Winchester 9mm NATO in Shield?

reddog56 · Apr 6, 2017

I've searched the net and this forum but still haven't found what I consider a definitive answer. I mistakenly bought 5 boxes of Winchester 9mm NATO 124gr FMJ ammo. I've only been shooting for about 6 months. I normally shoot the standard 115gr FMJ.

Should I have any problem shooting the NATO rounds in my 9mm Shield? I've read that they are hotter than the standard rounds but are not +p rounds.

Can anyone give me the straight forward answer on here- you guys are the experts, I'm the student. I don't want to tear anything up and I don't want any bodily harm. Thanks.

sschrick · Apr 6, 2017

should not have any issues, so long as they load, fire and eject properly. . .not going to hurt your gun.

ScaryWoody · Apr 6, 2017

The SAAMI pressure for standard 9mm is around 35,000psi. The NATO is 36,500 psi and +P is 38,500 psi. Those are the limits. Actual pressure is probably a bit less.

The reason for the difference is that NATO wanted the 9mm for handguns and submachine guns. They require a bit more pressure for cycling.

How much did you buy? If you bought box or two you shouldn't have a problem. If you bought 10k rounds you are probably going to need to get replacement recoil springs.

reddog56 · Apr 6, 2017

Only bought 5 boxes (250 rounds) @ just under $11 per box.

Thanks for getting back with me.

Jakpro · Apr 6, 2017

I use them regularly in my 9mm Shield. No issues.

cmcinc · Apr 6, 2017

No probs at all in mine.

CB3 · Apr 6, 2017

The 124 grn NATO will not hurt your gun or you.

However, a heavier bullet with more pressure from the short Shield barrel will likely have increased muzzle blast, muzzle rise and recoil compared to standard pressure 115 grn loads. Not a whole lot more, but noticeable. They would do better in a longer barreled gun.

Good price, but you might consider trading them straight across for 5 boxes of 115's. You end up paying $11/box for what you want, and the full size gun shooter gets a good load for his gun.

Winchester 9mm NATO in Shield?

reddog56

Member

sschrick

Member

ScaryWoody

Member

reddog56

Member

Jakpro

Member

cmcinc

Member

CB3

Member

Similar threads

Latest posts