[Jottin' Jersey]

My range has matches where two teams of two shooters use pistols to shoot a 2x4 in half. The first team to cut the 2x4 wins. It's real fun! Visit the site at http://www.woodworking101.org/

I've used a 9mm and a .45. I was wondering what is the best ammo to use. In the .45 I have used S&B and UMC 230 gr. FMJ and Magtech 200 gr. semi-wadcutter. The semi-wadcutter only makes a slightly better hole than the round nose FMJ. The difference is not as much as you would think. The guys at these matches believe that a slower round is better than a fast round but it's mostly opinion. I was thinking of Georgia Arms ammunition as they have some semi-wadcutters that have low velocity and the prices are good (it can take a lot of ammo to cut a board). Anyone have experience with Georgia Arms ammo? Any suggestions on ammo in general?

 

[2TransAms]

If you can afford it, Hydra-shok does a number on 4x4's,quite a bit more than FMJ. I don't know if Wal-mart Winchester HP's work as well.

 

[Iggy]

Well,,,,, We use to have a Stake Shoot with muzzle loading rifles.. 2 man teams etc.. I have seen the 2x4's cut with 3 shots from 58 calibler rifles... does that count??

 

[Jottin' Jersey]

I was wondering about hollow points

If you can afford it, Hydra-shok does a number on 4x4's,quite a bit more than FMJ. I don't know if Wal-mart Winchester HP's work as well.

I am not sure if a 2x4 has the density to cause a hollow point to expand. We used frame studs which are lighter than most wood. Also, here in the People's Republic of New Jersey, we are kept safe by laws that make it illegal to own hollow points except under limited circumstances. I avoid buying hollow points. Don't blame me, I didn't vote for these jerks.

 

[brain]

I am not sure if a 2x4 has the density to cause a hollow point to expand. We used frame studs which are lighter than most wood. Also, here in the People's Republic of New Jersey, we are kept safe by laws that make it illegal to own hollow points except under limited circumstances. I avoid buying hollow points. Don't blame me, I didn't vote for these jerks.

really, NJ law makes it "uncomfortable" to aquire certain types of ammo?

NY on the north
MD on the south
NJ on the east

and dem gov, has me scared and on a buying frenzy....

 

[2TransAms]

Hmm...I'd say go with a slower round. I'm guessing on that,but I know a 5.56 will leave a neat little hole through a 2x4. Hence my scientific deduction.

 

[Clyde]

200 Lswc

 

[Melissa Ann]

.44/.45 SWC's are very good. My best record with .45 ball is 32 rounds.

9mm took like 120 rounds to cut a 2x4 down.

Buckshot took 3 shots on average, this was with about 20 people participating in a buckshot stump match. #6 shot took it down with one shot. we didn't believe it so we tried again, same results.

This was at 10 yards.

We did a stump match last year, might do it again.

 

[magilla gorilla]

I am not sure if a 2x4 has the density to cause a hollow point to expand. We used frame studs which are lighter than most wood. Also, here in the People's Republic of New Jersey, we are kept safe by laws that make it illegal to own hollow points except under limited circumstances. I avoid buying hollow points. Don't blame me, I didn't vote for these jerks.

If you are going to live in NJ you might want to do yourself a favor and understand the laws regarding guns and ammunition.

There is nothing in the state law that makes it illegal to own hollow points. In fact the circumstances where you cannot posess them are a whole hell of a lot more limted than the circumstances you can. The only time you can't have them is during the commisson of a crime (duh) or if you have a CCW and are not a LEO. That's it. The rest of the time you are good to go. And there is no special process for getting them in the state. I order mine through Natchezss and they show up three days later via UPS.

 

[Jottin' Jersey]

NJ Gun Laws

First, you are assuming the police know the laws. Given the complexity of the laws, that's a strech. Second, given the anti-gun nature of the state "while committing a crime" could mean you committed a technical violation of the guns laws or some other law and now you are in trouble. When it comes to gun laws in New Jersey, I would rather use an abundance of caution than be wrong. I also check with Evan Nappin's book for NJ gun laws. If you ask the State Police a question about gun laws, they refer you to him. That's because they don't understand the laws.

 

[magilla gorilla]

First, you are assuming the police know the laws. Given the complexity of the laws, that's a strech. Second, given the anti-gun nature of the state "while committing a crime" could mean you committed a technical violation of the guns laws or some other law and now you are in trouble. When it comes to gun laws in New Jersey, I would rather use an abundance of caution than be wrong. I also check with Evan Nappin's book for NJ gun laws. If you ask the State Police a question about gun laws, they refer you to him. That's because they don't understand the laws.

I have never heard of a person being arrested for having hollow points in their home or while using them at the range. I guess you can be terrified of the 1 in a million chance that you might get unlucky or you can be like the thousands of other NJ residents that shoot hollow points frequently. Never mind the fact that every gun store in the state will sell you hollow points on demand.

It really is sad when a law abiding citizen avoids legal behavior out of fear of some unknown threat. Sadly it speaks more about you than the police. I would rather exercise my rights than allow an irrational fear determine my actions.

If you had read Evan Nappins book like you said you did then you would have never made your first statement. His book is crystal clear on the issue of their legality.

Finally there are good reasons why the State Police instructs you to speak to Nappen. They have been told not to discuss firearms laws as they it opens them up to liability. I shoot IDPA with a dozen or so LEO's and probably know another dozen or so from my every day life. Your insinuation that they don't know the laws is laughable.

 

[ValleyBoy]

If you are going to live in NJ you might want to do yourself a favor and understand the laws regarding guns and ammunition.

There is nothing in the state law that makes it illegal to own hollow points. The only time you can't have them is... if you have a CCW and are not a LEO.

Seems pretty damn restrictive to me. If CCW's can't carry hollow points, then what message is the state sending it;s people?

 

[kim1911]

jottin jersey is correct,I used to live in NJ and I used to shoot with police officers and they don't know much because the state laws are too confusing,they just arrest and let the courts deal with it.if you need ammo come over to PA and buy it off the shelf!

 

[magilla gorilla]

if you need ammo come over to PA and buy it off the shelf!

I don't know how many times I can write this in one thread before it sinks in. YOU CAN BUY AS MANY HOLLOW POINTS AS YOU WANT FROM ANY GUN STORE IN NJ! Sorry for the use of caps but it doesn't seem to sink in with some around here.

 

[Jottin' Jersey]

Magilla - switch to decaf

Not to continue a great flame war but... just because you can buy them does not mean you can carry them like a can of tuna. You can only transport them home from the store and to and from the range with only necessary deviations. Stop for lunch on the way home from the range and you are violating of the law. If you forget to take them out of the car, are you violating the law - I don't know.

Bottom line - why do you need to shot a hollow point at a paper target? Test function? Hey if it makes you feel better to own hollow points, fine. I just don't see the need and choose not own them.

I now call an end to the hollow point debate.:barf: Let's get back to the subject at hand. I planned to use lead .45 semi-wadcutters. Should I use jacketed amo in a 1911? I am getting a Glock 24 in .40, the largest caliber available in this model. Can anyone suggest a good brand of ammo without it turning into a flame war.

 

[kim1911]

what I meant about coming over to PA to buy it off the shelf is not that you can't buy it in NJ is that you don't have all the hassle of showing your drivers lic. and all that.I should have clarified that.but just because you can buy it there dose'nt mean much.:scratch:

 

[magilla gorilla]

Not to continue a great flame war but... just because you can buy them does not mean you can carry them like a can of tuna. You can only transport them home from the store and to and from the range with only necessary deviations. Stop for lunch on the way home from the range and you are violating of the law. If you forget to take them out of the car, are you violating the law - I don't know.

Bottom line - why do you need to shot a hollow point at a paper target? Test function? Hey if it makes you feel better to own hollow points, fine. I just don't see the need and choose not own them.

I have got news for you Jottin if you stop for lunch with ball ammo and an unloaded handgun in your car you have broken the law. The state makes no distinction between hollowpoints and any other ammo in that sense.

For the record it is none of your business why I need to shoot hollow points, but since you asked I carry when I am outside of the state and find it prudent to practice with the ammo I carry. Since it is illegal to practice on live targets I am stuck with paper ones. I also keep hollow points at home for when things go bump in the night.

For the record I took execption with your post not because you don't feel the need to buy hollow points but because you were giving out bogus info. For those who didn't know better and read your first post they would have walked away from this thread with the mistaken impression that it is bad juju to own hollow points in NJ. That is not the case. If you don't want them then good for you.

IMHO, every poster had the obligation to be truthful and accurate when posting information regarding the laws in his/her state on this forum. While I make no judgement on your truthfulness in this thread I am confident that you characterization of the laws regarding hollow points was totally inaccurate and misleading. If you consider that a flame than I suggest you get a thicker skin.

 

[Jottin' Jersey]

Magilla...Truce

I read my previous and I did not remember using the word "illegal". The use of the word "illegal" was incorrect. It was a poor choice of words. The hollow point issue is settled. It is legal to purchase, own and transport them in New Jersey subject to existing laws. If you choose to own them or not, it is your choice - just be sure you know the law.

Let's stick together because we are a minority in this state and we have to protect our rights from the corrupt crooks that own this state. Also, like you I am involved in martial arts. I even teach classes in my dojo.

Any advice on brands or types of ammo to cut the dreded 2x4 in half? I don't think the hollow points will work that will anyway. I think the wood is too soft and too light to expand the bullet. I had some 9mm hollow points for the bump in the night stuff but shot them up at the last 2x4 match. I wanted to get rid of them for reasons already covered. I am also getting a Glock in .40 and have put in my permit application but the last one took three months so I have plenty of time to shop for .40 ammo. Also, any advice on who might have a good deal on a new Glock. All the stores are pretty much the same price. $670 for a new Glock 24 (this is a target and long slide model with a 6" barrel).

 

[magilla gorilla]

Any advice on brands or types of ammo to cut the dreded 2x4 in half? I don't think the hollow points will work that will anyway. I think the wood is too soft and too light to expand the bullet

Corbon powerballs and federal expanding jacket both in 230 grains should do nicely in cutting a 2X4 but that would get fairly expensive very qucikly. If you reload 200 grain SWC is the best route.

 

[Torch]

Doesn't Craftsman make a good .50 cal Board Cutter?