Home defense ammo for the SD9VE

[samert111]

Just picked up a SD9VE. This will be a home defense weapon and I would like to know what the experts here have found to be what the best HD ammo (JHP) is for this gun. I have tried a couple rounds of a Hornaday Custom 147Gr and also have some Federal Premium 124Gr and also Hornaday 115Gr Critical Defense. I'm leaning toward the heavier Hornaday 147Gr ammo for this gun.

What are others using?

Steve

 

[Jaysq]

Well, I am not an expert and I do not have a SD9VE but for my shield I bought Federal 135 grain Hydra Shok JHP Personal Defense ammo. I have been a big fan of Federal Hydra Shok for years and have it in my Shield, 3913, Baby Sigma 380, 640-1 and 681.

 

[Traveling Fisher]

My SD9 is most accurate with 115gr so I use Hornaday critical defense.


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[james45]

I like 124 gr gold dots,hydra-shoks but b/c i couldn't find any i bought the federal personal defense(blue box).

 

[fyimo]

I also like the 124 grain Hydra Shocks in all of my 9mm semi auto's.

 

[brchambersjr]

I use Hornady Critical Duty and Federal HST. I prefer the extra penetration of the Critical Duty and the expansion of the HST. Don't get me wrong, Critical Defense and Hydra-Shok are definitely great defense ammo, it's just that these are my personal preference.

You can search for test results and find plenty of good reviews and videos that will help you to decide but here are a couple of quick links.

Bill

The difference between Critical DUTY® & Critical DEFENSE® - Hornady Manufacturing, Inc
Federal Premium Ammunition - Handgun

 

[Steelhat]

I loaded Hornady Critical Duty 135gr. in one mag and Winchester PDX1 Defender 124gr. +P in the other.

 

[Ape Hanger]

I prefer to stick with JHP's that have a proven track record of effectiveness on dirtbags rather than what they look like after being shot into 10% ordinance gelatin. For me, that's either 124 or 147 grain Gold Dots.

 

[raymo2u]

Critical Duty Test Pic^

Im also for critical duty 135grn +p ammo. That is my carry ammo in all my guns, its proven, its reliable, and it packs a wallop for a 9mm. Hydrashok can clog or over penetrate but i use it as a backup round. My last resort i use the 124grn speer gold dots or winchester silvertips

 

[hmbiohazard]

critical duty is what i use as defense rounds in my .40 and 9mm pistols

 

[shawn mccarver]

The current thinking is that whatever caliber you settle on, go with the heaviest bullet in a recent PREMIUM load that complies with the FBI ammo protocol.

Thus, in 9mm, use Winchester RA9T (if you don't need to pentrate auto glass) or RA9B (if you need bonded to do better in auto glass). In .40 S&W, get Winchester PDX-1 180 grain or the Q load equivalent, which is the Q4369. In .45 ACP, use Winchester PDX-1 in 230 grain or the Federal 230 grain Hydra Shok or HST.

 

[brchambersjr]

rather than what they look like after being shot into 10% ordinance gelatin.

Or a frozen ham....

 

[Ape Hanger]

Here is some good info from a real ballistics expert on service caliber ammo.

Service Caliber Handgun Duty and Self-Defense Ammo

 

[Bozz10mm]

Golden Saber Bonded 124gr +P or Federal HST. Either one is excellent if it functions well in your pistol.

 

[Jmc24]

I'm a big fan of Federal HST. Great expansion and penetration.

 

[thebeamanater107]

Anything jhp is a good anti person round. Whatever feeds and shoots good in your gun. I use hornady zombies in my 40, and 230 grain bonded hollow points in my 45.

I like 12 gauge buckshot for home defense, mainly because the home has no size limits. In a car you've got size limits and for carry you have a comfort limit and concealed carry is size, shape, weight, shape limits all for comfort...

Concealed on me is either a 9mm or 40 s&w, in the car or open carry is a 1911, and in the house is always a rifle or shotgun.

the original point and click interface, by Smith and Wesson

 

[Capt Crunch]

I also like the 124 grain Hydra Shocks in all of my 9mm semi auto's.

Ditto, I use the Federal Hydra Shok

 

[tpd223]

Some of the loads mentioned, such as the Hydrashock and the 147gr XTP, are actaully poor choices due to demonstrated performance in both gel and bad guys.

My department used to issue the Sigma years ago, then and now your duty ammo was the 124gr +P Gold Dot. This load has a long and well proven track record.

Any loading on the list from the link that Ape Hanger posted is ideal.

For non-LE use the Critical Defense has also proven to perform well in testing, it just doesn't do well through auto glass.

 

[tpd223]

I'll add that the Critical Duty ammo has proven so far to be low expansion and rather high penetration.

 

[uechikid]

I have chosen Hornady Critical Defense for home defense in both 9mm (115gr) and 40 S&W (165gr).