What's a current load with updated bullet technology that'll give equal performance ? Old load was really good on flesh , but not so hot on heavy clothing or barriers , auto glass etc .

I don't know about "equal performance", but nowadays I'd say it's really hard to go wrong with either Gold Dot or HST. My own personal preference is for medium to heavy weight bullets, so 124gr and 147gr would be what I'd use, either +P or standard pressure, assuming it ran well in my gun.

Having said that, I wouldn't feel inadequately armed if 9BPLE was all I could find or afford, again assuming it ran well in my gun.

"Updated bullet technology" I think would mean a more barrier blind load which seems to be opposite of what you're looking for though.

I would add the Winchester Ranger bonded's, and Hornady Critical Duty to the mix as well.

Larry

+1 to HST and Gold Dots. Corbon DPX is also a good load provided you can find and afford it.

Nosler Defense looks promising too and it's pricing right.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

9BPLE is still available, but you gotta keep your eyes peeled.

The nice thing is it's usually well under $20 for a box of fifty,
when you find it.

I believe the 115 Gold Dot is loaded in a Plus P Plus variant. I have seen them listed on SG Ammos site.

9BPLE don't need no stinkin update !

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NRA Instructor

Targetsportsusa just listed 9BPLE...$17.50/fifty; free shipping on case of 1K.

Federal Law Enforcement 9mm Luger Ammo 115 Grain +P+ JHP

Personally, I'd say the 357 Sig. Especially in the Gold Dot loading...you're getting +P+ performance and speed without +P+ punishment being poured out on your pistol. In fact, when Federal and Sig came up with the 357 Sig idea in the first place, they were doing pretty much the same thing that Federal did way back in the early 70's, which was to get a 9mm semi-auto round that would duplicate the performance of 125 gr. 357 Magnum loads coming out of 4" duty revolver, or get as close as possible.

When the Illinois State Police went to the all steel S&W 39 around '68, they wanted a 9mm load that went BOOM and would behave just like the 125 gr. SJLHP .357 Magnum did. And when they got the 9BPLE it did just that - I know because I used to carry it back in the 80's in a Sig P226. After a few thousand rounds, I quit shooting it because it started making my poor alloy Sig rattle a bit. However, I don't think the current loadings offered in that round are as hot as they used to be.

But nowadays you can get very, very similar performance to the 9BPLE with better bullet cohesion and less pressure smashing your gun's guts apart. For me, the 357 Sig is a win-win-win deal.

Just my $00.02.