ive read alot of gun reviews and most are done with your typical ammo and they always throw in a "+p" round. all of my handguns strickly state not to use +p ammo do to the high amount of pressure. now i know that the manufactures are basically c.y.o.a. but in realty can you use +p ammo in a hand gun that isn't stamped +p? what kinda of abuse and or problems would i be looking at? is it a better carry round than hornady tap?
+p ammo ????
- Thread starter tiko_joe
- Start date
- Status
RNB65
Member
Sure, if you want to. But the gun may eventually blow up in your face.
Metal fatigue. Which often isn't visible to the naked eye. You discover it when the part fails.
I suggest following the gun maker's advice. Or at least keeping the use of +p to an absolute minimum if the gun isn't rated for it.
Depends on the gun. Many gun and ammo makers are very conservative in their ratings due to lawyering up for liability concerns. A lot of "+P" ammo is really loaded similar to regular ammo of years past.
If you're talking about a tiny, lightweight pocket pistol I may be more concerned, but most regular pistols should be fine with +P. +P+ maybe not! I've shot +P out of my little KelTec 380 and it works fine. I wouldn't shoot it everyday in this gun, but for testing and carry, no problem.
Usually you may get some parts peening, or actually fail at some point, but the gun shouldn't kaboom simply due to +P ammo. Guns without fully supported chambers, I might check further with high-pressure 9 or 40 calibers (Glock comes to mind).
If you're talking about a tiny, lightweight pocket pistol I may be more concerned, but most regular pistols should be fine with +P. +P+ maybe not! I've shot +P out of my little KelTec 380 and it works fine. I wouldn't shoot it everyday in this gun, but for testing and carry, no problem.
Usually you may get some parts peening, or actually fail at some point, but the gun shouldn't kaboom simply due to +P ammo. Guns without fully supported chambers, I might check further with high-pressure 9 or 40 calibers (Glock comes to mind).
jfh
Member.
bakert points the way to clear thinking about +P and +P+ ammo.
For some calibers, like the 38 Spl, +P ammo does not generate significant pressure, even in absolute terms: Currently it is set at about 18,500 PSI--and that is what standard pressure was a some years ago.
OTOH, 357 Magnum, although originally designed to a spec of 46,000 CUP (?), can go overpressure fast when pushed--not to mention such rounds as 9mmP. Personally, I find 357 Magnum max loads at the current SAAMI spec of 35000 to be just fine, and I don't need more.
Similarly, 10mm Auto needs no "Plus rating" for good performance.
As for +P+: There is no industry standard for what it is--so avoid it like the plague.
Jim H.
For some calibers, like the 38 Spl, +P ammo does not generate significant pressure, even in absolute terms: Currently it is set at about 18,500 PSI--and that is what standard pressure was a some years ago.
OTOH, 357 Magnum, although originally designed to a spec of 46,000 CUP (?), can go overpressure fast when pushed--not to mention such rounds as 9mmP. Personally, I find 357 Magnum max loads at the current SAAMI spec of 35000 to be just fine, and I don't need more.
Similarly, 10mm Auto needs no "Plus rating" for good performance.
As for +P+: There is no industry standard for what it is--so avoid it like the plague.
Jim H.
some manufacturers, I'm thinking of Federal in particular, seem to rate their rounds as +P+ even if they aren't particularly fast compared to the same weight in the same caliber. maybe they are using low flash propellants that don't have the same performance as other powders. I don't know. generally all the modern high-quality firearms will eat all the modern high-quality ammuntion for them.
Technosavant
Member
+P or +P+ refers to the pressure generated, not to the speed of a given weight of bullet. The two don't always relate directly; certain kinds of powders can generate more pressure than others right off the bat, even if ultimate velocity isn't as fast.
JesseL
Member
It really depends on a lot of factors. The cartridge in question, the gun, the amount of high pressure ammo you plan to shoot, etc.
I would shoot .38 Special +P+ out of most 357 revolvers without hesitation.
I would never shoot anything but standard 9mm of high quality from my 1917
Luger P08.
An H&K USP45 would happily digest .45ACP +p or 45 Super ammo.
A vintage Colt M1917 revolver would probably be best left with standard .45ACP hardball.
When in doubt consult your gun's manufacturer or a qualified gunsmith.
I would shoot .38 Special +P+ out of most 357 revolvers without hesitation.
I would never shoot anything but standard 9mm of high quality from my 1917
Luger P08.
An H&K USP45 would happily digest .45ACP +p or 45 Super ammo.
A vintage Colt M1917 revolver would probably be best left with standard .45ACP hardball.
When in doubt consult your gun's manufacturer or a qualified gunsmith.
- Status
