I'm running low on my 9mm self-defense ammo. I picked up a case of Speer 124gr Gold Dot and a case of 147gr Gold Dot couple years ago for use in my self-defense pistols but I'll have to pickup some more soon as I'm down to last few boxes of each. What is top shelf non +P 9mm self-defense ammo these days?
What is top shelf 9mm self-defense ammo these days.
- Thread starter rug357
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My only 9mm pistol is a 1.0 Shield. It is very ammo-picky. I conducted extensive trials to determine which self-defense rounds it would fire reliably. The best non +P round that I found was Federal HST 147g. I've shot 225 consecutive rounds of the HSTs without a single failure of any kind. I don't carry it because I like Hornady Critical Duty 135g +P even better. It has worked perfectly in my Shield for 387 consecutive rounds. But if you don't want +P, check out the HSTs.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
I like the Sig-Sauer V-Crown or Hornady Critical Defense.
Buy more of the Speer Gold Dots, they work great.
My defense carry mags are loaded with Sig Elite Performance V-Crown JHP, Hornady XTP, Hornady Critical Defense FTX, Federal HST Personal Defense.
I only use FMJ Magtech, CCI Blazer, PCM Bronze, and MaxxTech for range days.
I only use FMJ Magtech, CCI Blazer, PCM Bronze, and MaxxTech for range days.
Glenn R. McMannly
Member
9BPLE
Speer Gold dot has always been my carry ammo
I only keep what is available and no 'boutique' ammo. My favorites are Federal 150 gr. Micro HST, or 124 gr HST and Remington Golden Sabers.
I'd go with Gold Dot in your case. It's still one of the best available, and you know that it runs in your guns. No need to fix what ain't broke. 
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That's + p+
wxl
Member
Fed HST 124 or 147 or Speer Gold Dots for me
VinnieL59
Member
I am not picky what I carry. If it is 124 or heavier, hollow point of reputable manufacture and at decent velocity that's all I care about.
When our department switched to Berettas in 1984, they bought a large amount of Fiocchi 124 grain very reasonably. Since I don't live in Downtown Beirut I figure the chances of having to neutralize a target are not really too great.
As an officer (now retired) who worked crime scenes and attended autopsies for many years, I will say that when they first hit the market I investigated a crime scene where two people have been shot with 9mm Black Talon ammo. (a murder-suicide)
I was astounded by the expansion and severe damage it caused, with its phenominal expansion razor-sharp "petals" on the bullets. It was something I had never seen before. I know it is no longer marketed under that name because of politically-correct rhetoric, but I'm sure whatever it was re-branded to would be more than sufficient.
When our department switched to Berettas in 1984, they bought a large amount of Fiocchi 124 grain very reasonably. Since I don't live in Downtown Beirut I figure the chances of having to neutralize a target are not really too great.
As an officer (now retired) who worked crime scenes and attended autopsies for many years, I will say that when they first hit the market I investigated a crime scene where two people have been shot with 9mm Black Talon ammo. (a murder-suicide)
I was astounded by the expansion and severe damage it caused, with its phenominal expansion razor-sharp "petals" on the bullets. It was something I had never seen before. I know it is no longer marketed under that name because of politically-correct rhetoric, but I'm sure whatever it was re-branded to would be more than sufficient.
Go with what works in your gun, as stated above "No need to fix whats not broken"I'd go with Gold Dot in your case. It's still one of the best available, and you know that it runs in your guns. No need to fix what ain't broke.
Forgive the graphic memory recall. You're saying the Talon on the suicide, despite most likely being very point blank had good expansion?
Now found under the "Ranger" handle, I believe.
I still run Fed. 147 HST & 124+P HST. The 147 was our duty load when I left in 2017 and haven't seen anything better come along. Although I'm sure the GD, CD, Ranger, etc. may be just as good. But I think they cracked the code over 10 years ago with 9mm when it comes to expansion and 12"-18" of penetration.
Whatever functions and has enough penetration will work.
All the name brand defense ammo mentioned is top notch. My preference is Hornaday Critical Defense, and occasionally Critical Duty.
