Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols > Smith & Wesson SD & Sigma Pistols
o

Notices

Smith & Wesson SD & Sigma Pistols SD & Sigma Pistols in All Generations


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 08-30-2017, 11:40 AM
Name Taken Name Taken is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 3
Liked 7 Times in 3 Posts
Default Ammo grain

Just wanted to get experienced advice and opinions on grain. do some of you use various grain rounds in your SD9's. I believe the manual states 124 grain and no +P ammo. I plan on using 124 but also want to try lower and higher to see whats better or see and feel the difference. is there anything to avoid completely and anything that has the optimal performance, I'm talking for range use here.

thanks
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #2  
Old 08-30-2017, 01:55 PM
Disabled1 Disabled1 is offline
Banned
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: South Of The North Pole
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 491
Liked 710 Times in 424 Posts
Thumbs up

I don't ever shoot +P ammo. Everything else is fair game.
I shoot almost everything FMJ for target practice. My CCW/ home/self defense round is Federal Premium HST LE 124 gr.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #3  
Old 08-30-2017, 02:26 PM
OKFC05 OKFC05 is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 8,158
Likes: 3,605
Liked 5,199 Times in 2,172 Posts
Default

"I believe the manual states 124 grain and no +P "


The manual states no such thing. The manual says any SAAMI standard ammo is acceptable, and +P may cause additional wear. RTFM
Owner's Manuals | Smith & Wesson
“Plus-P” (+P) ammunition generates pressures in excess of the


pressures associated with standard ammunition. Such pressures


may affect the wear characteristics or exceed the margin of


safety. Use of “Plus-P” ammunition may result in the need for


more frequent service.


•“Plus-P-Plus” (+P+) ammunition must not be used in Smith &


Wesson firearms. This marking on the ammunition designates


that it exceeds established industry standards, but the designation


does not represent defined pressure limits and therefore


such ammunition may vary significantly as to the pressures generated


and could be DANGEROUS.


__________________
Science plus Art

Last edited by OKFC05; 08-30-2017 at 02:34 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #4  
Old 08-30-2017, 02:39 PM
Okie21 Okie21 is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: central Pa
Posts: 477
Likes: 895
Liked 654 Times in 244 Posts
Default

I've shot 115, 124 and 147 gr, hp and fmj, brass and aluminum case.

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 08-30-2017, 02:46 PM
Name Taken Name Taken is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 3
Liked 7 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by OKFC05 View Post
"I believe the manual states 124 grain and no +P "


The manual states no such thing. The manual says any SAAMI standard ammo is acceptable, and +P may cause additional wear. RTFM
Owner's Manuals | Smith & Wesson
“Plus-P” (+P) ammunition generates pressures in excess of the


pressures associated with standard ammunition. Such pressures


may affect the wear characteristics or exceed the margin of


safety. Use of “Plus-P” ammunition may result in the need for


more frequent service.


•“Plus-P-Plus” (+P+) ammunition must not be used in Smith &


Wesson firearms. This marking on the ammunition designates


that it exceeds established industry standards, but the designation


does not represent defined pressure limits and therefore


such ammunition may vary significantly as to the pressures generated


and could be DANGEROUS.


I definitely misread it then lol
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 08-30-2017, 03:07 PM
Westie1's Avatar
Westie1 Westie1 is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Sacratomato
Posts: 445
Likes: 65
Liked 440 Times in 206 Posts
Default

For HD, got mine loaded with the Federal 150gr HST. Load was designed for subcompacts like the Shield, but functions well in the SD9. Went with the 150's because it's a very soft shooting load, and is easier for the wife to shoot.
__________________
Peace was my Profession
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #7  
Old 08-30-2017, 03:22 PM
poordevil poordevil is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Yuma
Posts: 801
Likes: 176
Liked 436 Times in 261 Posts
Default

I like the 115gr in 9mm. It can go faster than the other heavier rounds.
__________________
A Snider squibbed n the Jungle
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 08-30-2017, 03:35 PM
Arik Arik is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Outside Philadelphia Pa
Posts: 16,601
Likes: 7,342
Liked 17,200 Times in 7,303 Posts
Default

I shoot all including +P.

If you're buying 124gr NATO it's +P. It causes more wear but you can't measure it in one bullet or one box or even in a 1000 rounds. It's measured in tens of thousands of rounds. If the service life of your gun is 30k rounds (just picking a number). Then shooting ONLY +P will shorten it to 15k - 20k assuming you constantly shoot it. However +P is usually more expensive so people shoot a lot less of it

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 08-30-2017, 04:44 PM
KELSW KELSW is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
Liked 71 Times in 40 Posts
Default

I use 115 grain brass fmj for the range from various brand names . Herters Blazer Brass Federal PMC etc . Have some 124 Federal HST for self defense but also have 115 Critical Defense and Speer GD. So far no +p or hotter loads .
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 08-31-2017, 07:40 AM
martybee's Avatar
martybee martybee is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: STL Area: Belleville, IL
Posts: 1,135
Likes: 2,446
Liked 777 Times in 407 Posts
Default

I shoot 115gr. FMJ. Higher velocity and cleaner holes in the paper.
__________________
It's The Carbonaro Effect!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 09-02-2017, 07:18 AM
Papa_D's Avatar
Papa_D Papa_D is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: SW Oklahoma
Posts: 258
Likes: 431
Liked 187 Times in 91 Posts
Default

I have shot 115 grain because it is plentiful and cheap, but do not like it's performance out at 50 yards, in my particular gun. I like 147 grain for how soft it shoots, but I have become an advocate for 124 grain after hitting a spray paint cap at the 50 yard mark of my local range.

Sent from my BLU STUDIO ONE using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 09-02-2017, 08:22 AM
micocyco micocyco is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 670
Likes: 407
Liked 281 Times in 180 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Papa_D View Post
I have shot 115 grain because it is plentiful and cheap, but do not like it's performance out at 50 yards, in my particular gun. I like 147 grain for how soft it shoots, but I have become an advocate for 124 grain after hitting a spray paint cap at the 50 yard mark of my local range.

Sent from my BLU STUDIO ONE using Tapatalk
a spray can cap at 50 yards with a SD9ve ?

Last edited by micocyco; 09-02-2017 at 08:47 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 09-02-2017, 08:46 AM
micocyco micocyco is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 670
Likes: 407
Liked 281 Times in 180 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Name Taken View Post
Just wanted to get experienced advice and opinions on grain. do some of you use various grain rounds in your SD9's. I believe the manual states 124 grain and no +P ammo. I plan on using 124 but also want to try lower and higher to see whats better or see and feel the difference. is there anything to avoid completely and anything that has the optimal performance, I'm talking for range use here.

thanks
I've had my SD9ve going on 7 years now I got it for training & home defense for my wife & self, during the peak ' or should I say low ' of the ammo shortage, we shot any & every 9mm we could get our hands on. The SD9ve just spit them out & said what else you got, with exception of Tulammo, it did choke on it twice both times it seems it was over size case that did not fire for some reason. I still have 8 boxes that I guess will sit & rust.
Now I mostly shoot federal aluminum case 115 G when I can find it.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 09-02-2017, 08:52 AM
federali's Avatar
federali federali is offline
Absent Comrade
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Cary, NC
Posts: 3,082
Likes: 12,877
Liked 7,548 Times in 2,081 Posts
Default Of Interest

I believe that the original loadings for the 9mm were with 124 grain bullets and the rifling twist of most 9mms was optimized for that bullet weight. I agree with the other responders that you may try any legitimate load your please and if it proves reliable, it may be used. I too find little or no need for either +P or +P+, especially in my Kahr Arms P9.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 09-02-2017, 09:36 AM
Papa_D's Avatar
Papa_D Papa_D is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: SW Oklahoma
Posts: 258
Likes: 431
Liked 187 Times in 91 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by micocyco View Post
a spray can cap at 50 yards with a SD9ve ?
LOL. Yup. I was fairly pleased. I have been trying to hit it using 115 White box and American Eagle for months. I then tried 147 UMC. Again, could get within 6 inches or so, but not any closer. Broke out some Aguilla 124 and danced around it until I hit it. Only 5-6 rounds with that stuff for me to hit it. Admittedly, I did not try to repeat the shot, but I DID make it at least once. Factory trigger with my own $.25 trigger job, and factory sights too.

Sent from my BLU STUDIO ONE using Tapatalk

Last edited by Papa_D; 09-02-2017 at 09:37 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 09-02-2017, 12:40 PM
Mark IV's Avatar
Mark IV Mark IV is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Georgia
Posts: 588
Likes: 736
Liked 425 Times in 235 Posts
Default

No need to overthink this, just shoot whatever's cheapest at Wal-mart (which will be steel-cased Tula, followed by aluminum-cased Federal, both of which are 115gr.)
Unless you're ordering from someplace like Sportsmansguide with one of their free shipping coupons, 124gr is generally going to be more expensive, and of no real benefit as just range ammo.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #17  
Old 09-03-2017, 09:11 AM
martybee's Avatar
martybee martybee is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: STL Area: Belleville, IL
Posts: 1,135
Likes: 2,446
Liked 777 Times in 407 Posts
Default

Inexpensive 115gr. Ball Ammo is perfect for range shooting and plinking!
The high velocity makes for clean hole in the paper targets. I used to shoot 124, and 147 gr. just to see how much difference they made. None to my limited shooting experience!
__________________
It's The Carbonaro Effect!
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 09-20-2017, 07:25 PM
Boomer13 Boomer13 is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 5
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

115 gr. winchester, rem, doesnt matter shoots both no problem
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 09-20-2017, 10:12 PM
dan323's Avatar
dan323 dan323 is offline
US Veteran
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Illinois
Posts: 110
Likes: 151
Liked 59 Times in 41 Posts
Default

I shoot 115gr. Brass and Steel. No problems with either. I just don't use reloads because per the manual that will void the warranty. I would assume you would have to tell them you were using reloads, otherwise how would they know.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #20  
Old 09-29-2017, 02:57 AM
S&W Rover's Avatar
S&W Rover S&W Rover is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 1,255
Liked 1,134 Times in 521 Posts
Default

Agree with the comments -- the SD9 will shoot it all.

I stay away from the really cheap imports, e.g., POF from Pakistan, anything from China, etc. as it often has corrosive powder, hard primers, etc.

It makes sense to occasionally shoot a bit of your (expensive) self-defense ammo in the pistol to make sure it works well with the pistol and you have a feel for how it recoils. I keep Speer Gold-Dot 124 grain +P ammo for carry. Best self-defense ammo? That's another thread! But Gold-Dot, Golden Saber, HST, etc., all get good reviews.
__________________
S&W Rover

Last edited by S&W Rover; 09-29-2017 at 03:02 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #21  
Old 09-29-2017, 04:00 AM
Kencan Kencan is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Great state of Texas
Posts: 65
Likes: 26
Liked 48 Times in 30 Posts
Default

wal marts finest 115 grain Federal, 50 for $9.95
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #22  
Old 10-01-2017, 12:50 PM
GRU_ 7_ mech's Avatar
GRU_ 7_ mech GRU_ 7_ mech is offline
Member
Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain Ammo grain  
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: North central Florida
Posts: 197
Likes: 29
Liked 146 Times in 73 Posts
Default

I got a great deal on 124 gr Aguila +p ammo on line. I only shot it in my CZ P-07. Made the in the Czech Republic, the CZ is used by LEO and military that use NATO ammo almost exclusively. I bought my Kahr CM9...which is +p rated, and used the Aguila ammo and have since bought 1000 rds of Winchester NATO 115 gr ammo. It seems to be milder than the Aguila. Now that the Kahr is broken in and it is my EDC weapon I just use the 124GR Federal Premium Tacical HST JHP for my SD ammo.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
147 grain ammo coachray Ammo 13 06-15-2016 06:37 AM
Ammo Grain Debra Hall S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 6 07-18-2015 09:00 AM
Ammo Grain McNick Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 15 02-20-2013 06:38 PM
.45ACP Carry Ammo: Corbon 185 grain JHP +P vs. 230 grain RN FMJ? perpster Ammo 35 04-24-2012 06:28 PM
165 grain ammo infamous209 Ammo 10 02-20-2011 10:27 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:56 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)