Best personal defense Ammo for shield 9mm?
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Ranger17
Member
I can say that the 115gn Critical Defense runs nicely in my PC Shield and mimics my 115 practice ammo at least up to 10 yds (my range's limit) for hits on the target.
I'm sure others would have more technical data on how that round compares to others on the market, just noting it's worked well for me so far in range use/practice.
I'm sure others would have more technical data on how that round compares to others on the market, just noting it's worked well for me so far in range use/practice.
digiroc
Member
Hornady Critical Defense 9mm
Same here Ranger. Critical defense is available everywhere and, while not cheap, mimics the 115 gr FMJ that is cheap.
Adequate for the job and cheap to maintain proficiency. As long as your firearm runs well with them as mine have.
digiroc
Same here Ranger. Critical defense is available everywhere and, while not cheap, mimics the 115 gr FMJ that is cheap.
Adequate for the job and cheap to maintain proficiency. As long as your firearm runs well with them as mine have.
digiroc
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Jim1392
US Veteran
I use Speer Gold Dot LE 124 GHP's. They run great in my Shield 9.
bblhd672
Member
Federal HST LE 9mm Luger Ammo 124 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point
I have done extensive ballistic gel testing with 9mm Shield and Glock 43.
The Federal HST 124 gr standard pressure has been stellar. 18" penetration with average of .622 expansion (or close to that number) I have tested over 25 rounds of HST 124
The other great round is the Corbon DPX 115+P...Penetrates to 16" with .685" expansion
No other rounds were as consistent as these two in regards to expansion and penetration. 4 Tests were done consisting of bare gel, 4 layers of denim, one layer of 5.3oz cotton and winter wear of nylon outer shell and medium weight insulation, 200gr polartec fleece and one 5.3oz cotton tshirt
I carry Federal HST 124 standard pressure. It performed well in every barrel length...G43, G19 and Glock 17
The Federal HST 124 gr standard pressure has been stellar. 18" penetration with average of .622 expansion (or close to that number) I have tested over 25 rounds of HST 124
The other great round is the Corbon DPX 115+P...Penetrates to 16" with .685" expansion
No other rounds were as consistent as these two in regards to expansion and penetration. 4 Tests were done consisting of bare gel, 4 layers of denim, one layer of 5.3oz cotton and winter wear of nylon outer shell and medium weight insulation, 200gr polartec fleece and one 5.3oz cotton tshirt
I carry Federal HST 124 standard pressure. It performed well in every barrel length...G43, G19 and Glock 17
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Protected One
Member
Critical Defense is a great choice for defense in a Shield 9mm, and I carry it in mine. Others include Federal HST, Gold Dot and Winchester D. You can't go wrong with any of them.
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
Federal HST 147gr is well regarded, and available in 50rd boxes.
50 Round Box - 9mm Luger Federal HST 147 Grain Hollow Point LE Ammo P9HST2 | SGAmmo.com
50 Round Box - 9mm Luger Federal HST 147 Grain Hollow Point LE Ammo P9HST2 | SGAmmo.com
digiroc
Member
Here is a link for ballistic test through gelatin for 115gr Hornady Critical Defense:
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKE4VKPRFTQ"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKE4VKPRFTQ[/ame]
digiroc
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKE4VKPRFTQ"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKE4VKPRFTQ[/ame]
digiroc
As mentioned already, nearly any one of several modern,popular brands (including Hornady) will suffice just fine.
The critical thing is that it cycles properly in your weapon, and there's only one way to determine that (and it ain't by asking strangers on the internet
).
These days, Federal's HST's are pretty widely considered the best-of-the-very-best, but the top-of-the-line stuff from Winchester,Hornady,Remington,Speer, and others, are very reliable and solid performers.
Personally, I'd go with whichever one was most readily available to you, and that you could most easily afford to shoot a box or two of, and then put a few boxes away. Hornady and Remignton Golder Sabres often seem to be more economical than the others, but the HST's can sometimes be found reasonably.
The critical thing is that it cycles properly in your weapon, and there's only one way to determine that (and it ain't by asking strangers on the internet
).These days, Federal's HST's are pretty widely considered the best-of-the-very-best, but the top-of-the-line stuff from Winchester,Hornady,Remington,Speer, and others, are very reliable and solid performers.
Personally, I'd go with whichever one was most readily available to you, and that you could most easily afford to shoot a box or two of, and then put a few boxes away. Hornady and Remignton Golder Sabres often seem to be more economical than the others, but the HST's can sometimes be found reasonably.
mrmike7189
Member
SmithNWesson
Member
I have always carried Critical Defense (carrying 1 year). I like the red tip and how it prevents anything from gettiing into the cavity of the bullet which can prevent the bullet from expanding. Just got my shield today and bought a 115gr box.
I do also plan on buying critical duty (135gr) and want to try RIP (have so far seen 1 bad review though)
The guy at my shop didnt really like the idea of heavier rounds, said it isnt necessary. Is alternating 115gr with 135gr in the same magazine a bad idea? I will test it out unless someone tells me not to do it.
I do also plan on buying critical duty (135gr) and want to try RIP (have so far seen 1 bad review though)
The guy at my shop didnt really like the idea of heavier rounds, said it isnt necessary. Is alternating 115gr with 135gr in the same magazine a bad idea? I will test it out unless someone tells me not to do it.
digiroc
Member
The winner is ... shot placement
I use Corbon DPX in my .40 S&W carry guns (4040PD & 411) and like the all copper hollow points. I will consider moving to them in 9mm & .45 if they can be found at a reasonable price.
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVq5OO0TVMM"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVq5OO0TVMM[/ame]
Ballistic performance is great to have, but as always, shot placement is what determines the outcome of gunplay.
digiroc
I use Corbon DPX in my .40 S&W carry guns (4040PD & 411) and like the all copper hollow points. I will consider moving to them in 9mm & .45 if they can be found at a reasonable price.
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVq5OO0TVMM"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVq5OO0TVMM[/ame]
Ballistic performance is great to have, but as always, shot placement is what determines the outcome of gunplay.
digiroc
If anyone hasn't seen this yet, it's a well done comparison: http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/
Lucky Gunner
The Lucky Gunner testing is really interesting and well done. I recommend everyone take a look. Intersting that the top ammo is often not available online or in local stores when you look. I was suprised how the +p performed in the shorter barrles. looks like very little need in the Shield and in some cases with the larger barrels and shorter ranges it doesnt expand properly.
The Lucky Gunner testing is really interesting and well done. I recommend everyone take a look. Intersting that the top ammo is often not available online or in local stores when you look. I was suprised how the +p performed in the shorter barrles. looks like very little need in the Shield and in some cases with the larger barrels and shorter ranges it doesnt expand properly.
cockymiles
Member
fed 124 hst
federal 124 hst standard preasure is by far the most consistent in jel 15 inches in bare jel and 15"in 4 lkayers of denum thru 2 layers and rib bone ull get 14. thats the best performance ive ever seen outta 3" barrel all i need to know
federal 124 hst standard preasure is by far the most consistent in jel 15 inches in bare jel and 15"in 4 lkayers of denum thru 2 layers and rib bone ull get 14. thats the best performance ive ever seen outta 3" barrel all i need to know
Curtis Reed
Member
Federal HST 124 gr. Can't beat it! Watch Shootingthebull's youtube video on the HSTs and you'll be sold.
Ammo Quest 9mm: Federal HST 124 grain tested in ballistic gelatin test review - YouTube
Ammo Quest 9mm: Federal HST 124 grain tested in ballistic gelatin test review - YouTube
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kenh999
Member
We used Hornady CDs in our Shield and M&P 9 FS' for years. Recently switched to Federal HST 147 gr. and haven't looked back. My wife likes it in her Shield. Recoil is better (different) than 124s. Check out the Luckygunner test on HST 147 gr, awesome results. Plus, great price at Bone Frog Ammo, 50 rds for what you'd pay for 25 of CD. Win Win.
Tradewind36
US Veteran
I have HST 147 for both my Shield 9 and FS 9, no problems noted with either.
