[mapanggulo]

Would like to get some sugestions for a good choice of 9mm Ammo to use in a Beretta M-9 for self-defense. I've got it currently loaded with generic ball ammo that I usually use for Target Practice. Unfortunately, where I live...I'm at a disadvantage of where to shop. We have Wal-Mart and a few small gun stores/pawn shops, nothing else within 1 1/2hr drive.

[Mastrogiacomo]

I prefer Winchester Silver Tip Hollow Points...the folks at the Beretta Forum I'm sure can advise what their choice is www.berettaforum.net

There's good online sites but personally I tend to stick to the gun shops, but some have found good deals at places like "Cheaper than Dirt."

[wolf]

Speer Gold Dot 124 seems to work very nice for me. Never had a problem with it. Very available at my range and its on many on-line sites. Gets very good reviews from other shooters and it has impressive test results. And its not expensive.

There are several other manufactures that have similer weight cartridges..give them a try..use the one you feel most confident and comfortable with...this is the self-defense round..you want to know it will be there if you need it.

wolf

[berettaman]

Try some of the Wally World Winchester White Box 147gr JHP.It's usually cheaper than a box of 20 of some other brand and you get 50.The good part is that it's cheap enough to practice with and it runs great in an 92.(he!! anything runs great in a 92).

[DigMe]

From a guy whose opinion I've always thought to be worth something:


The following loads have all demonstrated outstanding terminal performance:

9 mm:
Barnes 105 gr JHP (copper bullet)
Fed 124 gr JHP (LE9T1)
Speer 124 gr +P JHP (53617)
Win 124 gr JHP (RA91P)
Win 127 gr +P+ JHP (RA9TA)
Fed 135 gr +P JHP (LE9T5)
Rem 147 gr JHP (GS9MMC)
Speer 147 gr JHP (53619)
Win 147 gr JHP (RA9T)


http://64.177.53.248/ubb/Forum78/HTML/000581.html

I was using the Win 147gr JHP RA9T but changed over to the Rem 147gr JHP GS9MMC because they're easier to get and if I don't feel like ordering them I can usually find them at the local stores. I had to special order the Wins. Of course whatever you use make sure it is accurate and reliable with plenty of testing out of your own pistol. In ballistic testing (Which I realize is not the end-all be-all) the Wal-Mart WWB JHPs have shown less than desirable performance compared to the above rounds but if that's all that you can get consistently it's definitely better than ball ammo. I would not be surprised though if your gun shop had the Speer and Remington ammo listed above. You can order the Winchester ammo listed above for good prices from this guy. (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58956&highlight=RA9T) A lot of people on glock talk and THR order from him.

brad cook

[JeepDriver]

Speer Gold Dot 124+p is my favorite. It works well for me in my Sigs and Beretta.

[Ala Dan]

It really depends on which gun rag you want to
believe? Right now, when I rely on my SIG P228
9m/m, I stoke it with a few rounds of the famous
"Secret Service" load from Federal. These rounds
were given to me by our Rangemaster; as they
were left behind by the SS after a mandartory
qualification a few months back.

But, others worth mentioning are Speer's 124
grain Gold Dots, Remingtons Golden Sabers,
and the following from Winchester-Western:
Ranger SXT, Silvertips, and even the original
"Black Talons".

*FootNote- check local laws and ordnances before carrying!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Lifew Member

[FJC]

My standard 9mm carry round is the 124gr Speer +P Gold Dot.

Seems to perform well, is 100% reliable in my 9mm firearms, and you get get that recalled practice ammo cheap (ammoman was running a 1000 for $139 shipped special recently, maybe still).

[OF]

Winchester RA9T

- Gabe

[Sean Smith]

Winchester RA9TA 127gr +P+.

http://www.proload.com/shoppingcart/targetammo.asp?show_cal=22

[RightIsRight]

FJC

What is the story with that "practice" Gold Dot at ammoman?

[George Hill]

Full size 92? Go with 124 grains or heavier because you can. Gold Dots work great.

[DonGlock26]

Golddot 147gr JHP or Wally World 147gr JHP would do fine. Shouldn't be too hard to find.

[ajacobs]

RightisRight, The ammoman stuff was recalled by spear when it was orignally sold to some departments for a larger acourance of failure to fire. It was reboxed and is being sold as practic ammo. I don't know the specifics of what the problem causing the failure to fire was, someone here will know, but many have reported no problems.

[JNewell]

124 gr +P Gold Dots from Speer or ProLoad.

[Lennyjoe]

Black Hills 124 Gr. +P with the Gold Dot JHP.

Velocity 1250 Energy 430 ft. lbs. $19.35 per 50 @ www.midwayusa.com

http://www.black-hills.com/

[Dr.Rob]

I always liked the 115 gr Winchester Silvertip that's a pretty hot factory load and is +p by some standards. Iused to be the FBI carry load.

The Speer 124 +p and the Remington 124+p were recommended "cop" loads to me.

[bigjim]

No such thing as a good 9mm self defense round. Gotta be at least .45 acp.

JUST KIDDING!! FOR GODS SAKE!!!!!!!! STOP THE HATE MAIL!!!

[George Hill]

Dr Rob, wasn't that the round that was used by the FBI during the Dade County, ahem... incident?

[FJC]

RightIsRight said:

FJC

What is the story with that "practice" Gold Dot at ammoman?

Yep, as another poster said, it was a large batch that some department (or departments) ran into some hard primer issues with. I've personally shot over 500 rounds of it through a few different 9mm pistols (SIG P239, HK P7M8, and others) and not had a single failure. In fact I have yet to hear of anyone who's had a failure with that ammo. It's actually labeled, "NOT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT" (there are pictures of the labeling at ammoman.com).

That said, I use it for reliability testing, and carry non-recalled +P 124gr rounds. Gotta love being able to affordably fire a few hundred rounds through your pistol to really nail-down that it works for that gun, without spending $12-15 per box of 20 rounds. :)

[Brigrat]

yes, the 115 silvertip was the failed FBI roundin Dade. That is what lead to the development of high quality 147gr ammo. Penetration pure and simple. Carry the light stuff and risk a failure like the FBI did. Gold Dot 124+P is the only sub 147gr load I would carry, ok, add the RA9TA 127+P+ also. Other than those two, it is the 147's for me.

DigMe had it right in his post if you want my opinion.


quote:
From a guy whose opinion I've always thought to be worth something:


quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following loads have all demonstrated outstanding terminal performance:

9 mm:
Barnes 105 gr JHP (copper bullet)
Fed 124 gr JHP (LE9T1)
Speer 124 gr +P JHP (53617)
Win 124 gr JHP (RA91P)
Win 127 gr +P+ JHP (RA9TA)
Fed 135 gr +P JHP (LE9T5)
Rem 147 gr JHP (GS9MMC)
Speer 147 gr JHP (53619)
Win 147 gr JHP (RA9T)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



http://64.177.53.248/ubb/Forum78/HTML/000581.html

I was using the Win 147gr JHP RA9T but changed over to the Rem 147gr JHP GS9MMC because they're easier to get and if I don't feel like ordering them I can usually find them at the local stores. I had to special order the Wins. Of course whatever you use make sure it is accurate and reliable with plenty of testing out of your own pistol. In ballistic testing (Which I realize is not the end-all be-all) the Wal-Mart WWB JHPs have shown less than desirable performance compared to the above rounds but if that's all that you can get consistently it's definitely better than ball ammo. I would not be surprised though if your gun shop had the Speer and Remington ammo listed above. You can order the Winchester ammo listed above for good prices from this guy. A lot of people on glock talk and THR order from him.

brad cook

[RightIsRight]

Does anyone else have this ammo? I came up empty using google.

Ammoman does not ship to NJ. I could go there in person, but it is about 2 hours from my home. As such, I would rather have it shipped.

[artherd]

Winchester RA9TA 127gr +P+.

http://www.proload.com/shoppingcart...asp?show_cal=22

I second this recomendation, I carry it in my G34.

[incursion]

Winchester Ranger T 127 gr. +P+ or 147 gr.
Corbon Pow 'R Ball 100 gr. +P

[Erich]

mapanggulo, sorry you're stuck in Clovis, dude. If you ever plan to come up Albuquerque-way, send me an email or PM and I'll steer you toward the better gun shops and restaurants.

Oh! And after years of favoring the fastest possible 115-grainer in the 9x19, I now am a believer in any 147-grainer (penetration, penetration, penetration). I often order mail order from Natchez Shooters Supply (they're online), and I've found them to be terrific and to generally have the lowest prices. Nothing wrong with the Wal-mart Win 147-grain JHPs, but I like the Gold Dots for myself.

[Ky Larry]

What ever load you choose is secondary to reliability and accuracy. A hit with a .22 short is better than a miss with a .500 Mag. Any 9mm load, even mil-spec hardball is effective if properly placed. If you do your part, the weapon/load will do it's part.

[SapperLeader]

I prefer the speer gold dot 124gr+p in my longer barrels 4 and 5, and use winchester whitebox 115gr jhp in my older pistols like my star, and 3 inch guns.

[cratz2]

The most important thing is that they are completely reliable in your gun and you have confidence in the round. The Beretta is known to be pretty tolerant of different ammo choices.

I've generally been happy with the 124-127 Gr rounds for general purpose use. The 147s will generally have more penetration which can be a good thing or not depending on where you live and what you do. The 115s can have explosive expansion from longer barrels, but often times tend to have less than stunning penetration... again, possibly a good thing if you are non-LEO and live where it's warm and houses are very close to one another.

I've have plenty of faith in the 124 Gr +P Gold Dots, 127 Gr +P+ Rangers, and The CorBon and Triton +P 115 Gr would be my first suggestion for folks concerned with over-penetration. The 147 Gr loads should provide more penetration and the Rangers and Golden Sabers would be high on my list for heavier bullets. I'm not personally a big fan of Silvertips or HydraShoks in any cartridge though they have certainly proven themselves on the street. And I'm not a fan of the lighter weight Golden Sabers in 9mm.

[SAG0282]

I carry Remington Golden Saber +P rounds in my SIGs. They function 100% reliably and I've heard to good things about their ballistic performance.

[m14nut]

How's about the Federal EFMJ [expanding FMJ] for a carry ammo. I bought a box [pricey!!!] and wasted 5 rounds into various materials...

Very wet phone books.
Gallon water jugs, full.
sand

And a road kill deer carcass.

All mediums caused the bullet to expand to a "quarter" sized mushroom.
All shot at about 10 yds.

Fed in all the finiky chambers too, like the BHP.

[Big Mike]

I think WWB ball is good for target practice. The only failures I had when firing my Beretta though was with WWB though, that is I had at different times 2 duds. For CCW I carried Corbon 125 in my Beretta Brig. Now I carry Corgon 115 in my S&W 6906/6946. Also, consider Winchester's regular JHPs that can also be found at Wal Mart for much less money. As a general rule of thumb, the longer the barrel the heavier bullet you can shoot out of it and still have reliable (relatively) expansion. All suggestions above appear to be good ones. Good luck. Mike

[yzguy]

I like the 124 gr +P Golden sabers in my P-11, but for a full sized 9mm I'd probably take a loner look at the 147's

[bradvanhorn]

There are basically two common perspectives on hollow points, and neither have been proven conclusive. Light & fast bullets with rapid expansion, and heavy & slow bullets with deep penetration. There's no right or wrong answer really, just a decision as to which side of the fence you'd prefer to sit on.:)

I've chosen the Remington 124gr Golden Sabre, but I don't expect it to work miracles (you know, one-shot-stops, instant incapacitation, etc.) It shoots straight, feeds reliably, and is probably better than harsh language, so I'm content.

You said Wal-Mart was your likely source? I recall they used to sell both Federal Classic and Winchester Silvertips in 115gr JHP and 147gr JHP where I used to live, and any of those would probably be fine. The Federal Classic 115gr JHP (9BP) is supposedly well liked; depends on who's talking I guess. The Beretta should feed anything you give it, so it's just a question of which weight you want to use.

The 115gr Silvertip? The Miami/Dade FBI shootout has been disected about a thousand times in the gun press, and I've yet to see any analysis that can conclusively demonstrate that any other 9mm round would have changed the outcome.

[mapanggulo]

Erich,
I'll be in Albuquerque at the end of the month, and will probably be up there on the 6th...need to get away from Clovis to do research on my next gun purchase.

[E=MC^2]

Corbon 115gr +P JHP

I investigated it's work for several years. Very effective.

It's had a 91-92% stopping effectiveness in several studies over the years. Our data rates it closer to 100% for one-shot-stops.

[P225 Sig]

My duty ammo is the 9mm 124 +p+ Federal Hydra-Shock in a Sig P229.
My off duty ammo is the 115 +p+ Federal Hi-Shock in a Sig P225.
I would not reccomend the 147 gr. subsonic loads as these were developed for Navy Seals for punching a hole in heads thats all. That is why police depts. jumped on that load when they saw Seals using it and quickly found out it wasn't suited for there needs.

[JoeWang]

The ammoman bulk packs are an amazing value. Also try www.GeorgiaArms.com for new manufacture +P and +P+ gold dot bullet cartridges with nickel plated cases. Those are some of the most accurate rounds I've plied from any of my 9mms.

[Greg Bell]

I still like the 115grain Cor-Bons. Call me old fashioned but I like the blast!

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/9mmGoodProtection.htm

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/SelfProtectionLoads.htm

Best.

[DigMe]

I would not reccomend the 147 gr. subsonic loads as these were developed for Navy Seals for punching a hole in heads thats all. That is why police depts. jumped on that load when they saw Seals using it and quickly found out it wasn't suited for there needs.


Would you please state a source for your info? Currently the 147 gr 9mm round is used by The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Los Angeles PD, Los Angeles SO, San Jose PD, Santa Clara PD, Santa Clara SO, San Mateo SO, and San Francisco PD. That's just a few from the West Coast. LEO agencies all over the US use 147 gr and have found it to be very effective for their needs. The San Diego PD switched from 115gr to 147gr 9mm after several incidents of the 115gr 9mm failing to penetrate deep enough to hit vital organs.

brad cook

[1holegrouper]

speer gold dot 124gr+p for real self defense. CorBon for the feel at the range.

[P225 Sig]

I stated the 147 grain Fed. Hydra Shock subsonic loads.
My father is a State Trooper in Va. and they had this load when they had their P228's.
If I remember correctly I read about that load being developed for Seals in one of Mas Ayoob's articles.
By the way the Va. State Police are Switching from the P229 in 357sig
to the P229 DAK 357sig.

[DigMe]

I stated the 147 grain Fed. Hydra Shock subsonic loads.

Ah ok. I didn't realize that you were still speaking of hydra shoks at that point. I thought you were speaking of 147gr subsonics in general. Don't know about that SEAL thing, don't really care though as I don't even consider hydra-shoks in my guns in any weight given the poor performance compared to other available ammo.

brad cook

[TheActor]

G19 with three mags of alternating Winchester 115gr HP and CorBon PowrBall. Both are very low flash at night and equally accurate. Two bullet designs so the BG can wear whatever he wants, something is getting through.

[Skunkabilly]

Berettas will eat almost anything...why do you think they're so damn fat? :evil: