Greetings,

What defensive loads are you folks carrying in your 9mm compact single stacks?

Do the fixed sights tend to be regulated for a specific loading range, like the Model 10s seem to print 158 gr LRNs to point of aim?

Thanks,

Hunter

All my 9(s) get fed Speer gdhp 124gr+P. Don't know the answer to your second question but mine seem to like the Speer.

Same as icemn.....124 grn standard velocity not plus p which shoots to point of aim.
Randy

Maybe I'm old school, but my 3913 likes 147 gr Speer Gold Dots or 147 gr Federal Hydra-Shoks.

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Mike in SouthCentral Kentucky

I used to be a Corbon 115 +P and Federal 9BPLE +P+ fan, but as I've gotten a little older I just use plain, garden variety Federal 115 grain Hi Shoks.

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Stu

My 39-2 shoots best (most accurately) with 147 grain Golden Sabre.
I carry 124 grain +P Bonded Golden Sabre. I found it to be acceptably accurate, and performance in various media is better.

124gr Golden Sabre is the carry load: 6904/3953/3913
Range loads tend to vary for the 39-2/3906 but they've tossed alot of 115 FMJ downrange. I don't use any +P. If I worried about that, then it's time to get the 40 out of the safe.

124gr Remington Golden Saber standard velocity. I'd rather not run +P in my 39-2 and can't justify extra velocity for PD. YMMV.

Federal HST HP 124 gr. +P

'cause the girl likes it (3914 LS)

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Is it safe?

Corbon 124 gr. +P for my 908S and CS9.

Winchester PDX 147 gr. for all my 9MM's - 908, 910, 39-2.

Don't see any reason to run +P through an alloy frame.

I've run both 115 and 124 grain through them, but those seem to impact several inches low. Operator error? Maybe, but the 147 grain hits where I'm pointing it.

I use Speer gold dot 124 gr +P in my 908, they shoot to POA.

Another vote for the Speer 124 gr. GDHP. It performs very well and shoots point of aim in my 908, 909, 3914, 6906 and 5903.

147 gr. Silver Tip Hollow Points over 4.4 Grains of Flammable Dirt (Unique).

"Flammable Dirt" - that's funny, and oh so true!

A Tip O' The Hat to one of the reloading Forumites.

The only thing that is dirtier is Herco......

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Mike in SouthCentral Kentucky

115gr. Federal 9BP. Just a standard velocity old-school JHP.

115gr. Win. Silvertips standard velocity

I've commonly used whatever was being issued at the time, which has included 147gr JHP, 127gr+P+ & 124gr +P.

I've used other loads from time to time, depending on what occasionally surfaced in the training inventory, or something I bought over-the-counter, but for the most part I've taken advantage of being able to use ammunition available in the duty/training inventory.

When buying carry ammunition at my own expense I prefer to use something made by one of the major American ammunition makers who have acquired experience in making duty ammunition for LE/Gov customers, and preferably something using one of the more modern hollowpoint bullet designs. Attention to Quality Control in manufacturing (not necessarily cosmetic appearance) is a consideration for me.

I bear in mind that use of +P and +P+ ammunition can accelerate expected wear & tear and require attention to inspection during normal cleaning and periodic armorer inspections. I also replace my recoil springs a bit sooner than normally recommended, too.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

Thanks Guys!

It looks like folks have luck with a variety of loads.

Federal 124 gr. EFMJ

I usually find Remington Golden Saber +P or Hornady Critical Defense 115g FTX locally.

These are Hornady thru a layer of denim and about 8" of wet phone books. These were at the very back of the phone books. Not scientific but good enough.


Dave

Mod. 908 w/ Novak adjustable rear sight: for practice, I handload 115 gr plated RN bullets at standard velocity. For defensive ammo, I still use the old Federal 115 gr JHP (#9BP) 'Hi-Shok'. I may be looking into one of the newer 124 gr +P JHP loads sometime soon, though.

In my 3913 I carry Federal Hydra-Shok 124 gr +P+

115gr. Federal 9BP
115gr. Gold Dot

+p 124 gr Winchester Ranger T's

Federal 124 grain Hydra-shok standard pressure

Fed HS 124 grain in 3913, 3914 and 3943. All to POA at 10 yds. Dave_n

+1 on the Critical Defense

for target shooting - 115g winchester
for home defense - hornady 115g hollowpoints

"Doctor Roberts sums it up nicely as well: "With the exception of the Barnes 115 gr XPB all copper projectile, in general, most 9 mm 115 gr loads have demonstrated greater inconsistency, insufficient penetration, poor intermediate barrier capability, and failure to expand in denim testing than other 9mm bullets. For those individuals wanting to use lighter weight, supersonic 9 mm’s, I think a better alternative than the vast majority of 115 gr loads is to use the slightly heavier 124 to 127 gr bullets or the Barnes 115 gr all copper bullet"

There are some 115 grain recommendations on here. Google Dr. Gary Roberts Defense Ammo and read more...but above is a quote on 115 grain ammo. You decide, what you think, as others have.

I use 147 grain Winchester Ranger in my 3913. She is VERY accurate with that load. I'm very satisfied with the performance of the 147 grain Ranger too. Regards 18DAI

147 gr. Hornaday TAP, followed by 147 gr. Gold dots. I like what works, and these work for me. Accurate and reliable in my gun, with never a failure to feed or fire.

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SFC, US Army, Retired

In my 39-2 I tried several brands, Hydro shocks, Golden Sabre etc. I finally settled on Winchester PDX1 in 124 grain. They expand great and shoot a ragged one hole group for me at 7 yards. Very accurate load. I practice with the Winchester 115 grain FMJ but they are now where near as accurate.