erick1987
Member
has anyone ever shot 9mm NATO through their M&P? what is the difference to 9mm luger? i saw one lonely winchester 124 grain box at cabelas the other day but passed on it. just curious.
9mm NATO?
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Linejudgemick
Member
This describes the differences more thoroughly than I can:
9mm NATO vs. 9mm Luger | Gun Nuts Media
This paragraph is in the M&P manual:
"Plus-P (+P) ammunition generates pressures in excess of the pressures associated with standard ammunition. Such pressures may affect the wear characteristics or exceed the margin of safety. Use of “Plus-P” ammunition may result in the need for more frequent service."
I have shot +P, which according to the article is analogous to NATO in my M&P. However I don't shoot a steady diet of it. I prefer standard pressure 147gr instead.
9mm NATO vs. 9mm Luger | Gun Nuts Media
This paragraph is in the M&P manual:
"Plus-P (+P) ammunition generates pressures in excess of the pressures associated with standard ammunition. Such pressures may affect the wear characteristics or exceed the margin of safety. Use of “Plus-P” ammunition may result in the need for more frequent service."
I have shot +P, which according to the article is analogous to NATO in my M&P. However I don't shoot a steady diet of it. I prefer standard pressure 147gr instead.
Kilibreaux
Member
This is why Service Grade 9mm NATO pistols are built robustly...because the full power 9mm load is quite stout.
Domestic 9mm +P is about on par which means shooting if from one of the currently popular, compact 9mm's will be an experience and will stress the gun.
Subcompact 9mm pistols are built to be carried a lot and shot a little.
If you want to shoot a lot...buy a full-size, or at least mid-size 9mm. If you want to carry a lot but won't be shooting a lot of 9mm NATO spec, or +P then subcompact is fine. Practice with standard loads and carry the +P/NATO stuff for real life.
Domestic 9mm +P is about on par which means shooting if from one of the currently popular, compact 9mm's will be an experience and will stress the gun.
Subcompact 9mm pistols are built to be carried a lot and shot a little.
If you want to shoot a lot...buy a full-size, or at least mid-size 9mm. If you want to carry a lot but won't be shooting a lot of 9mm NATO spec, or +P then subcompact is fine. Practice with standard loads and carry the +P/NATO stuff for real life.
NotObvious
Member
I believe this came up a while back and the message from S&W was that RA9TA (+P+ 127gr) was safe to shoot. NATO headstamped 124gr 9mm is safe to shoot in your M&P pistols.
That said, do be careful with what you feed the beast.
That said, do be careful with what you feed the beast.
JJEH
Member
I have several boxes left since I prefer standard pressure as well. Would not feed it as a permanent diet.
Rastoff
US Veteran
Yes, the +P is analogous to NATO rounds. Therefore, I wouldn't use them as my normal load either.
This is one thing I like about the H&K USP. It says right in the manual that it can use regular, +P and +P+ loads without difficulty. Not many manufacturers say that.
This is one thing I like about the H&K USP. It says right in the manual that it can use regular, +P and +P+ loads without difficulty. Not many manufacturers say that.
This is the lawyers covering the posterior of everyone concerned. Carefully note the presence of the word "may". Your warranty is still in effect if you feed your pistol a steady diet of +P.
That said, you'll have to decide for yourself if the extra 'omph' (which may or may not be present) is worth the extra recoil (which may or may not be present). The only way you'll find out is by trying. I personally found anything above standard pressure rounds in a 3914 to have very annoying muzzle flip and recoil. I don't notice any difference in a full size M&P9.
The reason I use the may or may not qualifier is that most ammunition is loaded to a velocity for bullet weight standard. Pressure will vary by the powder in use or in powder lot within the particular powder. The various bullet lots may also affect that pressure. I've chronographed "+P" ammunition of one brand that was slower than standard pressure ammunition of another.
