What is a key consideration when selecting ammunition for self-defense?

When selecting ammunition for self-defense, a critical consideration is ballistic performance and penetration. This aspect is vital because it determines how effectively the ammunition will perform in real-life situations where personal safety is a concern.

Ballistic performance refers to the behavior of the bullet once fired, which includes factors such as velocity, trajectory, and energy transfer upon impact. A well-performing round will have consistent accuracy and stability, ensuring that the intended target is hit effectively.

Penetration is equally important—it relates to how deeply the bullet can penetrate a target, which can be crucial in stopping an assailant while minimizing the risk of over-penetration that could endanger bystanders. The goal in self-defense scenarios is to incapacitate a threat as quickly and safely as possible, making the characteristics of the ammunition a top priority.

While cost, brand reputation, and even color may be considerations in certain contexts, the primary focus for self-defense should always be on how well the ammunition performs in critical situations, as this directly affects the safety and effectiveness of the individual using it.