's been like hen's teeth to get. I do reload that bullet and have gotten great results with it which speaks to the quality of the bullet itself. However I'm not going to use any reloaded ammo for self defense so until or unless Lehigh gets on it's horse an starts producing the loaded ammo again I'm left looking for something else that will do the job.

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I'm going to get some of the Nosler loaded 220 gr. RN and run some dry wall insulation test in Dec. will share when it's over.

[7mmShooter]

Theoretically at least, sounds like a perfect application for Dynamic Research Technologies Terminal Shock frangible, although penetration into the target may not be enough