is the Hornady 115 grain a good SD round, or is it to light. I know its all about where you put the rounds and there's no magic bullet. just wondering as most of the forum guru's say its to light. The 9mm shield is my summer gun and when its cold and more layers of clothes are being worn then the 40c is whats on the hip.
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115 grain 9mm
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BigCityChief
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I personally have always considered 115 gr rounds to be range target ammo. I'd recommend Gold Dot 124 gr JHP or 147 gr FMJ for SD when carrying the Shield.
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Not sure if this is a good answer, but...
I carry 147s in the 9mm I CCW. It's because they shoot the closest to where I'm aiming. If the 115s shot closer, then any quality HP in 115 is what I'd carry.
I carry 147s in the 9mm I CCW. It's because they shoot the closest to where I'm aiming. If the 115s shot closer, then any quality HP in 115 is what I'd carry.
cmort666
Member
I'm not a fan of light bullets in the 9x19mm. As light as I would go is 124gr., and in fact, the only thing I carry now is Winchester white box 147gr. JHPs. They test really well for BOTH penetration AND expansion. I've also found them to be very accurate at normal engagement ranges and beyond.
I'm not a proponent
I'm not a proponent of the light bullet/high velocity theory. 124 gr is the lightest bullet I'd use for SD in 9mm. That's about equal to a .38 125 gr. +P with about 100-200 fps more velocity. Sounds like a good round to me. Get a 147 gr. bullet going pretty quick and I'd be happy.
A rule of thumb for me is in any caliber to get the heaviest bullet I can going over 1000 fps. I'll reduce that if it's not controllable.
I'm not a proponent of the light bullet/high velocity theory. 124 gr is the lightest bullet I'd use for SD in 9mm. That's about equal to a .38 125 gr. +P with about 100-200 fps more velocity. Sounds like a good round to me. Get a 147 gr. bullet going pretty quick and I'd be happy.
A rule of thumb for me is in any caliber to get the heaviest bullet I can going over 1000 fps. I'll reduce that if it's not controllable.
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Rpg
Member
In principal, I prefer heavier rather than lighter.
That said, it's much more important to use the ammo that functions best in your pistol (flawless reliability) rather than engage in theoretical speculation on 'best' sd ammo.
Much better to use the ammo that you shoot best and works best in your pistol. If that's some sort of range ammo (almost certainly it is), then the range ammo is your best choice for sd.
That said, it's much more important to use the ammo that functions best in your pistol (flawless reliability) rather than engage in theoretical speculation on 'best' sd ammo.
Much better to use the ammo that you shoot best and works best in your pistol. If that's some sort of range ammo (almost certainly it is), then the range ammo is your best choice for sd.
Mainsail
Member
My 9s dispense 147gr Federal HSTs, except my 5906 which got a heavier recoil spring and is loaded with Underwood 147gr +P hollow points.
The police tests I've read all favor the 147gr; that's good enough for me.
The police tests I've read all favor the 147gr; that's good enough for me.
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It depends...you didn't mention which Hornady 115 gr 9 mm load. Any FMJ load of any weight is a suboptimal defensive choice.
I think the best route as mentioned above is to try several expanding bullet loads/brands/weights. There are several 115 gr JHP loads (like the Federal 9BP in standard and + P) that have a long record of excellent performance. I will grant the vast majority of defensive use data are from 4-5" barrel semi-autos. If you find one that functions 100% I think you are good to go.
I think the best route as mentioned above is to try several expanding bullet loads/brands/weights. There are several 115 gr JHP loads (like the Federal 9BP in standard and + P) that have a long record of excellent performance. I will grant the vast majority of defensive use data are from 4-5" barrel semi-autos. If you find one that functions 100% I think you are good to go.
ironhead7544
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I use the CorBon 115 gr load. Check out the Youtube tests.
Biggfoot44
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Hornday makes a buncha different rounds that happen to feature 115gr bullets.
In 9mm I LIKE 115gr , the better 124s are ok , avoid 147's . Other than avoiding 147's , a lot comes to the specific bullet/ load rather than generalizing by weight
In "normal" 9mm's my default choices are BPLE , CorBon 115 , and 124 Gold Dot. Once upon a time had a reason to gravitate to 124 HydraShok , and didn't feel unarmed. For anything without opportunity for full reliability testing PowerBall for assured feeding. But there are a plethora of 115 and 124rounds that are all " Plenty reasonably adaquate " , subject to verifying reliability , hitting somewhat near sights , and a semblence of accuraccy.
Now in a subcompact , there is another factor that becomes increasingly important - Controllability. While I like'm hot with real pistols , with polymer subcompacts I prefer 115 std vel for faster recovery , especially one handed.
Oh , and I agree about avoiding lightweight bullets in 9mm, I avoid the 88, 90, and 100gr . 115gr IS a mainstram bullet weight.
In 9mm I LIKE 115gr , the better 124s are ok , avoid 147's . Other than avoiding 147's , a lot comes to the specific bullet/ load rather than generalizing by weight
In "normal" 9mm's my default choices are BPLE , CorBon 115 , and 124 Gold Dot. Once upon a time had a reason to gravitate to 124 HydraShok , and didn't feel unarmed. For anything without opportunity for full reliability testing PowerBall for assured feeding. But there are a plethora of 115 and 124rounds that are all " Plenty reasonably adaquate " , subject to verifying reliability , hitting somewhat near sights , and a semblence of accuraccy.
Now in a subcompact , there is another factor that becomes increasingly important - Controllability. While I like'm hot with real pistols , with polymer subcompacts I prefer 115 std vel for faster recovery , especially one handed.
Oh , and I agree about avoiding lightweight bullets in 9mm, I avoid the 88, 90, and 100gr . 115gr IS a mainstram bullet weight.
I guess I should have mentioned that it is the Hornady critical defense, I did mention that I am shooting a shield at 500 rnds and
only one stove pipe with some cheap ammo, I believe it has been reliable with anything I have fed it.
only one stove pipe with some cheap ammo, I believe it has been reliable with anything I have fed it.
If talking traditional bullet designs, I've read many feel it's a bit light although in all practicality it probably won't make a whole lot of difference.
If talking solid copper projectiles like the Barnes X-bullet, they supposedly behave a little differently. The Corbon DPX 115 gr. 9mm +p is popular among a lot of instructors. They also have a 9mm DPX 95 gr. designed for the short barreled pocket 9mm's like the shield. That normally would sound extremely too light, but in terms of the solid copper projectile, I'm not so sure. I've talked with Chuck Taylor about it and he carries it in his Glock 17 saying it penetrates and expands better than the 115 gr. +p version after having tested it extensively.
If talking solid copper projectiles like the Barnes X-bullet, they supposedly behave a little differently. The Corbon DPX 115 gr. 9mm +p is popular among a lot of instructors. They also have a 9mm DPX 95 gr. designed for the short barreled pocket 9mm's like the shield. That normally would sound extremely too light, but in terms of the solid copper projectile, I'm not so sure. I've talked with Chuck Taylor about it and he carries it in his Glock 17 saying it penetrates and expands better than the 115 gr. +p version after having tested it extensively.
MichiganScott
Member
I carry 115gr Federal 9BP in my 3913, and Black Hills 115gr +P that's loaded with the Hornady XTP because each gun shoots to a different POA. Both are proven loads.
throwin' copper
Member
Federal HST Tactical 124-grain. Excellent penetration and expansion from a 3.5" barrel.
Average penetration = 15.15 inches
Average expansion = .520 inches
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lGqdMdbir0
Average penetration = 15.15 inches
Average expansion = .520 inches
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lGqdMdbir0
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I carry the Winchester 115 +P+ Ranger. My thought is that if I have to use it, it will be at very close range with little or no barricades to defeat. So I want the fastest quickest expanding bullet to dump all its energy right now.
http://youtu.be/AiWMo9GFrws
15" penetration in ballistic gelatin through 4 layers denim.
Expansion to .48 caliber.
100% retained weight.
Pretty amazing what they are doing with premium pistol ammo these days.
15" penetration in ballistic gelatin through 4 layers denim.
Expansion to .48 caliber.
100% retained weight.
Pretty amazing what they are doing with premium pistol ammo these days.
I was reading a article the other day that say that the 115grain 9mm Luger round was made for the Guns of WW-2 and the 124 grain rounds are for modern Pistols as They pack more of a punch,But either way I still would not want to be shot by a 115 grain anything.
My LGS
My LGS hasn't been stocking ANYWHERE near the variety that used to be available. The only 9mm JHP that they keep are the Hornady 115 gr. I bought some and made some SD rounds to go into my 3rd gen, hoping that one day I'd find some 124 gr. jobs without having to order online. Today I went to the Gun Show at the Ladson Fairgrounds and wasn't real impressed but I DID find a box of 124 gr Hornady XTPs for a good price (and some .357 brass) and I was a happy camper. Can't wait to develop the new loads. I'm not going to make these quite as HOT as I made the 115 gr rounds.
My LGS hasn't been stocking ANYWHERE near the variety that used to be available. The only 9mm JHP that they keep are the Hornady 115 gr. I bought some and made some SD rounds to go into my 3rd gen, hoping that one day I'd find some 124 gr. jobs without having to order online. Today I went to the Gun Show at the Ladson Fairgrounds and wasn't real impressed but I DID find a box of 124 gr Hornady XTPs for a good price (and some .357 brass) and I was a happy camper. Can't wait to develop the new loads. I'm not going to make these quite as HOT as I made the 115 gr rounds.
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Stirling
Member
I carry 115 & 124 rounds in 9mmP, there are plenty of proven rounds to choose from already mentioned in this thread. I avoid the 147 grain bullets because the were originally designed for use in suppressed submachine guns. When introduced to law enforcement in hollow point form the results we disastrous. Yes the issues were addressed but why go there when the 9mmP was designed around the lighter bullets that perform very well anyway. Currently I carry 115 grain Corbons. Review the different bullets to understand how they perform and check them in your pistol for function and performance.
Considering what we know today, and with ammunitions back in stock, there is no reason to carry a 115 grain bullet in a 9mm any more. They have been shown to be inferior in every way possible to 124's and the modern 147's, with some people still thinking 147's are all low power subsonic, when this is no longer the case. 115's tend to turn their energy into temporary cavities and not expand or penetrate deep enough consistently. They seemed like a good idea back in the early days of 20% testing, but the science behind those assertions have been proven false, and all of the theory behind the lighter and faster for caliber has been forgotten in professional circles, remaining as mythology taken as fact in certain shooting communities.
Handguns suffer from low weight bullets and poor sectional densities, which help to cause insufficient penetration and general subpar performance when combined with the low energy in handgun rounds. The heavier bullet, with its superior sectional density and general ability to penetrate and perform against bone, make it a better choice almost universally. Considering almost every single handgun round in common self defense usage is slow, we need to understand that low velocity rounds have always tended to do better with heavier bullets, and that hydrostatic shock is not possible outside the most powerful handguns.
Your 9mm will never be a .30-06, so don't treat it like one. Your ability to kill lies in actual crush cavity rather than any amount of hydrostatic shock or permanent shock cavity, so go with the bullet that will create a better crush cavity, which invariably will favor mid to heavy weight for pistol caliber bullets. Consistent performance, especially in terms of penetration, are important, and a place where light bullets tend to fail.
Handguns suffer from low weight bullets and poor sectional densities, which help to cause insufficient penetration and general subpar performance when combined with the low energy in handgun rounds. The heavier bullet, with its superior sectional density and general ability to penetrate and perform against bone, make it a better choice almost universally. Considering almost every single handgun round in common self defense usage is slow, we need to understand that low velocity rounds have always tended to do better with heavier bullets, and that hydrostatic shock is not possible outside the most powerful handguns.
Your 9mm will never be a .30-06, so don't treat it like one. Your ability to kill lies in actual crush cavity rather than any amount of hydrostatic shock or permanent shock cavity, so go with the bullet that will create a better crush cavity, which invariably will favor mid to heavy weight for pistol caliber bullets. Consistent performance, especially in terms of penetration, are important, and a place where light bullets tend to fail.
