Rainier 9mm 115gr HP for Self-Defense?

[Bear2000]

I was wondering if anyone would use Rainier plated HP (115 gr, 9mm) as a self-defense round? I usually use them at the range because they're cheap, accurate, and "lead-safe". But I have worked up some fairly speedy, accurate loads that I'm confident will go bang, and figured that they might be fine for SD as well.

What do you think?

Bear

 

[possum]

as long as they function in your firearm 100% everytime, and you already said that they are accurate, i say go for it. i personally don't use reloads as hd/sd/ccw ammo but if you are confident in your work and you know they are g2g go for it.

i normally load jhp's reloads to match the carry ammo that i use so i can get as close to the conditions as possible, while spendig less money than blowing money on expesive hd/sd ammo for range use.

 

[sublimaze41]

You may want to test the penetration before placing that much stock in the Rainiers for SD. Last year I was loading some .44 cal with 240gr Rainier HP. I wanted to see how they expanded after penetration. The bullet went into the tub of water and just fragmented into tiny, tiny pieces. I suspect there was little hydroststic shock produced. The penetration was probably poor as well.
As far as the Rainiers being cheap.............address please, I would like to buy some there. I now buy Winchester JHP as they are nearly the same cost as the Rainiers.

 

[Bear2000]

Thanks sublimaze for that information. I probably wouldn't have tested them that way myself.

I bought my last batch from:

http://www.cliffsgunsmithing.com/

But it appears that others have found him as well, as he's running low/out of almost all Rainiers in 9mm and 45. But 58.95 for 1000 (+$9.95 shipping, but he can ship up to 3000 for that) was by far and away the best I've found on 115 gr Rainiers.

 

[CZ57]

Bear, a good alternative that won't cost you too much more would be the 115 gr. Rem or Winchester JHP's that are sold in bulk. If velocity is high enough, I'd give the edge to the Rem. for it's deeper penetration. The secret service used this bullet for many years in a factory +P+ round that developed about 1250 FPS from their SIGs. The Illinois State Police used the Winchester at about the same velocity in a load that was rated +P+. Both loads were at the top of ratings for the 9mm. You can get 1250 FPS without even going into +P with a good powder match. I'm using Silhouette for this, but with 124 gr. Rem's because Silhouette also has very low flash. I started using it as a substitute for V-V 3N37 and I'm very pleased with the performance.