Federal 9mm +P Syntech Solid Core, 147 gr

[NCBeagle]

It looks like an interesting round. The solid core, like hard cast, is good for deep penetration. I carry .357, .44 Mag or 10mm hard cast sometimes when hiking. 9mm is a step down but the solid core might give it a little extra punch.

Anyone have experience, thoughts, comments, etc., regarding this round? Good for Mid-size semiauto (Glock 19, M&P Compact 2.0, etc.) or FPC?

 

[Nevada Ed]

The large 147 gr 9mm is a good bullet for deep penetration but;

I would also want the top end in fps around 1040fps or more , if possible
for those larger animals.

Did Federal post any fps data ?

 

[LoboGunLeather]

I guess if you want to price it really high you need to make it really pretty.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I would carry the load for mountain lions but that’s it.

I don’t care how fast or hard this ammo is. 147 grains isn’t near enough for larger animals.

For large animals you need speed, hardness, and momentum. Preferably a 44 magnum. Nothing less than 240 grains.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

It looks like just another Nyclad bullet. IMO that's nothing special.
Personally I would stick with the .357 Magnum.

 

[stansdds]

9x19mm would not be my first choice for protection against any sort of bear or mountain lion. I'm thinking the penetration and energy provided by 357 Magnum or full power 10mm Auto as being a safer minimum.

 

[329]

Seems to me that penetration is often thought of as a key element in protection against large critters. I think it is important but I think energy transfer can be equally important.
If your round hits the animal with 400 ft lbs of energy yet the bullet does not expand and goose right through very little of the bullets terminal energy is transferred to the round. If on the other hand the bullet does not pass through the full 400 lbs of energy is left in the animal. I think you are more likely to get the animals attention by hitting it with 400 lbs of energy even if the round does not hit vitals. If you get a pass through lung shot the critter will have to die of blood loss which can take minutes…minutes where the bear or lion will be fully able to attack you with very little affect.
On the other hand 100 plus piun cat hit with the full force of 400lbs will likely be stunned by the blast and energy transfer.
I know this goes somewhat against handgun ammo thoughts but is a common consideration in hunting rifle loads.
For me if I we choosing a load for self defense of critters it would be a heavy but expanding bullet froM Buffalo Bore’s hot load lineup.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

I would carry the load for mountain lions but that’s it.

I don’t care how fast or hard this ammo is. 147 grains isn’t near enough for larger animals.

For large animals you need speed, hardness, and momentum. Preferably a 44 magnum. Nothing less than 240 grains.

Mountain lions are fierce predators and very strong, but they are not particularly large or difficult to put down with just about any caliber at close range. Thin-skinned, no heavy skeletal structure, typical body weight under 100 lbs (frequently 80 lbs or less). Just not enough mass to upset a heavy bullet at high velocities.

I know a couple of hunting guides who regularly take clients on lion hunts here in Colorado. Probably the most popular handgun caliber is .22 magnum.

Bears are a much different proposition. Even our black bears are usually 250 to 400 lbs, heavy fur and hide, stronger bone structures, deeper penetration required to get into the vitals.

 

[Nevada Ed]

As a note;

9mm Underwood has the 147 listed at 1125fps with 413 ft/lbs energy.

a 357 158gr factory load is listed at 1545fps with .... 836 ft/lbs energy. ( Aguila add )

I know which one I would choose.

 

[Erich]

As a note;

9mm Underwood has the 147 listed at 1125fps with 413 ft/lbs energy.

a 357 158gr factory load is listed at 1545fps with .... 836 ft/lbs energy.

I know which one I would choose.

And if you believe those .357 "factory load" numbers out of anything but a 20" rifle, you'd best be extra careful of all the scammers popping up here on the forum, amigo.

 

[Rock185]

The 158@1545 FPS would seem possible from a revolver given some of the chronograph results I've seen. The most powerful factory .357 I have encountered is the Buffalo Bore 180 grain WFNGC. It actually averages ~1400 FPS in my 4" and 5" revolvers, and just over 1500 FPS in a 5.5" revolver I chronographed.

That Underwood 147@1125 FPS is certainly good performance for 9mm. Much as I like 9mm, .38 Super, etc., they're no .357s when it comes to using the heavier bullets. I carry 9mm quite a bit, but hope never to have to test it against some large toothy carnivore..

 

[ArchAngelCD]

And if you believe those .357 "factory load" numbers out of anything but a 20" rifle, you'd best be extra careful of all the scammers popping up here on the forum, amigo.

Now now Erich, you can probably get those numbers from an 18" barrel too...

 

[Nevada Ed]

Looked at some data on the net on the 357 158 gr bullet.

There are some that state this bullet will do from 1260 up to 1525fps in a 6" barrel.

"By the inch" has a 158 Federal doing 1465 & 1485fps.

My target loads accuracy started down hill in my 686, 6" past 1340fps.

Sorry from the 9mm 147gr, drift.

 

[Sakràn Dog]

I am curious how this differs in performance from a regular 9mm 147gr FMJ. Is there an expectation this non-expanding projectile will do better than another non-expanding projectile of the same weight/diameter at what is probably a very similar velocity?

 

[Data]

I am not sure why Federal is marketing this round as a formidable self-defense round against four-legged creatures. That being said, you have to ask yourself ... Is this round worthy of hunting a mountain lion, black bear, and grizzly? Honestly, would you hunt with this round? I don't think it would stop a Grizzly from shredding you into meatloaf and then having you for dinner. I think Federal's ad is misleading... Fear sells. Just sayin'...