9x19mm "hunting ammo"

[Dunross]

Ok, this properly belongs in the Rifle Forum and not Autoloaders, but I suspect I will find more folks who know what I am talking about here than among riflemen.

I am shortly going to buy a Ruger PC carbine in 9mm. Now it will be mostly a range toy and possibly a defense arm for my wife, but as I live in the country and have animals, acreage, etc. I want it to serve a practical purpose as well. Thus my question.

There is a possibility I may use it against coyotes, feral dogs, and hogs. It seems to me that a 147gr hp or soft-point would be the thing. For two legged varmints, coyotes, and average sized dogs most any out of a carbine length barrel would probably suffice. For hogs, on the other hand, penetration with a marginal cartridge such as this seems important. Who makes a hard hitting, deep penetrating 147+gr cartridge that would serve this purpose?

At the same time, this carbine is giving me a bad case of suppressor itch to the point I've asked around about range rentals so that I can try before I buy. So, keeping in mind all of the above requirements let's do it again with sub-sonic ammo. Hard-hitting, deep-penetrating without topping about 1050fps out of a 16" carbine barrel.

I know some of you have gone before me so you'll probably know by now. What insights can you share with me?

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

 

[Ohen Cepel]

There are some 158gr loadings out there in 9mm also, bit hard to find though. 147gr is likely the best option but may not be sub from a barrel that long, I would look to see what it shoots well and go from there, likely the heavier the better but not always. Shot placement will be key as that is light for a hunting option.

 

[Antihero]

Heavy bullets don't really add much velocity in a longer barrel. I got about 50-75 more fps in my hi point carbine and 147gr vs 300 ish with 115s

So, good for suppressor stuff but not great otherwise

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I've used ball and Federal hydrashoks (124-135) as well as a couple-few other HP styles and generally found the canines to not be of sufficient enough mass as to capitalize on the higher end ammo.

Even soft points would almost always simply leave 9mm sized holes unless a good/lucky chest cavity shot gained a rib.

Learned to just relax and leave them alone unless a good shoulder shot was all but guaranteed and then ball works very well.

Todd.

 

[Dan-O]

Id say hst of any variety in 147 grain weight.

 

[TomJ]

This may be what you’re looking for In regards to hogs.


https://www.underwoodammo.com/collections/handgun-ammo/products/9mm-luger-p-147-grain-hard-cast-flat-nose?variant=18785691598905

 

[Dunross]

Now, for hogs, that Underwood loading looks interesting.

If they'll feed properly and shoot near enough to the same point of aim, mixing them every other one with a 147gr hp might be just the thing for short range hogs.

 

[Dudedog]

Hornady has some new "Handgun Hunter" ammo out in 9mm
"Monoflex" bullet, supposed to be designed for hunting.
Hornady item number 90281

No idea if it is any good or not but in my new Catalog from them.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Underwood. Buffalo Bore. Grizzly Cartridge Company. Probably Double Tap.

I like the idea of those extreme defender or penetrator or hunter line of Lehigh bullets.

 

[WestKentucky]

Consider very carefully what it is that you’re asking the bullet to do. That will push you towards a certain type or a certain maker.

9mm carbine, deer size critters or less seems to be a decent summation. The problem you already have is 9mm and carbine put together. You gain velocity from barrel length and that makes some of those super-dynawhoppin bullets used for defense fail due to impact stresses. You need a bullet that will hold up, so now we are looking at either gaining in construction, or slowing the bullet down. Adding weight over 115gr ball is not a bad thing to help with penetration, but remember energy is mass*velocity*velocity. So you don’t want to sacrifice too much velocity. I faced the same dilemma a few years ago when using a hi point 995 for deer in thick woods where a quick shot was an absolute requirement. I settled on a 124gr hot load hollow point with a scored petal cut jacket. I used it on raccoons, never had a chance at a deer. It was mean on the coon and I felt it adequate for deer. Hogs... nope.

 

[herrwalther]

Buffalo Bore is also a good option. 147gr +p hard cast flat nose. Reported velocity is over 1000FPS out of most handguns, a PCC carbine would edge a bit more.

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=388

 

[earlthegoat2]

Based on your other posts, you have an AR-15. Maybe keep the PCC as a range toy and an HD arm and use your AR for hogs and yotes and whatnot.

I am sorry about not answering your question directly but the other folks seem to have it covered. There also seems to be this idea which is only being marginally touched on that critter control may not be the best use of a 9mm carbine. I tend to agree but even more so if you already possess superior firearms for that task.

 

[Robbins290]

I have seen the foicchi 124 grain hollow point work in a keltec sub2000. Deer ran and dropped. the shot was at 20ish yards.

Got both lungs and no exit wound. Not the ideal cartridge. But will work if you do your part. Shot placement is key.

those hornady’s that are barrier blind might work good. Might penetrate deeper and still expand.

 

[jmr40]

Both the Buffalo Bore and Double tap 147 gr hardcast bullets have shown they will penetrate 5'+ in gel. 147 gr HP or FMJ do not give anywhere near that penetration. Those loads have also proven they will stop big bear attacks, but might not be the best option for deer hunting. I'm just guessing really, but If I were inclined to try to stop deer or hog size game I'd probably do some testing some of the 147 gr HP loads. Smaller stuff like coyote etc., would probably be fine with lighter 124 or even 115 gr loads.

 

[94045]

Hornady 147 XTP
Works fine on deer. Will work on Coyote but lighter would be better (WWB 115 JHP for standard pressure. Federal 9BPLE for the hot stuff)

For small 80-140 lb Hogs the XTP is okay but I wouldn't use it on big ones.

 

[Dunross]

No, no deer hunting with the 9mm.

My idea for this thing in its "working role" is the "over the door gun" that can be used by anyone in the family if need be.

In their case it would be for home-defense. In my case it would be when the dog is giving her "no ****, there's something out here, come quick!" bark. Likely a coyote, coon, stray dog, or a feral hog. On the off-chance it is a hog I want something that has a reasonable chance at close range of getting the job done on a pig but still has some effectiveness on the lesser problems, to include two legged varmints.

IF they will feed and hit to more or less the same point of aim I like the idea of alternating a hottish, hard-cast 147gr flat-point, and a decent 147gr jhp.

If they won't then just the hollow points.

 

[mongoslow]

I would avoid the 147 it's too slow, go with a 124 gr XTP OR NOSLER, keep your velocity under 1300 fps to maintain integrity