Question about S&B ammo and +P rounds

[px4storm]

I saw some Sellier & Bellot 9mm 115 Gr ammunition for $8.91 / 50 rounds and I thought I'd give it a try in my Beretta PX4.

When it arrived today, I was checking the specs on it and it says it is:
FPS / ft./lbs
FMJ 1,280 421

This ammunition is not marked as +P and I don't shoot +P because the PX4 manual says to avoid it.

I see that WWB is 1,190/362
Remmington +P is 1,180 /384

I'm wondering if I misunderstand what +P is . . . since the Remmington +P is less than the WWB regular ammo and the S&B is so much more than either of the two and is not marked +P.
Does +P have to do with the velocity and muzzle energy of the bullet???

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Does +P have to do with the velocity and muzzle energy of the bullet???

Indirectly. Plus P means added pressure. The added pressure imparts extra velocity to the bullet, which increases its power (in terms of kinetic energy upon impact, not necessarily bullet performance in the, um, target). This assumes the bullet actually reaches this velocity.

I see that WWB is 1,190/362
Remmington +P is 1,180 /384

WWB is actually a little underloaded, and the figures for the Remington do not make sense. If it is also 115-grain like the WWB, it is actually slower per your figures, therefore should have slightly less energy.

IMO that gun will eat up S&B for as long as you care to shoot it.

 

[Beagle-zebub]

Sellier & Bellot could be exagerrating their ballistics figures, too.


Now, Aguila .38 Super...THAT stuff is a good deal hotter than it purports to be, which would be more of a safety concern, in my mind.

 

[Steve C]

S&B's ballistic data probably comes from a test barrel of 10" or so. I've shot the 115 gr FMJ shot from my Glock 19 over my chrono and the measured velocity was only 1,142 fps average. Pretty standard ammo.

Even though the Glock 19 only has a 4" barrel the velocities I've got when compared to my Beretta with a 5" barrel have been nearly identical.

 

[px4storm]

the figures for the Remington do not make sense. If it is also 115-grain like the WWB

You are absolutely correct! I didn't notice that the Remington is 124-grain instead of 115.

Thanks very much to everyone for the info. I was worried about shooting it but I'll take it to the range tomorrow and give it a try. Hopefully, it'll be good because this is the best price I've found on 9mm for range practice.

Thanks again!