Best ammo for my Sheild 9mm, Hollow Points?

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bstrand29

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I just got a shield 9mm for my EDC. This is my first firearm for my carry. I am reaching out to see first a lot of people tell me to carry hollow points, and I am also getting input on the best ammo brand to use. I always clean it after a range visit or once a month. Inputs will help a lot for this first time CCW in society.

Thank you,

Brian
 
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I recommend going to YouTube and search for ShootingTheBull410, look at his Playlist, then look thought the 24 videos posted under 9mm Ammo Quest. These videos show testing of various ammunition for 9mm pocket pistols, including the S&W Shield, using a barrel length of approximately 3".

After doing this myself, I removed the ammunition I was carrying and replaced it with Federal HST 124g standard pressure.
 
To add on to pelham44, do a search for 9mm ballistic gel test. FBI recommends 12 inch min penetration with four layers of denim. Look for test done with the same barrel size. I look for max expansion with 12-16 inches of penetration.
 
Since the object of the exercise is hitting what you shoot at quickly, use the ammo you shoot best that is 100% reliable over 100 rounds.

That is without regard to whether it's hollow point or not: performance in ballistic gel is irrevant for misses or fringe hits.

The ammo you shoot best is almost certainly the ammo you shoot most.

Just my opinion, of course.
 
As others have stated pick something and test it. If it functions properly, then carry it. All current SD ammo will do the job, just don't use FMJ, use SD hollow point or hollow point with penetrating tip.

I use CorBon +P JHP. It is powerful, fast and expands well, but it is not very effective against barriers like metal or glass. We are not likely to need that type of ammo for SD. Law enforcement uses it for shooting into vehicles. If it penetrates barriers it does not expand as well as dedicated HP. I would not want to be on the receiving end of either type.

Bob
 
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Our dept has authorized the Shield and out duty ammo is Ranger 147 RA9t. I have never had a problem with this ammo in any 9mm I have tested it in including my M&P, 92f, P35 and P2000. Not telling you what to use, just telling you this stuff is pretty consistent.
 
sipowicz said:
Our dept has authorized the Shield and out duty ammo is Ranger 147 RA9t. I have never had a problem with this ammo in any 9mm I have tested it in including my M&P, 92f, P35 and P2000. Not telling you what to use, just telling you this stuff is pretty consistent.
Click to expand...

Another vote for the RA9T. My number one choice, and I've been stockpiling it. My Shield shoots it (and other brands/weights) reliably. Other quality choices for me are Cor Bon 125+P and Hornady CD 135+P.

Here's a link to some FBI tests and opinions...
Click Me!
 
snowman.45 said:
I carry the same in the Shield 9mm as all of my other 9mm pistols; Gold Dot 124 gr. +p. It has an excellent history with my department.
Click to expand...
An LEO that I go to church with got involved with a demo put on by Hornady and was able to test some ammo from other manufacturers in use by his department. He came away convinced the the 124 gr GDHP +P was THE load. He convinced me.
 
My thoughts bstrand29:

You want to be sure the ammo you choose functions 100% in your gun. Ammo that jams is unsafe no matter what reviews it has received.

The next thing I think about is penetration and expansion. How much damage the round will do. These aren't guaranteed of course, but I'll choose a self-defense round over a FMJ round.

And another thing I consider is whether the round is politically acceptable. This is an arguable point, but I feel I'd rather be shooting the same ammunition my local sheriff's department shoots rather than the latest 'Zombie Killer' round.

I shoot Speer Gold Dots in all my handguns.

.
 
Oldherkpilot said:
An LEO that I go to church with got involved with a demo put on by Hornady and was able to test some ammo from other manufacturers in use by his department. He came away convinced the the 124 gr GDHP +P was THE load. He convinced me.
Click to expand...


+1

that's what i went with. no complaints and no worries.
 
There are numerous brands of ammo to consider, many of which will perform well. I suggest sticking with the "premium brands". Federal HST, Hornady Critical Defense or Critical Duty, Gold Dot, or Winchester PDX1 are all top performers.

The next decision is weight:115gr, 124gr or 147gr (Critical Duty is 135gr). Heavier bullets penetrate deeper but have more felt recoil, making follow up shots more difficult.
Your instruction manuel says +P ammo increases wear on your shield, and +P+ is not to be used. Personally, I've never felt the need for +P ammo because I don't see the need for the added velocity. Standard pressure rounds made by the manufacturers listed above, all have sufficient penetration for self defense uses.

I have boxes of Federal, Hornady, Gold Dot and Winchester on hand because sometime you have to get whats available, and until recently 9mm ammo was hard to find.

"I don't always carry concealed, but when I do Hornady Critical Duty is what my 9mm Shield is loaded with."
 
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I would say you should make you selection based on the following:
In order of importance:

1) Feeds, fires and ejects 100% of the time
2) Is the ammo you are most accurate with & can CONSISTENTLY hit center-mass with.
3) Reliably penetrates 12" - 18"
3) A hollow point to minimize over-penetration and maximize energy transfer.
 
Pelham44 said:
I recommend going to YouTube and search for ShootingTheBull410, look at his Playlist, then look thought the 24 videos posted under 9mm Ammo Quest. These videos show testing of various ammunition for 9mm pocket pistols, including the S&W Shield, using a barrel length of approximately 3".

After doing this myself, I removed the ammunition I was carrying and replaced it with Federal HST 124g standard pressure.
Click to expand...
Nailed it completely. Look no further. It was these exact videos that made my defensive carry choice for my 9 and my girl's 380 auto. He did all the work and I confidently carry the HST in 124 grain. My gun loves this stuff and cycles it beautifully.
 
I can't stress enough that you should plan on running multiple boxes through your gun of whatever you choose.

I've read for hours on end about ballistics and ammo results. It's frustrating because there is no ONE go-to round. Not a single person can attest to one round being the superior performer. I don't have the time, money, or resources to test every option out there. That's why I so confidently trust those who have done the testing. I also see no need for +p ammo that adds more recoil for my follow-up shots and more wear for my weapon.
 
The Federal HST video is definitely most impressive. Kinda waiting for someone to show up with a video debunking that one now. Oh internet, what did we do before you?

I, too, have an odd collection of different JHP brands and weights. I buy it when I see it, basically, without being too picky. That said, I will definitely be watching for this HST stuff and will buy some when I see it.

Cool thread.
 
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