barrel length/ammuntion question

[stressed]

So I picked up some defense/hunting ammo for my 9mm carbine, gold dot 124 grain hollow point +P. One thing I noticed when I got back, is one box is 124 grain +P short barrel hollow point. Same as the others, except specifies short barrel.

Now the question is, I will be firing this out of the exact opposite of a short barrel - a 16" barrel. Will I lose velocity, or is the bullet designed to mushroom at lower velocities? The bullet is bonded so even expanding at a higher FPS should theoretically retain most of it's weight. Will it behave different in flesh? I'm just curious on how this short barrel stuff will behave out of a carbine vs. the standard stuff.

 

[MattShlock]

Take it on face value. Most handgun ammo is meant to optimize at 8". Your's? Much less. Go buy another box that won't slow down as this may well. It's also a waste -- use it for a small pistol or sell it someone who has one.

 

[stressed]

What I understand (and am hoping) is that the bullet will expand at lower velocities and although this will push it far past the velocity it's designed for, I hope even with over expansion it will retain it's weight due to being bonded.

 

[YZ]

Generally yes, the short barrel designation indicates expansion at a lower velocity. It will have no impact on the accuracy or reliability of your firearm. Unless you are LE, or are very particular about self defense, the difference is academic.

 

[hariph creek]

According to my email correspondence with Speer. The 9mm Gold Dot 124gr +P "Short Barrel." Is the only "Short Barrel" load they offer, that required no change. It's the same as the regular 9mm Gold Dot 124gr +P.

 

[hariph creek]

You can push a bonded bullet to far, including Gold Dots. But, they're still pretty devastating...for a pistol round.
In 9mm, for this application, I'd lean towards a bonded 147gr +P. Unless your trying to have one load serve for handgun and carbine? Then I'd go with whatever best suits the handgun. Handguns need all the help they can get.

Oh yes, I am very "particular" about my self defense. I also recognize that there are usually many options within any given application that will suit it's needs. The rest is usually just marketing.