9mm 147 Grain: Yes or No?

[bg226]

Do you use 147 grain for defense? Why or why not?

 

[earlthegoat2]

I use 124 gr or 115 gr. Both in +P format.

 

[GRIZ22]

147 gr is the most accurate in my S&W, Taurus, and Beretta handguns. I realize that they don't generally expand as well as lighter bullets but I'm willing to give that up for the accuracy. If you're counting on violent bullet expansion to make up for poor marksmanship you're fooling yourself.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

124gr +P Speer Gold Dots for me.

 

[esheato]

I use 124 gr or 115 gr. Both in +P format.

Same goes for me.

 

[Kangspec]

i think best way is, find out by testing both gr's.

according to many reviews, HST 147gr do better job than 124gr.

 

[easyg]

It will get the job done if you hit the right spots.

 

[BushyGuy]

i only use 147gr in my 9mm cuz the lighter bullets wont penetrate barriers as deep as a 147 gr JHP will . what if a self defense scenario requires to shoot thru barriers? 147gr is the best choice either Hydra-shoks ,Hornady 147 CQ TAP, RangersSXT, and Gold Dots.

 

[lions]

No, I use 124gr. for defense. If I wanted heavier bullets I would choose a different caliber.

 

[mljdeckard]

I haven't carried 9mm for some time, but if I did, I would use 147 gr, because I would be WISHING I had a bigger caliber. From what I understand, 147 gr bullets have come a long way since they were introduced.

 

[mp510]

I carry 124 grain Guardian Golds.

However, I do have some 147 grain FMJ for range use (because of velocity).

 

[sidheshooter]

From what I understand, 147 gr bullets have come a long way since they were introduced.

This is my understanding as well. Of course, the same can be said for the 115 and 124 loadings, so I'm taking my uprgraded designs in those weights instead.

 

[novalty]

I use standard pressure 124gr Remington Golden Sabers. The expansion is amazing. I'm sure there are probably some better out there, but I really do like the Golden Sabers.

 

[ku4hx]

Remington Golden Saber or Speer Gold Dot both in 124 gr. in my bride's Glock 17 and daughter's Glock 19 Refresh the store bought ammo supply about every five years and at that time reassess terminal ballistics based on latest technology and trusted test sources.

 

[Shytheed Dumas]

124gr +P Speer Gold Dots for me.

Ditto.

 

[Water-Man]

Yes! Federal HST. Better penetration and it does expand!

 

[Man With A Gun]

STAY AWAY FROM LOW VELOCITY ( Sub sonic ) 147 grain loads.

This was an FBI mistake in thinking a heavy, slow slug would do the job.

The NEW stuff is great in +P loadings.

 

[Quoheleth]

No. They don't function reliably in a CZ.

Q

 

[Walkalong]

It would be a good 124 Gr round for me, but I have never carried my EMP.......yet.

 

[wheel]

Posted by Man_With_A_Gun:

STAY AWAY FROM LOW VELOCITY ( Sub sonic ) 147 grain loads.
This was an FBI mistake in thinking a heavy, slow slug would do the job.
The NEW stuff is great in +P loadings.

That is not completely accurate.
The Federal HST 147gr (normal pressure, subsonic) is the best 9mm load available today. I used to use 124gr Gold Dots, but HST is newer technology and is superior. Countless tests (both amateur and professional) show it produces huge expansion (far better than others) with good penetration. They do offer a +P version, but it's not significantly better, if at all. And the .45 HST 230gr +P is equally impressive. Some links with results are below. In most of the pictures you can spot the HST round immediately, with the huge expanded petals. One shows it completely covering a nickel

http://frag.110mb.com/

http://http://www.btfh.net/shoot/bullet-test-2.html

http://www.btfh.net/shoot/bullet-test-3.html

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?p=313054

 

[bluetopper]

I'm not obsessed with trying to find the hyped up, high dollar, rhino stopping ammo.

I find 147gr cast lead reloads provide me the greatest accuracy hitting the X ring at 25 yards. That's where I find my satisfaction.

But I also shoot a Dan Wesson 9mm 1911 I use as a target not a carry gun.

 

[Claude Clay]

147's i use for plate shoots, IDPA.
they cycle the gun a tad slower and this allows for
improved follow up shot placement.
they also seem to take down the metal more often
even with out of the center shots

golden sabers 124 +p for carry

 

[Devilfrog]

I carry 147 Grain Gold Sabre for CCW and 147 Grain Gold Dots for work.

 

[wnycollector]

I wouldn't feel under gunned carrying a pistol loaded with doubletaps +P 147gr gold dots if they were reliable and accurate in my gun. http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_37&products_id=121

 

[9mmepiphany]

nope

i use 124gr Gold Dot or 127gr Talon in +P with good function and accuracy...the original design weight for the 9mm rounds was 124grs.

cast bullets in 135-147grs have an accuracy advantage in competition...a bit different than for defense