I think accuracy will always struggle compared to any larger gun. I mean the 43x is for ccw, as long as you can hit a chest sized target at 15 -20 ft, you are good to go. That being said, i would like to hear what ammo peeps use in it for self defense, not necessary accuracy.

 

Currently, Hornady Critical Defense 115gr.

 

147gr Ranger, shoots POA-POI. I was getting a 2" MOA @ 25yrds. I tested @ 15yrds as well and a 5 shot "fist sized" group was no problem. I'm using a MRDS as well.

 

Have you tried the HST 147gr as a comparison?

 

I have done no comprehensive testing but based on gel testing from multiple sources and the fact it has a similar feel to my range ammo and is accurate, I chose the Speer Gold Dot 115 gr. to carry in my 43X. Penetration is where it needs to be, expansion is excellent, and wound cavity is large. Accuracy is outstanding even doing consistent head shots at 20 yards. Everything is inside the 10 ring at 7 yards. Is it the absolute most effective ammo for a 43X? I cannot say but it checks all the boxes for me and seems to be good for other pistols with 3.5 inch barrel or less.

 

I carry Black Hills 115gr TAC-XP +P in my 43X's which is pretty accurate for me. Underwood also makes a load using this bullet. The BH can be hard to find.

Black Hills 9mm Luger Ammo 115 Gr +P Barnes TAC-XP HPLF - Ammo Deals

9mm Luger +P 115gr. TAC-XP Hollow Point Hunting & Self Defense Ammo

Gel test with the Barnes offering:
Premium 9mm +P Ammo - Barnes TAC-XPD 115 Grain SCHP - 20 Rounds

 

For practice I've found Win. 124 NATO to be the best. The recoil approximates SD rounds.
If I can't get these I just run Win 115 White Box.
For carry I prefer Gold Dot 124 +P or Fed HST 124+P.
Among these rounds I've never seen an appreciable difference in "accuracy" in my G48/43X.

 

I'm best with the G21, then the 19 then the 17, but my 43X is hard to judge even though I shoot it the most. No matter how well I aim and feel it was a good shot, the pattern is all over the place. Under any adrenaline, I'd be lucky to make a chest shot at 20 yards.

 

Gold Dot 124 +P or Fed HST 124+P.

 

Second!

 

Ammo is not the issue. These smaller Glocks just require a lot more practice. Their triggers aren't great. Not saying getting a better trigger will fix it, but they generally require a bit more of the shooter. Skills must be furthered.

 

Switching from a larger frame pistol to a smaller frame requires an adjustment in your grip. The geometry is different. The distance from the web of your hand to your trigger finger is shorter and can put too much finger in the trigger guard. When I transition from my G19 to my 43X or Hellcat Pro I have to make a deliberate effort to alter my grip in order to achieve proper trigger control. If you can practice dry fire with a laser such as Elms or Mantis you will see the difference. I'm right handed and if I don't adjust my grip for the 43X I will shoot low left every time. I bought a SIRT pistol last fall that simulates a Gen 5 G19 and it really tuned in my trigger control in a short time.

 

Hornady critical duty 135+p

 

Same here that or 120 something Gold Dots if I cant find the critical duty.

 

I shot my 48 horribly. Polished the trigger stuff helped.
Finally I tried left index finger across front of the trigger guard.. HUGE improvement.
Ordered Hogue slip over. Feels good but haven't shot yet.

I don't know. I'm kind of building my 48 back to my 23. Lol.

 

I shoot 115 gr Blazer Brass (both fmj and hp) in my 43X. Accuracy is what I expect out of a small gun that seems to jump around quite a bit. I'm a once-a-week range shooter and the 43X with a Holosun gives me good accuracy in a 3.2" circle at 7 feet (as long as my trigger finger is very calm) so, not great, but I'm happy.

 

Speer GD 124gr +P in both my G19 and G26.

 

Is your 43x shooting left? If so, in all likelihood it isn't you or the ammo. My 43x simply shoots left. It took months of frustration, even with coaching to figure it out. It just shoots left. To correct it I zeroed a laser and then co-witnessed my iron sights. Problem solved. I didn't expect to have to push my rear sight to start hitting where I was pointing.
Is the ammo you are shooting with grouping consistently? If so, it might not be the ammo or you.

 

I have a 43x. So far, I've used 115 grain Critical Defense, 124 grain HST standard pressure which is in the gun, and I shot 10 rounds of 9BPLE. That load was the most accurate of the three.

 

9BPLE is 115grain?

 

If I want a HP and have a shorter barrel, I usually grab crit defense or hst 124. If I need something punchier for hikes in bear territory, I grab Xtreme Defenders from Wilson Combat/Lehigh/underwood.

 

I am issued Black Hills Honey-badger. It is just as accurate as my Magtech 115 grain FMJ. I'm running a red dot so aiming is a touch easier (?).

 

Lucky! Glad the goodness of BHA/Lehigh is spreading.

 

124gr HST

 

Curious about the selection of Hornady Critical Duty over Critical Defense. I carry Defense, somewhat concerned about over-penetration with Duty given its design for barrier penetration.

 

My off duty (43x) gets carried on duty occasionally. I keep a spare mag with sig 124g jhp but don’t remember the last time I swapped it in. I’d have no problem switching ammo for the situation but I don’t go to malls or really any crowded places anymore.

 

I was briefly authorized to carry a G43x.

I think it is fine off-duty carry weapon. That said…I did sell it recently because I have a few other single stack 9mms that I prefer.

anyway. We were only authorized to carrry Hornady Critical Duty 135 Gr +p in the G43X.