Looking for ammo recommendation for a recent 9mm M&P Shiled Purchase

[jeffhughes]

I have heard that many 147gr JHP have issues with gaining enough velocity out of a short 3" barrels (3.1" in the Shields case) to make full use of the hollow point rendering somewhat less effective than the 115 and 124's.

I think that's why many people opt to use the 124's in the shield, it offers a balance of good velocity as well as bullet weight.

I run 147g +p HST's in my Shield. I've tested them on pork butt(very close to human flesh and bone), they expand great. What one "hears" on the internet is not always true.

 

[MichiganScott]

I use cheap FMJ at the range and inexpensive old school hollowpoints like the Federal 9BP or Black Hills in all of my carry guns. The cheap hollowpoints allow me to run enough through the pistol to make sure it will work 100% of the time and occasionally even practice with the same load I carry. That's hard to do if you spend $1.25/round for some of the boutique loads.

Beside, I figure in a home SD issue or even on the streets, my needs for bullet performance will be less that that of my local PD. I'm not likely to have to shoot through an automotive windshield or car door.

 

[Motorsporting]

I like the Hornady Critical Duty 135g "hollow point". It has a flex tip (rubber filled hollow) which, in theory, reduces the chance of a non-expansinion since it doesn't clog up the hollow part. It also comes in a +p option. You can find boxes of 50 for less than $40 most places. I have not had a problem with it in any 9mm I own (Springfield, M/P, Walther, etc.).

 

[red dragon]

welcome,and great choice on the shield by the way.Speer gold dots for defense/any brass fmj for practice.i stay away from steel cased in my short barrel autos.i've ran hundreds of gold dots through my shield with no malfunctions and they're recommended by a lot of law enforcement in my area.i agree with others in that a class and a lot of practice with whatever ammo you choose should be on top of your list.