While it may seem bass ackwards, the 147gr. standard pressure rounds seems to be the consensus recommendation from the ballistics professionals. My first choices for a 9mm carry load in my Shield: standard pressure 147gr. Speer Gold Dot, Winchester Ranger T or Federal HST. The last two suggestions are not likely found in your neighborhood sporting goods store, but they can be ordered in more economical (compared to 20/25 round 'boutique' boxes) 50 round LE boxes at several places on line. One place you can find it is:
SGAmmo.com | Family Owned and Operated, Stillwater Oklahoma
To help better understand the *why* of what may appear to be counterintuitive thinking regarding short barreled ammo recommedations, read the following quoted email from a ballistics professional that knows of what he speaks.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Paul Nowak
When we redesigned the Ranger T Series of ammunition we widened the velocity window under which the round would expand to allow for the slower velocities that shorter than standard barrels produce. What this means is that if you own a standard or sub compact pistol the round should have adequate expansion. In 9mm I would recommend the 147 grain bullet as it loses a lower velocity percentage than the faster lighter bullet in shorter than normal barrels. This is because the bullet has more dwell time in the bore and has a greater opportunity to burn the powder before the bullet exits the bore. Powder that is burned outside the bore does nothing for velocity. The lighter faster bullets generally have more powder to burn and since the lighter faster bullets have less time in the bore they are not efficient burners of powder in the shorter barrels.
We increased the velocity window under which the round would expand by increasing the size of the hollowpoint, tweaking the jacket thickness and the depth of the cuts on the inside of the jacket petal segments.
Sincerely,
Paul Nowak
Senior Technical Specialist
Winchester Law Enforcement Ammunition
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