[Shiloh228]

I've done a search, but couldn't find a thorough discussion on this. This surprises me, since I would expect that it's not a new question.

So...if I've missed the relevant thread(s), please direct me...thanks.

Question: What is the recommended/preferred 9mm ammo for HD? I would expect a JHP, but I've seen all sorts of products discussed: Speer Gold Dot, Hornady Critical Defense, Golden Saber, etc. with different loads, velocity, etc.

Is there a compliled list/review of these (and other) products? With comparative data, etc.

BTW, yes indeed, I am a (retired) engineer!

Thanks in advance for the good advice!

[chasbo00]

An engineer should appreciate this read on the subject:

http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_De..._FAQ/index.htm

http://pistol-forum.com/showthread.p...f-Defense-Ammo

[Shiloh228]

Originally Posted by chasbo00

An engineer should appreciate this read on the subject:

http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_De..._FAQ/index.htm

http://pistol-forum.com/showthread.p...f-Defense-Ammo

Looks like good stuff...gonna get me a beer and start reading!

Thanks.

[SCmasterblaster]

My WW+p+ 115gr ammo is doing over 1400 FPS out of my G17.

[Iceman cHucK]

One of the best proven law enforcement rounds is the Speer GD 124+P. Another excellent choice is Fed HST 124+P and 147. I also just tried some Hornady Critical Duty 135+P and Corbon DPX 115+P, stats look good on these two, but too new to be street proven yet.

[ksmedman]

I'm a fan of the Federal HST's.
"Best" is probably the one you hit the BG with when you need to.

[HunterLee]

I am a fan of the Hornday Critical Duty and Speer Gold Dot.

[M 7]

Any of the premium 147 gr. JHPs (Gold Dot, HST, PDX1, Ranger, etc.) oughtta do the job.

[Shiloh228]

Thanks to all for the information and advice!!

[SCmasterblaster]

Are there any MD restrictions on ammo type?

[SARDG]

I'm a fan of whatever brand-name JHP I can get cheap, or free, as I wouldn't actually expect to discharge my EDC or bedside gun in an SD/HD situation in my lifetime anyway.

[Sgt.K]

It's the stakes not the odds. Speer 124 +p for me.

[bbakerG26]

147 grain Speer GDHP cycles perfect through my G26 & G17, so that's what I stocked up on. I also like the reduced recoil of the heavier bullet for better follow up shots. Also being subsonic should sound better through my AAC TiRant 9 silencer.

[SARDG]

Originally Posted by Sgt.K

It's the stakes not the odds.

True enough. But I'm comfortable with the stakes vs. odds ratio.

The main thing is one's moral and ethical ability to actually pull the trigger at all; the second thing would be to actually hit what you aim at in a high-stress situation. All the fancy ammo in the world can't overcome those obstacles.

[T-Rod45]

I carry Winchester PDX-1 in all my pistols (9/40/45)... If it's good enough for the Bureau, it's good enough for me.

[Sharky7]

I really like the performance of the Federal HST 147 grain and it is my top pick. If that was not available, I would be just fine with Speer Gold Dot or Winchester Ranger T.

Check out some videos from tnoutdoors9 on youtube. He is a member here and posts a lot of ballistic gel ammo videos.

[Shiloh228]

Originally Posted by SCmasterblaster

Are there any MD restrictions on ammo type?

If you mean Maryland by "MD"...I don't know of any -- yet...

Our annual legislative session began yesterday, and there is a lot of talk about increased gun/mag bans/restrictions.

I haven't heard anything about ammo...but with these loons you never know. I have hope in that they probably don't know what ammo is, or even how a gun works.

[SCmasterblaster]

Originally Posted by Shiloh228

If you mean Maryland by "MD"...I don't know of any -- yet...

Our annual legislative session began yesterday, and there is a lot of talk about increased gun/mag bans/restrictions.

I haven't heard anything about ammo...but with these loons you never know. I have hope in that they probably don't know what ammo is, or even how a gun works.

I used to live in MD - Georgetown. 1980-82

[RWBlue]

All the premium ammo is trying to make the FBI test, their proof of capability. This means that there is little variety in performance between the premium rounds.

The only difference it probably the bonded vs. non-bonded. If I were in the field expecting to shoot suspects in a car, I think I would want the bonded ammo like GD. As is I bought a supply a long time ago. It is HST2 in 147gr. It is not bonded. I don't plan on upgrading at this time.

The biggest key to stopping someone intent on killing you is to make a good hit. The cartridge, the bullet and the load are secondary.

My suggestion is to find something that runs in your gun and you are accurate with and buy enough that you don't have to buy a different lot next year.

[SCmasterblaster]

Originally Posted by RWBlue

All the premium ammo is trying to make the FBI test, their proof of capability. This means that there is little variety in performance between the premium rounds.

The only difference it probably the bonded vs. non-bonded. If I were in the field expecting to shoot suspects in a car, I think I would want the bonded ammo like GD. As is I bought a supply a long time ago. It is HST2 in 147gr. It is not bonded. I don't plan on upgrading at this time.

The biggest key to stopping someone intent on killing you is to make a good hit. The cartridge, the bullet and the load are secondary.

My suggestion is to find something that runs in your gun and you are accurate with and buy enough that you don't have to buy a different lot next year.

So true. All of the best ammunition and handguns mean NOTHING unless the shooter can put the bullets where needed.

[teweekley]

The highly respected Massad Ayoob recommends Winchester Ranger T 127 gr +P+ (RA9TA) and Speer Gold Dot 124 gr +P (53617). Both are backed by street statistics and have been around for a while. I carry the Gold Dot load in both my G19 and G26. For older technology, the Federal Classic 115 gr +P+ (9BPLE) is well proven as an effective load.

[unit1069]

The top American ammo companies all make good self-defense JHP rounds. The "best" is the one that has a record (if even a sparse one) for reliability in stoppages, expansion and which is the most accurate in your pistol.

I have at least a half-dozen different premium JHP rounds in 9mm and don't worry about carrying any of them, but when warm weather returns I plan on getting back to the range for more stringent accuracy tests. Like so many point out, accuracy is the most critical part in stopping a deadly threat after the primary criterion of absolute gun/ammo reliability has been met.

[SCmasterblaster]

Originally Posted by teweekley

The highly respected Massad Ayoob recommends Winchester Ranger T 127 gr +P+ (RA9TA) and Speer Gold Dot 124 gr +P (53617). Both are backed by street statistics and have been around for a while. I carry the Gold Dot load in both my G19 and G26. For older technology, the Federal Classic 115 gr +P+ (9BPLE) is well proven as an effective load.

I carry the Winchester 115gr +p+ JHP in my G17. I like the 1400 FPS power.

[SARDG]

Originally Posted by SCmasterblaster

I carry the Winchester 115gr +p+ JHP in my G17. I like the 1400 FPS power.

Followup shots when you're aiming at the brain stem must be a bear!

[emtjr928]

Originally Posted by SARDG

Followup shots when you're aiming at the brain stem must be a bear!

:eek:

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