9mm Self Defense Ammo

[Drgong]

Just wondering what is some good ammo to test for self defense in 9mm. It will be used in a Browning Hi Power.

Thanks

DrG

 

[springmom]

I was out shooting my BHP yesterday, and ran a magazine of Hornady TAP 115 grain through it. That went well. In my XD I currently have Hornady's 124 which shoots well in IT, but I haven't tried that in the BHP yet.

Springmom

 

[MSgtUSMC]

9mm Self Defense Ammo is an oxymoron.

 

[springmom]

9mm Self Defense Ammo is an oxymoron.

Oh for the love of Pete. This was not an invitation to a caliber war. It was a legitimate question.

Springmom

 

[possum]

don't let these people fool you, 9mm is a very worthy defense round, especially if you get the right ones. I say look at the +p and the +p+ loads if you and your gun can handle em. they will give you extra velocity which will help the expansion factor. check out hornaday xtp's, and there TAP ammo, winchester ranger line. golden sabers, hydra shoks, speer gold dots, those are all great places to look, and start your search for the defensive load best for you.

 

[Thernlund]

9mm Self Defense Ammo is an oxymoron.

Oh for the love of Pete. This was not an invitation to a caliber war. It was a legitimate question.

No kidding. What the hell is wrong with you? Ugh.

I like Hydrashoks, but I have been told in the past that the the design does not lend itself very well to smaller calibers. But, I've also heard that Hydrashoks in 9mm are designed for 9mm, as opposed to just a smaller version of .45ACP.

I also like Gold Dots and Ranger SXTs.

This may help a bit...

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/HiPower127Winchester.htm


-T.

 

[Handyguy]

Would any of the "It is not a good self defense round" advocates like to take a few in the mid section or other areas? It would seem difficult to maintain one's original thought train with the distraction of all that blood and pain.

 

[Thernlund]

Would any of the "It is not a good self defense round" advocates like to take a few in the mid section or other areas?

LOL!!

I have a buddy that said .380 wasn't any good for SD at all. My response... "Ok. Let me shoot you with one then."




-T.

 

[ochmude]

Honestly, I think anything that feeds well in what you carry and comes from a well-known manufacturer should do just fine, IMO. Self defense isn't about wonder rounds and one shot stops. Know how to use your weapon, keep it clean so it will be reliable, use any ammo you're confident in, and practice practice practice. The most super-expanding uber-bullet won't mean a darn thing if you aren't able to use it effectively. That being said, I carry Hornady TAP myself, and am please with their performance when killing paper.

 

[CJ]

Personally favor Speer Gold Dots 124g +p. At the time it was rated very high, and I picked up a large supply...and am still working my way through it.

 

[Vonderek]

While others may disagree, I keep +P ammo out of my BHP (which is what OP mentioned he has). I use standard pressure 124gr Gold Dots in mine for SD and don't feel bad about doing so. Another good std pressure load is the Federal 9BP. Old technology but works.

 

[hotpig]

I like the Ranger 147gr RA9T in my Hi Power. Recoil is very minimal and accuracy is excellent.

 

[putteral]

First you have to hit what you are aiming at. Then worry about what ammo to use. Personally what ever feeds well all the time is what I carry.

 

[Auburn1992]

What about black talons? You can get some off of gunbroker

 

[Drgong]

Thanks for the input, I have fed FMJ though the BHP just fine, But I need to get some good Self Defense rounds. Was looking for something that fed well into the BHP as it feeds the FMJ like clockwork.

Perhaps I should just get the Ranger SXT, same bullet as the evil black talons but without the extreme price.

 

[Thernlund]

Perhaps I should just get the Ranger SXT, same bullet as the evil black talons but without the extreme price.

Good call.


-T.

 

[slustan83]

here's some reading for those interested...

http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm

Funny, the higher end SD rounds seem to penetrate nearly the same in all popular duty calibers and have almost the same size wound channel.

 

[slustan83]

"What about black talons? You can get some off of gunbroker"

SXT's aren't the same as the black talons either, if you want something similar to black talon the Winchester ranger T line is the way to go, they are actually the newest generation of the black talon design.

Black talons are old tech, better than FMJ, but out of date compared to modern JHP designs.

I actually use the WWB personal protection JHP in 147 gr, believe it or not for the have an excellent record with many California agencies, and you can afford to practice with what you carry.

 

[Thernlund]

Funny, the higher end SD rounds seem to penetrate nearly the same in all popular duty calibers and have almost the same size wound channel.

I sometimes ponder wound ballistics and quietly think to myself...

"I wonder how much difference there is between a .380 and a .45 if you put one right between a guys eyes, or in his neck, or right in his sternum?"

Answer: Not alot.

Little bits of lead moving at or near the speed of sound aren't going to tickle.

I personally don't think the size and shape of the wound channel are 1/10th as important as simply creating a wound channel to begin with.


-T.

 

[slustan83]

"I personally don't think the size and shape of the wound channel are 1/10th as important as simply creating a wound channel to begin with."

Wholeheartedly agree, whatever you do decide to get, PRACTICE with it. I hit with an FMJ is better than a miss with the newest whiz-bang round.

 

[TT]

Was looking for something that fed well into the BHP as it feeds the FMJ like clockwork.

I've had good results using Federal's EFMJ with a finicky 1911-pattern 9mm I have...they seem to feed just like FMJ. You might also try Cor Bon PowerBall (Pow'R'Ball).

 

[MrAnteater]

Anything 9mm with +P hollow point in the title is good SD ammo.

Anyone who says it can't be efficient SD ammo is clueless.

 

[tblt]

I have tested the 135 gr hydra shok not +p next to the corbon 115 gr.+p.The hydra shok expanded better and had 2 inch better penitration in a phone book.The hydra shok is awsome looking when recovered,I wouldn't want to get hit with it.
I tested the 115 JHP UMC Remington ammo also and it did not expand at all and went right thru 3 yellow pages,You might as well use FMJ as to use rem. JHP.
I keep 15 135 gr. hydra-shoks in my 9 for self defence.
I keep 5 hydra-shok 110 gr. in my 38.

 

[DawgFvr]

All are good.

Bottom line is: What brand feeds best in your auto?

What brand is the most accurate?

What brand expands reliably?

Best for me is 115 grain Corbon DPX + P followed by the Gold Dots.

 

[jaydubya]

My T-series BHP contains Speer 124gr Gold Dots. Because it is over forty years old, I use the standard pressure version, but for newer BHPs I would use the +p version. For range work, I use Mastercast's hardcast truncated cone reloads (www.mastercast.net). I have fired some five thousand of their reloads in .38sp and 9mm, and I recommend them. Their products are reliable and inexpensive, and Mastercast is also prompt. You can save a lot of money by sending them your brass in exchange. I send mine in thousand round lots via USPS's Priority Mail. Even with the recent rise in price, it still costs me just nine dollars and change. Any other way I know of costs twenty or more.
Cordially, Jack