Federal 115 gr 9mm JHP
- Thread starter Chris A.
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Chris:
The underpenetrating 115-gr. HP uses old outdated technology and things have changed quite a bit the last decade, especially in enhancing the performance of HP's that reliably expand and cut a wider / deeper path than those of yesteryear. For 9mm, you are much better off with an unbonded 147-gr. HP or a midweight 124-gr. bonded load that is plus P rated. Modern handguns in good condition should have no problems feeding either of these loads from major ammo manufactures.
Here are a few examples of CURRENT / MODERN 9mm loads recommended by well respected LE officials within the industry:
Federal HST: LE Only
147-gr. HST HP (P9HST2) @ 1,000 fps This Standard Pressure is OK, but the +P version (P9HST4) at 1,050 fps offers slightly better performance.
Winchester Ranger T: LE Only
147-gr. HP (RA9T) @ 990 fps
Remington Golden Saber:
* 147-gr. HP (GS9MMC) @ 990 fps.
Winchester Supreme Elite: Civilian Version of Bonded Ranger T
* 124-gr. +P Bonded PDX1 HP (S9MMPDB) @ 1,200 fps
Speer Gold Dot: See also Double Tap & Black Hills with Gold Dot Loadings
* 124-gr. +P Bonded HP (23617) @ 1,220 fps.
The underpenetrating 115-gr. HP uses old outdated technology and things have changed quite a bit the last decade, especially in enhancing the performance of HP's that reliably expand and cut a wider / deeper path than those of yesteryear. For 9mm, you are much better off with an unbonded 147-gr. HP or a midweight 124-gr. bonded load that is plus P rated. Modern handguns in good condition should have no problems feeding either of these loads from major ammo manufactures.
Here are a few examples of CURRENT / MODERN 9mm loads recommended by well respected LE officials within the industry:
Federal HST: LE Only
147-gr. HST HP (P9HST2) @ 1,000 fps This Standard Pressure is OK, but the +P version (P9HST4) at 1,050 fps offers slightly better performance.
Winchester Ranger T: LE Only
147-gr. HP (RA9T) @ 990 fps
Remington Golden Saber:
* 147-gr. HP (GS9MMC) @ 990 fps.
Winchester Supreme Elite: Civilian Version of Bonded Ranger T
* 124-gr. +P Bonded PDX1 HP (S9MMPDB) @ 1,200 fps
Speer Gold Dot: See also Double Tap & Black Hills with Gold Dot Loadings
* 124-gr. +P Bonded HP (23617) @ 1,220 fps.
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I have fired many a 115 grain HP load through my GLOCKS over the years without any trouble.
Mainly the Federal 115 grain +P+ JHP (9BPLE), but also other makes. Any quality, modern pistol should have no trouble.
Mainly the Federal 115 grain +P+ JHP (9BPLE), but also other makes. Any quality, modern pistol should have no trouble.
Badkarma 1
US Veteran
If tourrefering to the classic Federal 9BP load, it is an outstanding load! Federal redesigned it a few years back for more positive feeding in older guns, and was the benchmark for performance and accuracy before the coming of +P or +P+!
If it's the 9BPLE load, it's just more of the same only hotter. And I'm not certain if Smith warrants the M&P for +P+, but a few rounds won't hurt. Best, Dale
If it's the 9BPLE load, it's just more of the same only hotter. And I'm not certain if Smith warrants the M&P for +P+, but a few rounds won't hurt. Best, Dale
Reliability of the load you specify should be excellent in your M&P9. The 9BP was one of the better performing loads back in the day. While I figure any round is better than nothing, and have been very happy to have ball when it was all I had access to, I agree the newest designs of 124gr-147gr JHPs are better than the 115's and I use 147's in all my 9mms intended for serious work.
Unless the human anatomy has changed since "old technology" ammunition was in vogue, the Federal 9BP should be as reliable and effective for self defense as it was in the past. According to all the sources I have read, even the standard loaded 9BP was very well documented as an effective defense round by the LE agencies that used it.
I don't own an M&P so I can't answer the OP's question in that respect. But the 9BP has the reputation of feeding well in many guns that do not feet JHP ammo well. It has the reputation of being highly accurate out of most handguns. It has more than adequate penetration and expansion--not exceptional penetration and expansion, but certainly adequate enough to stop a bad guy if you put the shot in the right spot.
Today, there are better performing rounds. But the 9BP remains a good self defense choice in a non +P 9mm load.
I don't own an M&P so I can't answer the OP's question in that respect. But the 9BP has the reputation of feeding well in many guns that do not feet JHP ammo well. It has the reputation of being highly accurate out of most handguns. It has more than adequate penetration and expansion--not exceptional penetration and expansion, but certainly adequate enough to stop a bad guy if you put the shot in the right spot.
Today, there are better performing rounds. But the 9BP remains a good self defense choice in a non +P 9mm load.
weyerbacher
Member
I always liked the Federal 9BP. I'm told that the UMC 100 round 115 grain jhp value pack at walmart uses the same design bullet as the 9BP. I use it as my carry round. I'm pleased with it. I'd still be using the Federal if it were easier to find and cheaper. The UMC is accurate and hot enough. I will be sticking with it.
Saw a few gel test with 4 layers of denum with some 9mm loads on youtube..............with a Glock 19 4"
Federal 115jhp std (9BP) 18" penetration no expansion with two bullets tested.
Federal 115+P+ (9BPLE) 1236fps 13.25" pen .578" diamiter
Federal 147 HST .......... 1050fps 11" pen .698" dia.
Federal 147 HST std........ na........ 13" pen .66 dia
Speer 124gr GD +P 1202fps ......13" penetration .615 dia.
Speer 147 std ....... 972 fps ....... 14" penetration .585 dia.
Underwood 115 Jhp 1400+ fps !!! 9" pen .884 dia please check to see if your gun is capable to use this ammo !
Best load if your gun is +P ok ,was the Federal 115 +P+ with a street record of 91% .71 dia and 13.9" penetration ,on the books.
The Speer 124 Gold Dot came in second and was at one time the load used by the NYPD with a 88% street record of one shot stops,with a center of mass shot.
The 147gr is the new kid on the block and gaining popularity.............street record of 79% so far.
Three bullet weights to choose from.........Best of luck finding the one you and your gun will like and perform well for you.
Federal 115jhp std (9BP) 18" penetration no expansion with two bullets tested.
Federal 115+P+ (9BPLE) 1236fps 13.25" pen .578" diamiter
Federal 147 HST .......... 1050fps 11" pen .698" dia.
Federal 147 HST std........ na........ 13" pen .66 dia
Speer 124gr GD +P 1202fps ......13" penetration .615 dia.
Speer 147 std ....... 972 fps ....... 14" penetration .585 dia.
Underwood 115 Jhp 1400+ fps !!! 9" pen .884 dia please check to see if your gun is capable to use this ammo !
Best load if your gun is +P ok ,was the Federal 115 +P+ with a street record of 91% .71 dia and 13.9" penetration ,on the books.
The Speer 124 Gold Dot came in second and was at one time the load used by the NYPD with a 88% street record of one shot stops,with a center of mass shot.
The 147gr is the new kid on the block and gaining popularity.............street record of 79% so far.
Three bullet weights to choose from.........Best of luck finding the one you and your gun will like and perform well for you.
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Senior Citizen
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Whose bullets does
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Federal use? I don't think they produce their own....do they?
SC
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Federal use? I don't think they produce their own....do they?
SC
Most federal ammo that I have is filled with bullets from Speer,Nosler andothers...........but they are all quality bullets that I have found in my selections.
Even the 22-250 55gr hunting load , had the #1 top notch Speer Trophy Bonded Bear Claw in it !! Even the SWAT teams use this bullet.................
They make ammo,cases and primers.........I do not think powder and bullets are part of their setup,as yet.
Even the 22-250 55gr hunting load , had the #1 top notch Speer Trophy Bonded Bear Claw in it !! Even the SWAT teams use this bullet.................
They make ammo,cases and primers.........I do not think powder and bullets are part of their setup,as yet.
For what it's worth both Federal and Speer are owned by ATK Commercial Ammunition Company Inc.Don't know how many people know that - probably many.
MichiganScott
Member
It's the load I carry in my 9C because it shoots to point of aim and it's 100% reliable. The fact that it's cheap enough that I could order a case has nothing to do with it.
I'm not comfortable carrying a load that I have not put a couple of hundred down range. I can't imagine putting a couple of hundred of most of the newer stuff into the berm.
If you go to a Police supply store instead of the normal LGS or bigbox store and if they sell to the public, you can often get premium ammo for less $$.
It may not be much of a savings but I get the 9mm 124gr HST or 147gr HST (incl. +P variety if available) for $23 a box of 50. Gold Dots by the 50 are close to $30 a box.
I pick up a box whenever I am up that way in Tucson.
It may not be much of a savings but I get the 9mm 124gr HST or 147gr HST (incl. +P variety if available) for $23 a box of 50. Gold Dots by the 50 are close to $30 a box.
I pick up a box whenever I am up that way in Tucson.
The Federal (9BP) is a great all around light load for a lot of old 9mm pistols and my old WW11 Radom loved them........
but you might want to put a few into some gallon water jugs (7) at 10 feet to see if the bullet will expand.It should only go about three to four jugs if it is getting enough velosity out of your pistol.
Otherwise you might need to go up to a load that has a higher velosity or find another box of ammo that will not over penetrate if the JHP does not open up.
but you might want to put a few into some gallon water jugs (7) at 10 feet to see if the bullet will expand.It should only go about three to four jugs if it is getting enough velosity out of your pistol.
Otherwise you might need to go up to a load that has a higher velosity or find another box of ammo that will not over penetrate if the JHP does not open up.
