Whats the best performing ammunition out of a sub-compact 9mm?

LEAD · 06-09-2010, 10:01

I know there are companies making ammunition specifically intended for guns with shorter barrels, but are there standard loadings that perform equally well or better?

Specifically I'm talking a glock model 26 and would Gold dot short barrel ammo be ideal, or maybe something standard like the Ranger T, Federal HST, or COR-BON?

Any Chrono information from sub-compact models would be great.

Thanks for your input.

Cajun Man · 06-09-2010, 21:32

I'd say 124gr. +P Gold Dots.

BadAndy · 06-10-2010, 06:39

My 124gr +P Gold Dots averaged 1211 fps through my XD 9sc.

beforeobamabans · 06-10-2010, 06:51

You are going to lose only 35-50 fps/inch of barrel which is not really significant but can be made up with just about anyones +p.

cowboy1964 · 06-10-2010, 08:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadAndy

My 124gr +P Gold Dots averaged 1211 fps through my XD 9sc.

At what distance was the chrono?

BadAndy · 06-10-2010, 13:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowboy1964

At what distance was the chrono?

5 yards.

LEAD · 06-11-2010, 09:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by beforeobamabans

You are going to lose only 35-50 fps/inch of barrel which is not really significant but can be made up with just about anyones +p.

This is more or less what I assumed, in which case +p+ would be even better I would think, but might that be just extra powder that doesn't fully burn?

tyger006 · 06-12-2010, 08:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEAD

I know there are companies making ammunition specifically intended for guns with shorter barrels, but are there standard loadings that perform equally well or better?

Specifically I'm talking a glock model 26 and would Gold dot short barrel ammo be ideal, or maybe something standard like the Ranger T, Federal HST, or COR-BON?

Any Chrono information from sub-compact models would be great.

Thanks for your input.

Barnes DPX bullets in Corbon ammo are supposed to perform well out of shorter barrels. Haven't tried them myself. I have used primarily HST or Hydrashocks in my subs with great results.

dougader · 06-12-2010, 09:23

I use Federal HST 124 grain +P in a G26.

A 10-shot string averaged 1147 fps with an Extreme Spread of 40 fps.

Shot into gallon water jugs they expand like this:

ColCol · 06-12-2010, 15:08

About 15-20 years ago I made an expansion test with several then popular bullets for the 45 (as shown). I was and still am impressed with the old Black Talon and 200 gr Speer bullet. there are equals today but to me, none better.

Testing media-just plain wet phone books. Not 9mm but it just seemed like a good place to show.

tyger006 · 06-12-2010, 15:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elijah

About 15-20 years ago I made an expansion test with several then popular bullets for the 45 (as shown). I was and still am impressed with the old Black Talon and 200 gr Speer bullet. there are equals today but to me, none better.

Testing media-just plain wet phone books. Not 9mm but it just seemed like a good place to show.

Thanks for posting the pics! Nice info.

LEAD · 06-12-2010, 15:45

Good information guys, thanks.

Tyger006 thanks for the advice, I have a few DPX rounds that I carry in my BHP, maybe it'd be a good call to switch them into the 26 then I could test a mag worth and have the other half of the box to carry.

jdavionic · 06-12-2010, 15:46

I carry Hornady CD in my sub-compact 9mm.

glocknbruce · 06-12-2010, 17:44

I use Ranger +p+ 127 grain in my G19, i bet that would be a great load in the little G26

tyger006 · 06-12-2010, 20:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEAD

Good information guys, thanks.

Tyger006 thanks for the advice, I have a few DPX rounds that I carry in my BHP, maybe it'd be a good call to switch them into the 26 then I could test a mag worth and have the other half of the box to carry.

No problem.

It makes some sense that a bullet designed to penetrate more than average should penetrate well despite the somewhat reduced velocity produced by the subcompact's shorter barrel. But as I said before, I have no personal experience with them.