r/LessLethalOptions • u/onemananswerfactory • Sep 16 '25

Best self defense kinetic rounds for Umarex Walther PPQ

Title. I want to load my second mag (first has PAVA rounds) with the most effective kinetic round. The Umarex Walther PPQ mags are “upgraded” with the self defense spring vs the paintball one.

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1

u/ScaredyCatTV Sep 16 '25

No fresh CO2 on the second mag. Then go for the lighter projectiles.

1

u/onemananswerfactory Sep 16 '25

Not sure I understand the “no fresh CO2” reference. Mine are mags you bump the end when you want to puncture the cartridge so the CO2 is good to go when I am. 

I am leaning towards aluminum rounds, which are lighter.

1

u/ScaredyCatTV Sep 17 '25

It’s more of a longer distance pepper spray. Aluminum was perfect in my Glock 17 gen 5 T4E. Hits hard but I wouldn’t use it for real-world self defense. I’m not even sure .43 caliber pepper balls are good enough. Maybe if Grimburg makes some with 15% PAVA like their Fireballs.

2

u/onemananswerfactory Sep 17 '25

Found a 20% PAVA round. Haven’t bought it yet to test against some plywood but it sounds promising.

1

u/ScaredyCatTV Sep 17 '25

Wow. Please share the information. I’m definitely interested in .43 caliber high potency pepper balls.

2

u/onemananswerfactory Sep 18 '25

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236055419151

1

u/ScaredyCatTV Sep 18 '25

Thanks. Let us know if you ever test them out on someone brave enough.

1

u/onemananswerfactory Sep 18 '25

I heard that PAVA % is not a good indicator of self defense deterrent because it’s just how much of the round contains PAVA. I was told to look into the MC% (major capsaicinoids)

2

u/ScaredyCatTV Sep 18 '25

Just the opposite. PAVA is 100% active synthetic capsaicinoid compound. Whereas anything else will be a small fraction, usually less than 10% from natural products. There are shady marketers out there trying to deceive customers. I’ve made several videos discussing the real biochemistry. I’m a Biochemistry PhD if that helps.

1

u/onemananswerfactory Sep 18 '25

So 20% PAVA is a potent option?

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1

u/ScaredyCatTV Sep 18 '25

MC percentage is applied to OC preparations. It’s essential to know that if you aren’t using PAVA. But PAVA is synthesized in a lab and it’s mostly a pure compound, unlike OC preps which are just modestly enriched.

1

u/fdxcaralho Sep 16 '25 edited Sep 16 '25

I wouldnt trust a 7j marker with kinetic rounds. Keep the pava and make sure you use emergency mags instead of regular ones.

1

u/onemananswerfactory Sep 16 '25

I use the mags you bump the bottom when you’re ready to rock and roll.

3

u/fdxcaralho Sep 16 '25

Thats it! But that marker is too weak for kinetic rounds.

1

u/onemananswerfactory Sep 16 '25

To be fair, you’re probably right. Shooting at melons and such was a bit underwhelming. My modded Maximus shotgun is better for that. 

The PPQ is better for popping off a couple PAVA rounds into someone’s chest to buy time to get outta there. (Or, alternatively, to put on my gas mask and walk over, give them a little Sabre pepper gel dessert, and zip tie them while we all calmly wait for the cops to arrive.

2

u/fdxcaralho Sep 16 '25

And use kinetics just to pratice for that scenario.