Best defense ammo for my .40 Shield

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fallhunter

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I have three different rounds available to me. I have Federal HydraShock 165gr., Winchester PDX1 defender in 165gr., and Hornaday Critical Duty in 175gr.

Which of these three would you choose? I want to use these because it is what I have, and do not want to go out and buy a bunch more ammo.
 
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I don't have a Shield in .40, although this gun is on my list to buy, so this probably isn't going to be much help, but since you already have that ammo, and since some guns "like" certain ammo while other guns of the exact same make and model don't, I'd shoot all three of what you have and see which one/s work best for you. What works in another gun may not work well in yours, and vice versa. If they all three work, you may like the "feel" and "function" of one round better than the other two.
 
GKC said:
I don't have a Shield in .40, although this gun is on my list to buy, so this probably isn't going to be much help, but since you already have that ammo, and since some guns "like" certain ammo while other guns of the exact same make and model don't, I'd shoot all three of what you have and see which one/s work best for you. What works in another gun may not work well in yours, and vice versa. If they all three work, you may like the "feel" and "function" of one round better than the other two.
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I never notice a difference in either of them. Never have been able to notice that stuff. even full metal jackets.
 
In winter where your adversary will likely have heavy clothing on, the Critical Duty will be your best option. In warmer weather where light clothing is in order, the PDX or Hydra Shock will do everything that you need it to do.
 
I have PDX in my shield 40 atm. I have fired it and Hornaday critical duty as well.
Have not had issues with functionality with either. Currently have PDX loaded and some Hornaday CD in the safe.
I feel confident the firearm would function fine with either if I should need it as a civilian Ill likely never have to find out at least that is my hope.
 
The best ammo for any gun is the stuff that functions and you can hit what you aim at with it.

After that it's mostly fluff and advertising. ;)

.
 
I don't recommend or shill specific ammunition.

Nowadays I mostly use whatever I've collected over the years (that's demonstrated optimal feeding & functioning in my guns), or, whatever's in-stock at the moment at the agency range where I still work as a firearms instructor & armorer.

Now, when I'm considering carrying any new brand or bullet weight of ammunition for a particular pistol, I usually load up and shoot at least 25-50 rounds through each of either a few, or several, of the magazines I usually use for range or carry roles. That might mean 2 mags, or it might mean 4-5 mags, depending on what I have on hand any particular day when working the range.

Expensive? Yep, it can be, especially if it's personally purchased ammunition (and then there's the difficulty in finding ammunition in many places).

Is it worth it to make sure the particular pistol and magazines I intend to use with that ammunition actually demonstrate proper feeding & functioning when being used with that ammunition, in my hands? I think so, but that's me. I like to reduce risk whenever possible.

FWIW, this is one of the reasons I no longer have much interest in really excessively expensive and/or "specialty" ammunition for dedicated defensive use. I like to be able to at least occasionally shoot the same ammunition for practice & training.

Also FWIW, I tried several magazine loads of 180gr Remington HPJ/Golden Sabre (non-bonded) through a T&E Shield 40 a couple weeks ago, and it fed & fired just fine.
 
Change in plans. I will have the same ammo, but a different gun. Either a Glock 23 or Glock 27. Have not decided exactly which one yet.
 
Regardless to whether you own the glock 23/27 or the shield either of those rounds are likely to shoot well in it. The Critical DUTY was designed for LEO's, as it has superior barrier penetration abilities (according to its testing by the FBI), where as the Critical DEFENSE was designed for the public. Having said that, all three are great rounds, and if you have all three...you can't loose.:cool:
 
I do have all three. I wish I could get ahold of more of the critical duty. Thing is, in this area, ammo supply is still depressed. Go five hours away, and its VERY plentiful.
 
fallhunter said:
I have three different rounds available to me. I have Federal HydraShock 165gr., Winchester PDX1 defender in 165gr., and Hornaday Critical Duty in 175gr.

Which of these three would you choose? I want to use these because it is what I have, and do not want to go out and buy a bunch more ammo.
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I would have to vote for "none of the above."

Remember, the Federal 165 HydraShok (P40HS3) is a low-velocity load made for the FBI (they no longer use that load), and it was designed to make the .40 S&W into a 38 Special. They now use the Winchester PDX1 .40 with the 180 grain bonded hollow point (packaged in white boxes, with a "Q" product number designation).

If you like the 38 Special, you might as well get a 9mm. If you get a 9mm, the new Winchester RA9B has already developed a fantastic reputation on the street. It is the only 147 grain load I would trust. You get mild recoil and higher magazine capacity. It is a little better than the FBI contract load in 9mm, the Q4364. RA9B uses the PDX1 bullet, which was developed after Q4364.

The .40 PDX1 is not much heavier than RA9B and goes only a tad faster, so I cannot imagine a great increase in performance.

I do not see that the Hornady load has enough "street performance" and I have no experience with it, so I would not use it. The 165 HydraShok is ok as long as you understand you are getting a 38 Special, but the bullet technology is older than PDX1, and FBI got away from it and changed to a faster, heavier bullet, if that tells you anything.

Of the loads available, I suppose I would get the 165 grain PDX1 and use that until a better choice comes along.
 
I am issued Remington Golden Sabers in the 180 grain variety and have had good success with them.

I currently have both Hornady and PDX1 in my .40 S&W weapons for off-duty carry. Both seem to work well for me.

I will agree with Fastbolt and go slightly further to say that I don't think there is ONE round/brand that is superior to others. Find one you're comfortable with and make sure it feeds/cycles in the weapon of your choice.
 
fallhunter said:
What about Speer Gold Dot?


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As long as it consistently feeds & functions in your Shield 40, I don't see any reason why not. It's a decent bullet. I sometimes use the 180gr load, myself.

If Speer GDHP was more popular and available in my area, or if it ever was awarded the state contract (it's been either Rem HJP GS or Win T-Series on the last couple of contracts), I'd have no problems testing it for feed/function and using it.
 
Which Ammo

Lost Lake said:
The best ammo for any gun is the stuff that functions and you can hit what you aim at with it.

After that it's mostly fluff and advertising. ;)

.
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I would only add to this find one and use it as your if not exclusive then your go-to flavor and learn to shoot it well. While this may be expensive, if you're in harms way a lot, you don't want any surprises!
 
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