I’ll be picking up my new Gen 4 Glock 17 soon and began to research the best round for self defense. The more research I did the more confusion that resulted. I’m an old revolver guy so this is pretty new to me.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Pick a nice 124 gr HP from a reputable maker - see which one works best in YOUR gun - go from there.

my personal favs are anything speer gold dot, or federal hst/hydroshock. i really like any major mfg in 124gr +p, but prefer federal hydro in 135gr non +p. opens up like crazy. we (me and my bunch of fools) shot tons of stuff into gallon jugs of water, wet phone books, and big blocks of soap from sedanos markets. 115gr hornady critical defense worked well on soap, and had way less recoil.124 +p is a bit spicy in smaller guns, but a G17 won't be an issue. if you want punch, 147gr +p bonded golden saber is an outstanding round against barriers, or heavy layers of clothing. i carry the 135 federal hydroshock non +p and trust its terminal performance. may not be much help, but just my 2cents...

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why? why not?

I like the videos by Shootingthebull410 on Youtube. He did a years long analysis of 9mm JHP rounds using pretty solid methods and came to the conclusion that Ranger T, Federal HST 124gr, and Federal HST 147gr (standard pressure) were the ones to beat.

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Who watches the watchers?

Google "Dr. Roberts ammo list" and pick a few to try. Stock up on whichever one is reliable in your gun and that you can shoot well.

Or, to make things simpler, pick HST or Gold Dot in 124gr or 147gr, standard pressure or +P. It's hard to go wrong with these. They're also available in 50-round boxes for a better value.

The 124gr Gold Dot +P is used by NYPD and has established a good track record with agencies that use it.

My own personal preference is 147gr HST, which has also established a good track record.

Don't read too much into "best," or "deadliest," find a modern SD load that functions reliably in your gun and, most importantly, one that YOU shoot well. Lots of refutable brands already listed here (Gold Dot, HST)- I prefer Remington Golden Saber 124-gr+P in my Glock 19 because it's available, affordable, effective as the res of the bunch as far as performance (mostly), and I shoot solid groups with it in my ccw.

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Some Might Say.

Whatever you reliably hit the target with. Even if it’s FMJ.

You made a great choice for a semi.
Federal 9BPLE also known as the Illinois State Police round.
Around $15.00 for a box of 50.
They are +P+ and Glocks eat them up.

In WWll they used the 124gr ball ammo...........
had to be a reason for that weight bullet to be selected.

Today a 124gr JHP or larger is the name of the game for most home owners.

I would not go any lighter.
Good luck.

I have said almost the exact same thing in many of these thread. What people often forget is that they have to ensure the ammo functions and you can shoot with it. That means 400-1000 rounds of practice to start with, from each gun you intend to use it in.

So, why bring this up? Cost. I have people ask me about which gun to get and how to save money, but I always point out that the cost of a gun is one of the least expensive things about shooting. The cost of ammo and range time are the really expensive bits.

So, Golden Saber 124g +P comes in at $0.40-$0.50/round. It has been tested in a slew of tests to penetrate adequately, yet not over-penetrate, and the hollow point projectile more often than not expands as intended. And then, for me, the round has never failed in either my CZ-75 P01, designed for NATO ammo, which is 124g and is loaded to higher pressures than US standards, or my Walther PPQ. I shoot both guns great with it. If there were any problem it is that it shoots to a slightly lower POI than my normal practice ammo, winchester white box(WWB).

The VERY BEST ONE is whatever works with total reliability in your weapon that you can also shoot accurately. You should probably avoid military ball as it has a high shoot-thru potential which has some safety and liability issues. I would also tend towards the heavier rounds rather than the lighter 115 grain rounds all things considered, but that's just me.

The OP bought a Glock 17.
The most reliable handgun ever produced.
They fire anything, every time.

Anything from Dr.Gary Roberts(DocGKR) recommended ammo list is a good choice.

Barnes XPB 115 gr JHP (copper bullet)
Federal Tactical 124 gr JHP (LE9T1)
Federal HST 124 gr +P JHP (P9HST3)
Remington Golden Saber bonded 124 gr +P JHP (GSB9MMD)
Speer Gold Dot 124 gr +P JHP
Winchester Ranger-T 124 gr +P JHP (RA9124TP)
Winchester 124 gr +P bonded JHP (RA9BA)
Winchester Ranger-T 127 gr +P+ JHP (RA9TA)
Federal Tactical 135 gr +P JHP (LE9T5)
Hornady Critical Duty 135 gr +P PT
Federal HST 147 gr JHP (P9HST2)
Remington Golden Saber 147 gr JHP (GS9MMC)
Speer Gold Dot 147 gr JHP
Speer G2 147 gr PT
Winchester Ranger-T 147 gr JHP (RA9T)
Winchester 147 gr bonded JHP (RA9B/Q4364)

Sorry, but I don't give a you-know-what about what someone else found to work in THEIR gun; I want to use what works best in MY gun -PERIOD

That's because there is no BEST round, but people do have preferences. We just had a discussion about the 'Boutique' ammos but if you have a short barrel that's a limiting factor that can't really be made up by more powder.. Speer makes ammo especially for short barrels. I've never shot anybody but I've looked at a LOT of tests and the major manufacturers of ammo do a great job.
Hornady FTX Critical Defense, Federal HST, Remington Golden Saber, Speer Gold Dot are all just fine

If you want you can spend more money on Boutique ammo, but more power doesn't automatically mean more effectiveness. I'd be very interested in the type of bullet used in said ammo.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Then tell us the make and model of your gun/guns and brand/type of ammo you like best.

Unless you have some old or unusual gun then just about every modern ammo will physically work in your gun.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

124 - 147 gr. Speed Gold Dots, Federal HST, Winchester Rangers all work well and have been street tested.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Out of that list did you notice that there was..............
one (1) 115gr loading
six (6) 124gr loads
six (6) 147gr loads
that made the list of loads that worked?

My 3" had better accuracy with a lighter 115gr bullet but the heavier
147gr HST had less felt recoil and would work even with heavy winter clothing.

As for my CD 3.5".......... it eats any thing, lucky me.

If you shoot a 4" or longer barrel, fps is not a problem....
it is just a matter for finding an accurate load that you feel comfortable with.
Most JHP bullets work at 1150fps which should be no problem with a 4" barrel.

Bullet test are nice if you have the time but net test will get you close.
My tests showed me to not use the 125gr Gold Dot in my J frame snub nose that only did 830fps.

I have yet to find a "No-Go" load in the 9mm SD ammo that I have used.

Good shooting.

seen a bunch of tests and opinions by arm chair commandos. The only meaningful paper I have ever read about shooting people with handguns was written by the Detroit medical examiner.
What he said ?
Out of hundreds of gunshot autopsies he did, unless cops came and told him what gun was used or he recovered the actual bullet he couldnt tell the difference in ANY service sized handgun round injury on an actual human.
Go buy a couple boxes of standard for caliber weight JHP and just shoot

If expansion is your goal, the Winchester T-series is an amazing performer.

Otherwise and IF you can find it, NATO spec FMJ 124 at 1,250 fps creates a rather impressive temporary expansion cavity going ALL the way through a gelatin block.

Like most, I used to be a big on HP design, but in recent years I've come to favor a TC-FMJ design driven as fast as possible for EDC carry.

I like the Hornady Hollow point rounds. They work in all my 9mms and are relatively inexpensive on sale including at Academy Sporting Goods big box stores.
Geoff
Who carries the low recoil rounds for SD, because my wife can handle the recoil, just in case.

147gr Federal HST. $20 per 50 online

124 works also but doesn't expand as wide

Photo is 147+p on left and 124+p on right. I only went with +p because standard pressure was not available when I purchased these

Attached Images

IMG_4408.jpg (29.4 KB, 40 views)

If OP can find something that doesn't work in his Glock 17, chances are he's trying to put something besides 9mm in it.

My Glock has eaten numerous weights, casing types, and brands

Here is some reading for you that may help:

9 mm 147 gr duty load testing

Service Caliber Handgun Duty and Self-Defense Ammo

I like 124gr speer gold dots, HST's are good too.

I'm going to echo several others with Federal HST 124 gr, standard pressure.

9mm - Glock, HK, and Kahr; after my reloads, Speer Lawman and Hornady

Doesn't anyone do searches for previous threads? Yes, I'm a curmudgeon.

The OP request doesn't supply detailed information that might point to specialized needs. The folks who comment upon reliability and accuracy in the firearm in question are correct. That said, the ammo also has to be affordable and available.

The major consideration is that where the bullet is placed is far more important than bullet type, shape, velocity, weight, caliber or CDI* factor.

The products of any of the major manufacturers (Black Hills, Cor-Bon, CCI, Federal, Hornaday, Remington or Speer) are suitable for the purpose and something from any of them should be readily available. I will note that frequently, ammo packaged for law enforcement use comes in 50 round boxes and often at nearly the same price as the 20-25 round boxes with catchy names and sexy packaging.

*CDI= chicks dig it.

Old cop your question has been asked hundreds of times and written about for as long as I can remember ; both here and in the "gun rags" of the 80s and 90s....... 9mm vs .45; 9mm vs. .38 .......bottom line IMHO is that there is no magic bullet ...... that said ..........

the best round for self defense".... comes from a rifle or shotgun.

Handguns and their ammo are a compromise...... I like 9mm as it's an 1)easy round to control...... 2) allows fast double/triple taps..... 3)the guns hold lots of bullets for their size.

One shot instantaneous stops are not the norm....... once you decide you need to use deadly force......be prepared to continue the application until the threat stops! ( "stopping" includes the threat running away....... then you need to use your cell phone)

So IMHO any round from a reputable manufacturer ; my preference is a hollow point, and being the first to get a solid hit on a threat and bullet placement trumps ......the shape makeup of the bullet used.


WR posted while I was typing ...... but I agree with his points.

Wait don't that gun hold 17 rounds ? I'm not a big time automatic shooter and really not a great shot by any stretch but doesn't it hold 17 rounds. I'm truly not being sarcastic at all I just always thought the whole idea of an automatic first of all was they are so much more accurate than a revolver and if you just wasn't much of a shot then you had added round count to sort of even it all out .So I guess my suggestion for a great self defense round would be a 357 magnum or 45 colt long short or in between or any 44 caliber whether it be 44 Russian ,44 special or 44 magnum ( in appropriate loads of course) and do yourself a favor and go back to being a revolver guy with the exception of long guns by long I mean barrels longer than 8 or so inches .Why 8 or SO ? Well some hunting hand guns have longer barrels and I have learned my lessen as far as assuming anything .So if you are going to use a hand gun( notice hand not hands plural ) gun for defending yourself please please pretty pretty please use a gun that 1. / you can hit your intended target with/2./will not penetrate through your intended target and kill or cripple me or some of my loved ones or any other innocent people.I would argue that 1 if let's say 3 shots don't get the job done you maybe should have a heavier caliber or maybe you are in a situation that would call for a long gun ( read firearm that you generaly need more than 1 hand to operate proficiently ) so I say all this to say the 9 mm was and is a fine military as in high capacity handgun and submachinegun round and I can see its application in ( some) domestic police situations but overall I believe there are better way way better calibers for ( yes domestic police) and self defense purposes such as the say 41 magnum or the 357 mag both in a hard hitting round for rural applications and the 32/38/44/45/ect ect for more urban settings so what I am asking is this.Why if you elect to carry o use a handgun that has17 rounds and nearly instant reload capability why does what ammo you use matter othe than for accuracy and possible over penetration situations but keep in mind am an old man .

My advice for anyone looking for the "best" round for their pistol is to buy several boxes of name brand ammo, preferably the type of ammo that you plan on carrying and set up multiple targets at say, 15 yards and shoot each ammo brand at different targets and choose which bullet type, weight, brand gives you the best groups. Use a black sharpie and circle your groups or mark your brand/type bullet on each target to keep track.

There ya go, now you have the "best" ammo for your gun.

I thought you were limited (by health) to pocket carrying a Bodyguard 380?

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Stay protected my friends.

If you have a weapon that will put a bullet in a BG..................

and he has to plug the hole with a finger and get to a hospital
before bleeding to death.......

you have a good start at surviving.

Two holes, up your odds.

Hope this helps.

You just said use a gun that won't penetrate beyond the intended target but then recommended numerous calibers known for over penetrating

It may be his house or bedside gun. Let the furniture carry it .

Any expanding round that functions 100% with reasonable accuracy in your Glock (they seem to eat everything so that is not much of a restriction), that you can afford to practice with and has a record of effectiveness.

A good option if you are on a retired guy budget is Federal 9BP 115 gr JHP, inexpensive old technology and cheap enough to use as training ammo but has a good LE record.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Some terminal ballistics data here...for what it's worth. As some have already said, reliability (out of your gun) and shot placement are key.

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/sel...llistic-tests/

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

Is the one you never have to fire.....................

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S&W Accumulator

Try the ammo on this list and find the one or two that work in your pistol
and that you are the most accurate with. Buy that ammo in LE boxes of 50 rds.
and in bulk from someone like SG Ammo or Target Sports USA Ammo, or several others.

Problem solved.

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CSM, U S Army(Ret) 1963-1990

I have two 9mm semi-autos, a Shield and a SIG P320 compact. In selecting my self-defense ammo, I started with Dr. Gary Roberts' list and tested several of those rounds for reliability and accuracy. One round that stood out for accuracy and reliability with both guns was the Remington Golden Saber 147g. The Federal HST 147g round and the Speer Gold Dot 124g +P round also did well for me. These rounds also did well in the Lucky Gunner tests, which you can see here: https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/sel...llistic-tests/

Good Shooting!

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What, me worry?

124 grain NATO "ball" at 1,250 fps!

I know, there's a world full of HP and expanding designs out there, but the thing is, a FMJ is better at defeating barriers, and driven fast enough - REAL 9mm velocity, will create a rather large expansion track through an entire block of ballistic gel!

The problem with higher velocity ball ammo such as NATO, is the risk of over-penetration and hitting some innocent person on the other side of the target. Speer Gold Dot 124g +P HP rounds are rated at 1,220 fps, only slightly slower than NATO ball, and in the Lucky Gunner gel tests, they expanded to over 1/2 inch in diameter without over-penetrating.

Now if barrier penetration is a real concern, I'd advise switching to .357 SIG (I've done that with my SIG P320). The Speer Gold Dot .357 SIG 125g HP round clocks in at 1,350 fps. That should be good for both barrier penetration and expansion.

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What, me worry?

I use the Nato as a woods load out of a Glock 19.I do average around 1250 fps to with it.Its more or less a +P load.Good as a bone breaker or deep penetrate.Only as a last resort on a black bear or something.Other than that its 127 +P+ T load or 115 +P+ 9BPLE in the 19. And the 147 T load or 147 +P HST for the short barrel shield.All well proven loads in real shootings.Really the 9BPLE is on par with the legendary 125 357 mag.One shot stops 91% vers 93%

Most anything will do,
If your aim is true.

I'm not expecting to have to shoot through walls, doors, engine blocks, or other "barriers".

If I have to defend myself, I expect to have to shoot at a person, so I choose my SD ammunition with that in mind.

I'm not a fan of +P ammunition, but that's just me. 147gr or 124gr JHP seems to be the best choice in my case.

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Can open, worms everywhere.