Hi All,
This is my first handgun and I just like everything about it. Trigger weight is nice, seems accurate and not to much kick to enjoy shooting many rounds.

I just have two questions, is it recommended or ok to use +p ammo in the 9mm 990l?

What is the best personal protection ammo for this model pistol?

Thanks
Kirk

What model and what caliber? I use JHP'S in all my SD pistols. FMJ'S for plinking and target practice. My reasoning is JHP'S stand a less likely chance to go all the way thru the BG and maybe strike something you did not intend to shoot and the FMJ'S are cheaper for practice.

I'm sure others will have differing opinions but you will just have to make up your own judgment.

Anything that you can handle comfortably for a second follow up shot if necessary.

Personally, I like Federals 147 grain Hydra-shoks in a 6906

Any premium 115gr or 124gr self defense ammo will do the job. The lighter bullets going +P velocity tend to have better expansion and stopping power. The 147gr load seemed like a great idea at one time but it has had mixed results.

My preference for self defense ammo is Gold Dots or Winchester Ranger +Ps if you can find them.

I carry 124gr Remington Golden Sabers in my 6906. IMO I think any good JHP by any of the major manufacturers is fine...to say one is better than another is probably splitting hairs, although the consensus seems to be that the 115-127gr bullets are better than the 147. Still, I wouldn't want to be shot with any of them.

The owners manual you got with the pistol will tell you if it's safe to use +P ammo. You did read the manual, right?

There is no handgun ammunition on earth that compensates for lousy marksmanship and/or a lack of practice. Frankly, any of the JHP loads from major manufacturers will do well. None of which will matter if your don't hit vital areas.

I use 124gr standard pressure Remington Golden Sabre's in my 5906 for home defense.

Double Tap Caliber : 9mm+P

Bullet : Remington JHP

Ballistics : 115gr @ 1415fps / 511ft. lbs. from a G17.
Glock 19 velocity - 1395fps.

I think 511 ft/lbs is more than many .45acp

Read this;

Service Pistol Duty and Self-Defense Loads - M4Carbine.net Forums

Personally in 9mm I use the 124gr +P Gold Dot (issued for duty), the Winchester 124gr +P, 127gr +P+ or the 147gr Ranger-T (available from an LE supplier in KC near here), or Cor Bon DPX.

The Federal HST is also a top notch load.

My wife's PM9 is loaded with Cor Bon PowRball since it feeds so well. Her P9 is loaded with Federal 115gr +P+ BPLE since it feeds so well in that gun and I have a ton of it left from back in the day.

I've never been a fan of the 9mm Hydrashock ever since we issued it for duty years ago, both the 124gr and 147gr loads proved to be very poor duty ammo in the OISs we had here.

We, too, had poor results with the 9mm 124 Hydrashok in our OISs. The poor performance was also observed after we switched over to the 40S&W 155 Hydrashoks. We have noticed very much improved performance in OISs after switching to the 155 Federal Tactical.

Cor-Bon PowRball. Love it. My 9c has 12 sitting in it right now.

That said, my PRIMARY home defense firearm is a Taurus Judge 3".
Chamber 1 .410 #2 shot
Chamber 2 .410 000 buck
repeat as necessary

You don't have to worry about people in the next room or apartment, but you will need some Spackle.


bj

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NRA Cert Instructor, M&P owner

Winchester Ranger T-Series is a very good self defense load. Of course, you will have to test it in your handgun for function and accuracy. You could also try some of the others listed above. Most quality ammo expands reliably, choose the one which your gun shoots the most accurately.

The Hydra-Shok bullet design is outdated and has been replaced by much better, more reliable designs. Why people insist upon continuing to use it is beyond me.

I use 124 +P Gold Dots now, mainly because I have easy access to them. Once I can lay my hands on some 147 HSTs, I'll start using those unless my guns have issue with them (which i doubt).

In both of my 9mms, I use Federal 9BPLE 115 grain +p+

__________________
Don't look, reload and shoot!

Gold Dot 124 grain, either the standard pressure or Short Barrel +P. There are the same bullet, case, and primer, the only difference is the SB is a +P. If you look at ATK's (the parent company) website, you'll see that the energy ratings for the +P from a 3 inch barrel are the same as the standard velocity from a 4 inch barrel. Either way, it's a good round used by many LE agencies.

Say what you will. I would rather have the 147 Hyrdos in the wee 9mm. It needs all the help it can get. Yup I carry a 669 and 147 gr and do not feel undergunned.. Just my nickles worth

Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for all your input. The gun is a Smith & Wesson 990l 9mm. I have read the manual several times and it just doesnt mention to much about this subject, but I will look again. You all have been a huge help!

Kirk