Standard Load or +P for Shield 9mm?

[tennisguy]

Those of you with the Shield 9mm, do you prefer to use standard loads, say 124gr, or a +P load for your carry load? Will be using gold dots.

 

[WR Moore]

Two things about mini-guns: they need their recoil springs replaced at a more frequent interval than full size guns and they may not operate reliably with +P ammo. This last has to do with the higher slide speed produced by the +P ammo.

The only way you're going to know about reliability is to try it over at least 100-200 rounds.

BTW, you cannot make up for lousy shot placement by increased velocity/caliber.

 

[Martimus]

I use standard loads in mine...

 

[dereksfl]

I find the best results in my 9 mm Shield and my 9mm M&P compact, the Federal LE Tactical HST 147 gr. HP ammo to have less recoil and flash and better accuracy than other ammo I have tried. But that is just my experience and opinion. You need to try different loads and manufacturers till you get it right for you needs.

 

[mesinge2]

I use standard loads in mine...

As do I. You don't gain much velocity with many +P loads either. For example, Hornady's 135 grain Critical Duty load's standard pressure's velocity is 1010 fps and their +P's velocity is 1110 fps. So for 100fps increase your left with more recoil and more wear on the gun.

 

[Doug M.]

Take a look at the ammo recommendations from Doc Roberts. Pick one you can get easily, test it for reliability and your ability to shoot it well for 500 hundred or so rounds, buy a couple more cases, and call it good. I would not worry about +P in the Shield; I doubt most of us shoot enough to cause an issue.

 

[moxie]

I'd go with the 124 +P.

 

[Moonman]

Doc Roberts list gives a BUNCH of 9MM choices, see which one your Shield likes for greater accuracy.

Shot placement is KEY.

 

[Boge]

Two things about mini-guns: they need their recoil springs replaced at a more frequent interval than full size guns and they may not operate reliably with +P ammo. This last has to do with the higher slide speed produced by the +P ammo...

Actually, the mini 9mm's have dual RSA's and benefit from hotter ammo to cycle as they are far less forgiving of weak ammo and/or a limp wrist than a full size gun, especially in a self defense situation. Also, any round fired from a short barrel needs extra "gas" to make up for lost ground to a longer barrel. The last thing I would shove into a mini 9mm would be a lumbering 147 gr. bullet that needs more barrel to work.