Hornady, Speer Gold Dot and Sig V ammo chronoed

[bronco45]

Today was a snice day here in north central Idaho, so I decided to chrono some commercial carry ammo:

RCBS Chronograph used, all rounds fired six feet from muzzle to screens. Air temp was 43degrees F and the elevation was 2670feet above sea level

Ammo was tested in three calibers using four handguns.

Handguns used were: Kahr CW9, Kahr CM9, Ruger SP 101 3.16" 357 and a Ruger SP 101 2.25" WC model 357.

Ammo tested Hornady 357 125 FTX bullet, Hornady 357 140 FTX, Speer Gold Dot 38 Special +Ps 125 grain, Hornady 9mm 124 JHP, Speer Gold Dot 124 grain JHP 9mm and Sig V Crown 115 JHP

38 Special Gold Dot +P 38 fired from 3" SP gave an avg velocity of 945.
357 Hornady 125 357 from 2,25 SP avg velocity of 1250fps
357 Hornady 140 357 from 2.25 SP avg velocity of 1264fps
357 Hornady 125 357 from 3.16 SP avg velocity of 1336fps

9mm chrono results

Sig V Crown 115 JHP from CW9 1109 avg
Hornady 124 JHP shot fromCW9 1058 avg and ES 29 SD 10
Speer Gold Dot 124JHP from CW9 1051avg and ES 178 SD SD 60
CM Kahr results: Sig V crown 115 JHP 1025fps

CW Kahr has a 3.5 inch barrel and the CM Kahr has a 3" barrel.

I was impressed with three things: Velocity achieved by the 2.25" barrel, the velocity of the Speer Gold Dot 38 load in a 3" revolver and the SD and ES numbers between the Hornady ammo and the Speer in 9mm.

My choice is Hornady. Hope this is informative and useful!

 

[mike campbell]

Why do you choose Hornady?

How many rounds in each 9mm string?

 

[Nevada Ed]

High vel in the 9mm is not always needed.
The Sig V crown, even though it has low numbers in test, still has
a HP bullet that will expand and mushroom well at those low numbers
while also giving the shooter a lower recoil for another shot placement, if needed.

Don't count that little 3" Kahr out of the running. They do well for me.
Thanks for all your work and data.

 

[dan323]

I carry sig v-crown 115gr and Hornady CD 115 gr. Both work great in my shield and FS m&p.

 

[bronco45]

The reason I chose Hornady 9 over the Speer 124 bullets was the low ES and SD numbers. These two numbers usually point to accuracy if all the other components are correct (bullet diameter, primer, crimp). 5 shot strings, it's what the budget can afford.

I like the Sig V Crown and I love my little CM9. It is a constant companion and very accurate. It has a front night sight which is handy.

The muzzle velocity out of the 2.25 inch barrel surprised me as there are many that say shooting a 357 out of short barrel is a waste of powder and components compared to the 38+Ps, but 300+ FPS is a signifigent increase in velocity. I live 20 miles from where Speer makes their ammo but it is very sketchy to find locally. Hornady is plentiful, and I like the way that FTX load performs.