Can plastic bullets in a standard handgun be used for self-defense?

What are the disadvantages of using plastic bullets in a handgun for self-defense? What is the effective range? Do they have any stopping power -- how much does it hurt to be shot with them?
Joe, are you f-ing kidding me dude? What about the folks from VA Tech -- are you saying they had it coming because they didn't choose a safer school?
If a man seeks to harm me, I intend to be prepared to face him; and if you happen to be present, you'll thank me.
Fyi -- I don't mean home-defense, I'm talking bullets used in a gun for concealed carry. I know that they’d be pretty weak, but at close enough range it will still be sufficient to stun/disable an opponent, right? What kind of range would this be?

Ok Steve, here is the dope. I understand your concept. You want something that will wound or kill the badguys but not over penetrate and endanger innocent bystanders. Right?

Your desire is commendable, but the solution is not plastic bullets.

Some years ago, AEC (Atomic Energy Commission) Security forces experimented with plastic bullets for use inside nuclear power plants. These were not the primer fired target bullets some other person mentioned (They can be fun BTW), they were aerodynamically build of some super hard plastic and launched at some mighty impressive velocities, I mean about twice standard velocity.

They were acceptably accurate, and produced some fair wound channels in testing, but AEC dropped the idea because the range was far too limited, less than 25 yards IIRC, and the bullets lacked the ability to penetrate cover. AEC decided that if their security forces got into a firefight with terrorists, they would have so many bullets flying around from the badguys, that limiting the combat power of the good guys was wasted effort.

For defense on the streets, I must agree.

For one reason, if your intent is to create a less than lethal projectile, you will not have any more latitude for use than you would the best JHP on the market. You would still be governed by the rules of lethal force engagement.

For another reason, shooting to wound is bad tactics, regardless of the movies we watched as kids. If you have to draw a gun and fire, you must shoot to STOP your attacker, and if the attacker dies as a result, so be it. As it is, using the most effective bullets available, only 26% of gunshot wounds result in death. A wounded attacker may still be able to kill or injure you or a member of your family. So shoot to stop the threat, and don't stop shooting until the threat is ended. On the otherhand, if the threat ends, and your attacker is still on his feet and running away from you, you no longer have a right to use lethal force, so quit shooting!

In my opinion, you would be better served by a easily expanding or frangible bullet. Depending on your handgun, I would suggest a soft lead Semi-Wadcutter or Semi-Wadcutter Hollowpoint, or a light for the caliber Jacketed Hollowpoint. I use Federal 125 gr JHP's in my M-640, and 200 gr. Winchester Silvertips in my old Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Spl.

Doc Hudson

Self Defense Bullets

Self Defense Bullets

Is V-Max in .223 good for self defense?

I was looking to buy bulk black hills ammo for my AR-15 and don't know what bullets to get, they have a big selection. Any suggestions? And is V-max good for self defense?

Round nose lead in .22 Long Rifle is good for self defense if you know how to shoot.

.223 V-Max? You taking on a herd of moose? FMJ .223 will punch through 1/4" plate steel. The V-Max explodes on contact expending its energy in relatively short distance of tissue. Self defense? Overkill! Hunting, sure.

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Self Defense Bullets
.410 handgun self defense ammo....

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