shooter48
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Has any one used this 9mm nato ammo in their Shield?
Is it ok to use in the M&P line of pistols?
Is it ok to use in the M&P line of pistols?
9mm 124grain Nato ammo
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NATO and "+P" are very close in power. Since the manual states you can run +P in the Shield (simply expect parts to wear a bit quicker and requiring service more often), you can expect similar results from running NATO in it.
WalMart sells ZQI 9mm NATO, which I tried (since it was only $10/50) and I could definitely tell the difference between it and standard 115gr. While I would have no qualms with running 124gr +P (or 124gr NATO) for SD rounds in my Shield (on a limited basis), I would definitely not use it as regular range fodder.
WalMart sells ZQI 9mm NATO, which I tried (since it was only $10/50) and I could definitely tell the difference between it and standard 115gr. While I would have no qualms with running 124gr +P (or 124gr NATO) for SD rounds in my Shield (on a limited basis), I would definitely not use it as regular range fodder.
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I have used it without any problems but not a lot. I do notice the difference between regular 9mm 124 grain and the 124 grain 9mm nato. Found this below on a site that sells it.
This 9mm NATO ammunition is loaded to the same specifications currently used by our U.S. Military. The higher pressure in these rounds deliver increased velocity and energy over standard 9mm ammunition, which also promotes reliable cycling in modern 9mm semi-auto handguns as well as carbines.
Notice: Use only in modern 9mm firearms in good condition. These Cartridges are loaded to military velocity and pressure which is higher than 9mm Luger cartridges. The average pressure is 10% higher than the industry standard pressure for 9mm Luger.
This 9mm NATO ammunition is loaded to the same specifications currently used by our U.S. Military. The higher pressure in these rounds deliver increased velocity and energy over standard 9mm ammunition, which also promotes reliable cycling in modern 9mm semi-auto handguns as well as carbines.
Notice: Use only in modern 9mm firearms in good condition. These Cartridges are loaded to military velocity and pressure which is higher than 9mm Luger cartridges. The average pressure is 10% higher than the industry standard pressure for 9mm Luger.
OP
shooter48
Member
Does any one know what S&W says about nato ammo ..
As mentioned in my earlier post, NATO and +P are VERY close in specs, so I'm guessing that their official word on NATO, would be the same as their stand on +P. (but that's just my S.W.A.G.)
Have you checked the S&W FAQ page?
Here's what S&W says, from the M&P manual, Page 11...
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.
“Plus-P-Plus” (+P+) ammunition must not be used in Smith &
Wesson firearms. This marking on the ammunition designates that
it exceeds established industry standards, but the designation
does not represent defined pressure limits and therefore such
ammunition may vary significantly as to the pressures generated
and could be DANGEROUS.
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.
“Plus-P-Plus” (+P+) ammunition must not be used in Smith &
Wesson firearms. This marking on the ammunition designates that
it exceeds established industry standards, but the designation
does not represent defined pressure limits and therefore such
ammunition may vary significantly as to the pressures generated
and could be DANGEROUS.
My SIG P320 9mm loves NATO ammo, and so do I. I shoot more accurately with it in my SIG than I do with standard ammo. My Shield 9 is a different story, however. I had 4 FTEs in the first 64 rounds of NATO I tried with my Shield, so I stopped using it. I currently use Lawman 124. While I did have 2 FTEs with the Lawman rounds, they occurred right after I had installed a new recoil spring assembly. Since then, I have shot 300 rounds of Lawman without a problem.
Nevertheless, NATO is good ammo, and because it didn't work well in my Shield, it doesn't mean that it won't work well in your Shield. I'd say give it a try.
Nevertheless, NATO is good ammo, and because it didn't work well in my Shield, it doesn't mean that it won't work well in your Shield. I'd say give it a try.
I guess that it depends on the individual pistol. I have put over a thousand rounds of NATO 9mm through several pistols and I have never had any failure to feed or eject--not one. I have a Beretta Nano that functions perfectly with it--in fact it likes it when it does not like other regular loads.
This past Saturday, my wife and I fired 200 rounds on NATO through her previously never fired Shield without one issue.
I personally don't think that it is as hot as +P 124 grain--at least not as hot as Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P that I use regularly.
edit: I checked the ballistics for it and it shows 1185fps which puts it in line with many +P loads for 124gr. and the regular 124gr FMJ for Winchester shows 1140fps, so it is really not that much more.
This past Saturday, my wife and I fired 200 rounds on NATO through her previously never fired Shield without one issue.
I personally don't think that it is as hot as +P 124 grain--at least not as hot as Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P that I use regularly.
edit: I checked the ballistics for it and it shows 1185fps which puts it in line with many +P loads for 124gr. and the regular 124gr FMJ for Winchester shows 1140fps, so it is really not that much more.
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Makes sense to practice with 124gr NATO if you carry 124gr +P.
Familiarity with similarity in feel and point of impact, it's a tiny perk but for the purposes of internet licensed hair splitters, something to think about.
Familiarity with similarity in feel and point of impact, it's a tiny perk but for the purposes of internet licensed hair splitters, something to think about.
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I put 200 rounds of NATO through my Shield the first day I took it to the range, followed by 200 rounds of American Eagle 124gr. Repeated that process 2 more times and never had any failures. In my head I thought I was 'breaking in' the Shield by doing this, but I don't think it made much difference. The RSA is a little easier to manipulate, but I think that's more muscle memory than anything. I shoot primarily standard 124gr loads now as I don't carry +P as defensive loads, but I do enjoy a box of Winchester NATO every once in a while as it's dead accurate for me (and oddly cheaper than a lot of regular 115gr stuff - $12.99/box at Cabela's). It does seem a bit dirty, but not terribly so.
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