Kel Tec PF9 ammo choice

[Quoheleth]

Am still looking for a PF9, but in the meantime, thought I had better get busy tracking down ammo while waiting for my TX CHL to show up.

Out of curiosity, I remember reading the FBI tests of 20 years ago determined the 147 grain 9mm bullet to be better, overall, than 115 gr. With today's bullets is that still true (specifically, thinking of Hornady XTP)?

How does the PF9 do with the heavier, longer bullet? Will it feed the 147s? Perhaps a better question, out of that 3" barrel, will the bullet have enough velocity to expand?

Here's what I'm looking at:
Fiocchi Extrema:
9XTP 9mm Luger 115 XTP Hollow Point 1245fps 340ft/lbs
9XTPB 9mm Luger 147 XTP Hollow Point 980fps 310/fps


Thanks,
Q

 

[SW9VEman]

I have ordered some doubletap +P 124gr speer JHP's. I will let you know when I get them in how they feed.

On another note I fired 50 rounds of WWB 147gr JHP's through the gun when I first got it and it ate them just fine.

 

[tbone3]

A lot of the members over at http://www.ktog.org have reported problems feeding 147gr ammo. I have not tried any 147gr through mine so I can not personally say. I have tried many different 124gr and 115gr loads and they all were fine except Winchester Ranger, had a couple FTF. I currently have 124+p Gold Dot's in mine. They feed reliably and hit to POA at 25 yards.

 

[jahwarrior]

my brother's PF9 has had no issues whatsoever, except with 147g. ammo; specifically, Winchester Rangers and Federal Hydrashoks. 115g. and 124g. seem to run flawlessly.

 

[midiwall]

A lot of the members over at http://www.ktog.org have reported problems feeding 147gr ammo.

I was gonna mention the same thing about the KTOG group.

I've been putting 115gr Magtech and American Eagle through mine with no trouble (outside of my limp-wristing from time-to-time ).

 

[Quoheleth]

Thanks for the KTOG reference. I just didn't want to join another forum to ask one question.

Sounds like 147s are a no-no. But, from what I'm reading, in today's bullets the 115s are pretty doggone good. IOW, the 20-year old FBI data is outdated.

Thanks,
Q

 

[shep854]

Quoheleth,
Don't worry, if you register at KTOG, we will gladly answer your question, and all the others that will come to mind. There's also a lot of good reading there. The KTOG'ers are up-front about the good and bad regarding Kel-Tec firearms.

I have never used 147gr bullets. It seems to me that the velocity loss cancels out benefits of increased weight. That may have changed, but I carry 124gr. anyway.