7.62x39mm in Urban Environment

[bal_g23]

What would be the best 7.62x39mm round for home defense in an urban setting (ie neighbors houses within 25ft or so on the left and right of my house) FMJ is out of the question, im questioning Winchester, Federal, Remington soft point ammo, and does anyone know about Glaser Safety Slugs out of a rifle? Ive heard stories of not getting the job done, but those were from pistols I believe.
I realize the 7.62x39 is by no means the best caliber for the urban setting, but its all thats currently available.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Ram Rod]

CorBon make a 123gr DPX load for the 7.62x39 for hunting. I've also heard that the surplus 124gr HP's are similar in performance. I have some Norinco soft-points, forget what grain weight. Rifle calibers like this still go over 2000fps and hollow point cavities are very small in diameter. You may want to look into frangible ammo, there is an EBR subsonic load with 220gr bullet, as well as the Extreme Shock ammo available. Those are some rather expensive options however.
http://www.shootnhunt.com/catalog/JM...9/0310838.html
http://www.frangiblebullets.com/reload/index.html
http://www.ssgtactical.com/index.html?EBRAmmunition

[Blackeagle]

American ammunition manufacturers have kind of ignored 7.62x39mm. CorBon's DPX loading was the first really high performance load to come out in the caliber. It's a great round as far as terminal effect goes, but if you're trying to avoid penetration, it's probably not a good choice. DPX is better at penetrating layered barriers than most FMJ loads.

[retsupt99]

In an urban setting when the SHTF, I'm not going to worry about bullet type, caliber, or any other obstacles to defend my family/home. That's assuming that roving bands of dirtbags are running wild.
Of course no one wants a bullet to go through a wall or down the street into someone else's home...anarchy/urban riot situation and war could be a real hell.

In a home invasion situation, I am aware of which directions are better for all concerned...I would always try to plan for that, but a man's gotta' do what a man's gotta do....

Which would you choose, a bullet possibly going into a neighbor's house, or the life of one of your children because BG's are trying to get into your home?

There is a fine line in trying to determine which caliber type will go through clothing and the BG, but not a neighbor's window or wall.

I know my choice.

[pgrass101]

I am more concerned with under penatration than over.

I want the ability to shoot through the interior walls of my house to get the BG who might be on the other side.

If a BG is in my house I will defend my family and do whatever is nessecary to stop the threat. My immediate concern is my family, everything else is secondary.

[raevan]

I use the same ammo for home defence that I do for hunting. 154gr SP Wolf
The Sportsman's guide Shooters catalog list it : box of 20=$4.72, 500 rnds=$117.97, 1,000 rnds=$229.97. Muzzle velocity(F.P.S.)2,104, Muzzle Energy (ft.-lbs.)=1,513.

[HotGuns]

Dont discount the FMJ for urban settings because that is exactly what it is designed for.

[AZ Husker]

It's being used in urban environments all over the world every day.

[HotGuns]

It's being used in urban environments all over the world every day

.

Yep.

[M2]

There are numerous better weapons for home defense. I would use my 12-gauge Mossberg before I would use my AK. Things would have to be real bad (e.g. looting and rioting) to justify the use of an AK...

Cheers! M2

[Ram Rod]

There are numerous better weapons for home defense. I would use my 12-gauge Mossberg before I would use my AK. Things would have to be real bad (e.g. looting and rioting) to justify the use of an AK...

Cheers! M2

Things can turn real bad in a hurry.

[AZ Husker]

The myth of a 12 gauge shotgun clearing a hallway has long been proved a lie. Pattern spread in the length of a house is minimal. I'll take the 30 rounds of an AK over the five rounds of a shotgun anytime.

[normal]

I am a big fan of rifles for home defense and keep an AR next to the bed, but I would not be in favor of using a 7.62x39. I have two in that caliber and they are great, but there is too much penetration in that round for my liking. I would use a handgun first if possible. If that is the only gun you have, I would definately load it up with some SP's to try and reduce penetration through barriers.

[itschuck]

Black's Law Dictionary defines recklessness in American law as "Conduct whereby the actor does not desire harmful consequence but...foresees the possibility and consciously takes the risk," or alternatively as "a state of mind in which a person does not care about the consequences of his or her actions." Black's Law dictionary 1053 (Bryan A. Garner ed., 8th ed. abr. 2005). In American courts, a wrongdoer who recklessly causes harm can be held to the same liability as a person who intentionally does so.

Also being a holder of a concealed weapons permit I am sure should a round penetrate and do harm to your neighbor that you would be held to a higher standard.

So do yourself a favor and use a shotgun, and be sure of your target before you pull that trigger.

[Blackeagle]

So do yourself a favor and use a shotgun, and be sure of your target before you pull that trigger.

A shogun is not a panacea as far as overpenetration is concerned. Bucksho goes through drywall like a hot knife through butter. I think a .223 with frangible ammo is the best compromise between terminal effect and avoiding overpenetration.