9mm Defense Round

[HankB]

I'm going to echo what a few people have already posted - any JHP ammo from large/mainstream manufacturers that functions well in my particular guns is fine. There's nothing wrong with +P. I'm generally reluctant to use +P+ since it doesn't actually conform to any industry standards, but may have been developed for a specific agency using a specific firearm.

I'm not into "boutique" ammo from small brands, off brand ammo, or exotic bullets.

One question I do have (I don't know the answer) is this: is there any forensic pathologist or trauma surgeon out there who can identify the 9mm JHP ammunition used in a shooting just by examining the wound without recovering the actual bullet or bullet fragments? If the answer is "no" that suggests ammo performance is pretty similar across the board. If the answer is "yes" I'd like a link.

 

[GaryS]

For a while I followed the ammunition fads in various magazines, but overall I think that any 147 or 124gr JHP round will do.

I prefer Federal 147 grain HST for self defense.

These days, there are many good loadings from the various manufacturers like Federal, Winchester, Speer, SIG, and so forth; without very much to distinguish between them.

In the unfortunate event that someone needs to defend themselves with their handgun, I don't believe which bona-fide hollow point service load is in the gun will be a determining factor in the outcome.

 

[haywood]

I'm thinking I have to worry first about hitting my target wear it counts. After that all I need is a quality factory loaded hollow point.

 

[rockquarry]

I'm thinking I have to worry first about hitting my target wear it counts. After that all I need is a quality factory loaded hollow point.

Thinking like that, you're a step ahead of many. Try several good ammos and stick with what you shoot best.

 

[pantannojack]

I would refer back to the paper back novel: "Point of Impact", not the one the Beatles made a hit song of. A conversation was: "...another guy who walked on a nine." Gun writers have made many livings on controversy, "Use Enough Gun", etc. Hit bone with one, what is the worry?

 

[biku324]

The DoD likes their M1152 FMJ FP ball.

 

[gmiller0737]

Currently Using Federal HST 124 grain non +P

 

[jschmidt]

There are just too many decent loads out there for me to say, "I would recommend X over Y." If I have favorites it is mostly because of their accuracy and reliability in my guns. Bullet performance has become routinely pretty good across the board, driven by customer expectations, and I would not feel particularly concerned with any load designated for personal defense by any of the major makers, as long as it works reliably in my gun.

This. That said, I use Sig V-Crown, 124 gr.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

A longtime standard has been Federal 9BP. That being said…bullet technology is constantly changing…the ammunition you bought last year isn't always the same as what you're buying today. The makers are always looking to improve their products based upon field use…requirements of law enforcement agencies and the military.

In the end…there's little difference between different loadings…marginal at best when you're comparing JHP to JHP. Formal testing does help but it has to be remembered that's in a controlled media…the real world is something different altogether.

 

[3S16]

Plus one for 124 grain HST standard load.

 

[Reggie TisFree]

My Favs

1. Federal HST 147+P JHP
2. Underwood 147+P JHP
3. Speer Gold Dot 124+P JHP
4. Federal HST 124+P JHP

 

[ArchAngelCD]

When I do carry a 9mm (rarely) I was carrying the Winchester 115gr Silvertip ammo.

When I ran out I went to my favorite ammo which is the 124gr Speer GDHP ammo. I have confidence in the Speer GDHP bullet.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Many like the little 115 gr JHP bullet
but I prefer the heavier 124 gr Gold Dot in my 3.5 to 5" 9mm pistols
for all season carry.

I do like how the 147 gr HST does in my little 3" pistols, though.
Be they standard or +P loadings, if you can find them.

PS;
jimmyj
you have to get better at getting cookies out of "the jar",
just a few more days left and you can go play again.
Been there, done that, also.

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

10 years ago, I bought boxes of Federal HST 124 gr for my 9's, and HST 230 gr for my 45's. Not necessarily the best, but I know it's good, it's what I have, so that's what I carry.

In my own testing of 9mm defense rounds, I found the Speer Gold Dot 124gr to be the most accurate load from my Glock 19 against HST, Golden Sabre, Fiocchi, and Hornady Critical Defense. Differences in accuracy or velocity were slight and were not significant enough to matter in my choice of round.