I'm stuck in the 80's, I guess, as I still load up with Federal Hydra-Shok. I think, though, looking at newer ammo technology, I'd be inclined to go with Hornady Critical Defense, which is what's in my hide out .380.
9mm Defensive rds what do you use
- Thread starter waffenmac
- Start date
Big Lou
Member
Still carry department approved / issued Federal HST 147gr.
Great performance in an urban environment.
Great performance in an urban environment.
The Big Dog
Member
I used Hydra-Shok for nearly 20 years but now it's Winchester Ranger T 147 grain in my 59. I use HST in my Sig P239 as it seems to run better. Take it for what it's worth but the two largest PDs in California shoot 147 grain rounds and they've been getting excellent results in the real world for quite a while.
It should be mentioned that Hydra-Shok also has been made in a 147 grain loading, although the 124 grain stuff seems to be more common.
Im also stuck in the 80s in all things,probably the United States last great decade.
BigDaddy7972
Member
The first thing you want to do is get rid of those Silver Tips. Keep in mind that in the great Miami FBI shootout, they discovered that one of the problems in that shootout was not the 9mm round but the Silver Tip round itself. It was designed to not penetrate properly because over penetration was a huge concern at that time. As a result the bullets that the bureau used stopped just short of hitting the heart of,IIRC, Platt. The bullet did what it was supposed to do, but that was simply not enough. Any one of the rounds manufactured today by the major manufacturers such as Winchester, Remington, Federal etc are all good performers. I carry the Ranger 147 grain and I can tell you from personal experience that it works just fine.
BigDaddy7972
Member
Lol. You have a good sense of humor.
My 9mm is loaded with 15 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense 115 gr. Yes, ball ammo can certainly do the job, but in the heat of the moment I want to make certain every shot has the potential to be the "take down shot."
Hornady Critical Defense 115...really I am shocked, I am the only one?
I do have a friend who got hit the leg with 9mm ball ammo at close range...almost lost his leg and didn't walk for a year..really not sure I would want to be hit with any bullet type.
I do have a friend who got hit the leg with 9mm ball ammo at close range...almost lost his leg and didn't walk for a year..really not sure I would want to be hit with any bullet type.
gunny4053
US Veteran
Currently carrying Hornaday 124 gr. Tap, but plan on replacing those with 147 gr. Gold Dots in the near future.
Martimus
US Veteran
I currently use Hornady Critical Defense 115 in my HD and CCW weapons. Oddly, on some forums I've caught flack for my choice. Seems like some people simply don't think highly of Hornady (or maybe it's just because of them and their marketing of the Zombie Max ammo). 
Sometimes I think it was the 1880s.
9mm Defense
I use modern day 115gr silvertips. The local Cabelas always has a good supply. I disagree with Big Daddy. SA Dove's silvertip was an older design.
I have chronographed a bunch of standard pressure 9mm loads and the silvertip routinely has the most velocity. If you are looking for aheavier bullet then its not the proper choice but for summer carry the 115gr will do the trick.
I have found it to be an extremely accurate round and it works with utter reliability in my glocks, M&P's and Berettas.
I use modern day 115gr silvertips. The local Cabelas always has a good supply. I disagree with Big Daddy. SA Dove's silvertip was an older design.
I have chronographed a bunch of standard pressure 9mm loads and the silvertip routinely has the most velocity. If you are looking for aheavier bullet then its not the proper choice but for summer carry the 115gr will do the trick.
I have found it to be an extremely accurate round and it works with utter reliability in my glocks, M&P's and Berettas.
.357MagNYC
Member
I have my 39-2 loaded with Remington Golden Saber 124 grain, standard velocity since it's an older gun.
rojodiablo
Member
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I have been in the unique position of having USED 3 types of 9mm ammunition in defense. The Hydra shok 147gr worked very well. I like how the 124gr shoots a bit better, but for sheer performance, the hydra shock did extremely well. The bullet retained nearly 100% of its' weight and penetrated a glass barrier and penetrated far enough to stop the situation. I carried Speer lawman for several years, and did use it once. 124gr. Very good ammunition, it held together pretty well thru bone.
The last ammunition I used was Remington Golden Sabre. VERY dissappointing performance, in respect to penetration and retained weight/ construction. The bullet fell apart within less than 6" of penetration. Yes, it did its' job. But there was no major bone structure to break on the shot, and once thru the passage it took, it should have been well into the lung cavity- that did not happen. The maximum any part of the bullet that penetrated was just shy of 8 inches.
Back to the Federal ammo, for keeps.
The last ammunition I used was Remington Golden Sabre. VERY dissappointing performance, in respect to penetration and retained weight/ construction. The bullet fell apart within less than 6" of penetration. Yes, it did its' job. But there was no major bone structure to break on the shot, and once thru the passage it took, it should have been well into the lung cavity- that did not happen. The maximum any part of the bullet that penetrated was just shy of 8 inches.
Back to the Federal ammo, for keeps.
