So far I've really only used target practice ammo with my Shield, but now that I'm thinking about using it for conceal carry, I really would like to know from people with experience, what is a good 9mm round to use for self/home defense.
-
Forum Update: We've upgraded the software to improve security, performance, and the overall experience.
👉 Read why we made the change | Support the Forum
Seeking real world 9mm ammo advice for Shield
- Thread starter Lisa M
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
I use Federal HS 124gr jacketed hollow point as standard carry.
Speer Gold Dot 147gr jhp also works well, but really puts a twist on the gun to add to the kick. It might be more than you'd want without a significant value added. I got a lot in a store clearance at range ammo prices, or would never have tried it.
S&W CS told me several times that 124gr is the test load they use, and I will say the accuracy at close range (3 and 7 yards) is much better with 124 than 115.
Speer Gold Dot 147gr jhp also works well, but really puts a twist on the gun to add to the kick. It might be more than you'd want without a significant value added. I got a lot in a store clearance at range ammo prices, or would never have tried it.
S&W CS told me several times that 124gr is the test load they use, and I will say the accuracy at close range (3 and 7 yards) is much better with 124 than 115.
Vulcan Bob
Member
I am real fond of the Speer 124gr +P Gold Dot load. A lot of PD's use them reputably with good effect.
Just make sure....
Just make sure you practice with it enough and the ammo feeds properly. That said, 124 grain and up is my preference. The 115 grains are zippy, but I sacrifice a little bit of velocity to gain the mass of a bullet close to the .38 special round.
I don't see any need to get into 'boutique' ammo, especially with a semi-auto that is limited by the spring setup. Any of the major brands will do. I favor Speers and Hornadys.
Just make sure you practice with it enough and the ammo feeds properly. That said, 124 grain and up is my preference. The 115 grains are zippy, but I sacrifice a little bit of velocity to gain the mass of a bullet close to the .38 special round.
I don't see any need to get into 'boutique' ammo, especially with a semi-auto that is limited by the spring setup. Any of the major brands will do. I favor Speers and Hornadys.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
That is the ammo my son is carrying in his Shield. They are very accurate in my son's gun.
Here's a good read:
Best Choices for Self Defense Ammo
Personally i haven't had to shoot anyone but I load Corbon DPX in my M&P 9 which happens to be on above list. The main reason I load this though is that I shoot it well and it's reliable (no failures yet).
Best Choices for Self Defense Ammo
Personally i haven't had to shoot anyone but I load Corbon DPX in my M&P 9 which happens to be on above list. The main reason I load this though is that I shoot it well and it's reliable (no failures yet).
If your gun is very reliable with your target ammo you could do a lot
worse than just sticking with it. Some HPs don't feed very well and
out of a short barreled auto expansion is iffy. There is likely little
difference in terminal effectiveness between your target ammo and
any high priced boutique ammo out of your gun.
worse than just sticking with it. Some HPs don't feed very well and
out of a short barreled auto expansion is iffy. There is likely little
difference in terminal effectiveness between your target ammo and
any high priced boutique ammo out of your gun.
Thumbs up on the DocGKR link; excellent reading. I'll echo, too, the importance of putting many different defensive rounds through your Shield at the range to determine reliability, accuracy and perceived recoil -- there are likely some otherwise equal rounds that your gun and your hand will prefer.
Given the compact, short-barreled Shield, I would also consider the viability of +P to make up for lost velocity and subsequent risk of non-expansion.
Finally, look online for quality gel tests of whatever ammo you're considering where a Shield was used for the testing; that'll go a long way to getting an idea of which rounds perform properly in your specific handgun.
Given the compact, short-barreled Shield, I would also consider the viability of +P to make up for lost velocity and subsequent risk of non-expansion.
Finally, look online for quality gel tests of whatever ammo you're considering where a Shield was used for the testing; that'll go a long way to getting an idea of which rounds perform properly in your specific handgun.
This is what I use as well.
Depends a LOT on the LENGTH of the barrel in the weapon !!
A 3" needs +P or SB ammo, from Speer for proper expansion and penetration.
A 4" barrel can use "standard ammo" from Winchester,Remington, Federal or Hornady or even +P if you can shoot it well and handle the extra recoil.
For years the "Standard" bullet weight was the 124-125gr bullet in the 9mm for SD use but the new heavier 147gr will also work, if it will function in your weapon.
The Federal HST 147 is a top dollar round but has proven tops in its field, while the 124gr Gold Dot is another load to look at for another top of the list performer.
There is a 135gr that is new and trying to get the nod for SD but just not enough info out on this load as yet.
Good luck.
A 3" needs +P or SB ammo, from Speer for proper expansion and penetration.
A 4" barrel can use "standard ammo" from Winchester,Remington, Federal or Hornady or even +P if you can shoot it well and handle the extra recoil.
For years the "Standard" bullet weight was the 124-125gr bullet in the 9mm for SD use but the new heavier 147gr will also work, if it will function in your weapon.
The Federal HST 147 is a top dollar round but has proven tops in its field, while the 124gr Gold Dot is another load to look at for another top of the list performer.
There is a 135gr that is new and trying to get the nod for SD but just not enough info out on this load as yet.
Good luck.
Rpg
Member
Shoot the ammo you've been shooting.
You'll shoot better with that ammo than any gee whiz ammo available, unless you have hundreds of gee whiz you're willing to make your practice ammo.
Hitting is everything. Missing with gee whiz ammo - not so helpful.
You'll shoot better with that ammo than any gee whiz ammo available, unless you have hundreds of gee whiz you're willing to make your practice ammo.
Hitting is everything. Missing with gee whiz ammo - not so helpful.
Doug M.
Member
Doctor Roberts is the leading expert today on service ammo. Study his commentaries on design, performance, and testing. Select a round that passes the relevant tests, that you can find in bulk, and that you can shoot.
Service Caliber Handgun Duty and Self-Defense Ammo
The link from ARFcom (a forum I avoid on principle; too many cop haters and other moonbats) has the same basic info, also from Gary, but this is more up to date. Gary is a dental surgeon and professor, a student of Fackler's, and also a part time cop and firearms instructor for his agency.
Service Caliber Handgun Duty and Self-Defense Ammo
The link from ARFcom (a forum I avoid on principle; too many cop haters and other moonbats) has the same basic info, also from Gary, but this is more up to date. Gary is a dental surgeon and professor, a student of Fackler's, and also a part time cop and firearms instructor for his agency.
NYresQ
Member
98% of the Feds that carry 9mm issue the 124gr +P gold dot. It has a decent track record and feeds in just about any gun.
Whatever you choose, run at least 50 rounds through your gun to make sure it is reliable enough for SD. I have seen far too many people load up a new round, never having tried it, and then later on find out their new round won't cycle properly in their gun.
Your life may depend on it, spend the extra money for enough ammo to test and make sure it cycles and its POA/POI in your particular gun. Just because it works in cousin jimmy's gun which is the same as what you have, doesn't mean yours will be 100%.
Whatever you choose, run at least 50 rounds through your gun to make sure it is reliable enough for SD. I have seen far too many people load up a new round, never having tried it, and then later on find out their new round won't cycle properly in their gun.
Your life may depend on it, spend the extra money for enough ammo to test and make sure it cycles and its POA/POI in your particular gun. Just because it works in cousin jimmy's gun which is the same as what you have, doesn't mean yours will be 100%.
Florida J Frame
US Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 27, 2008
- Messages
- 1,051
- Reaction score
- 816
I've had good luck with Federal 124 Gr HST standard and Speer Gold Dot 124 Gr +P. A recent gel test showed the standard HST outperformed all the +P contenders in a 3" gun.
Doug M.
Member
Nope. Typically not adequate penetration except on perfect frontal shots on the smallest of people. Staggeringly expensive, such that adequate reliability testing of carry ammo is not feasible for mere mortal bank accounts.
No offense intended, but what are Dr. Robert's credentials and what does he use to base his studies?
DocGKR has been in the ballistics game near a couple decades and has a lot of credibility in the industry and on enthusiast forums; he also has detractors. Google's your friend if you want a more complete picture to judge for yourself.
He's not the last word in ammunition selection, but certainly worth listening to.
Here's a bio from a conference he attended a few years back:
Dr. Roberts is currently on staff at Stanford University Medical Center; this is a large teaching hospital and Level I Trauma center were he performs hospital dentistry and surgery. After completing his residency at Navy Hospital Oakland in 1989 while on active military duty, he studied at the Army Wound Ballistic Research Laboratory at the Letterman Army Institute of Research and became one of the first members of the International Wound Ballistic Association. Since then, he has been tasked with performing military, law enforcement, and privately funded independent wound ballistic testing and analysis. He remains a Navy Reserve officer and has recently served on the Joint Service Wound Ballistic IPT, as well as being a consultant to the Joint FBI-USMC munitions testing program and the TSWG MURG program. He is frequently asked to provide wound ballistic technical assistance to numerous U.S. and allied SOF units and organizations. In addition, he is a technical advisor to the Association of Firearms and Toolmark Examiners, as well as to a variety of Federal, State, and municipal law enforcement agencies. He has been a sworn Reserve Police Officer in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he now he serves in an LE training role.
