Smith M&P9 - SD ammo preference?

[Quoheleth]

Those of you who carry & have field tested self-defense ammo through Smith M&P series - particularly full-size 9mm - does your pistol have any strong likes, dislikes with regard to brand, bullet weight, design, etc?

I'm in the holding pattern for my Texas CHL, so it's time to start field-testing. Before I start buying stuff, I thought I would ask here first.

I'm leaning toward Federal's HST (if I can find it) or Winchester Ranger (ditto). Both are available in 124 grain (standard and +P) HPs, and I know Federal has a 147 grain HP. I think the Ranger has one, also.

I know the FBI tests show the 147 to be a "better" round, but I'm open to what runs and is affordable.

Thanks,
Q

 

[stalkingbear]

I would stick with Ranger SXT +P or Gold Dot +P, in 124 or 147 versions.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I never did formal accuracy or expansion medium testing with mine. It showed no preferences as far as cycle reliability went - everything ran 100%.

 

[41 magnum fan]

I use Federal 147 grain HST in mine.

 

[allank]

I did some research (lost the source reference) and with a 4"+ barrel the recommendation for personal protection was Federal HST HP or Speer Gold Dot HP in 147gr (first choice if it cycles reliably) or 124gr. +P did not necessarily provide any benefit, and could cause over penetration. I wish I could find that source - it was an interesting read.

Source: http://www.firearmstactical.com/briefs9.htm (1998)

Other interesting links:
Pistol Cartridges (9x19mm Luger), Choices for Self Defense, Home Protection or General Carry (IMHO): http://frag.110mb.com/
9 MM LUGER: http://stevespages.com/page8f9mmluger.html

 

[RustyShackelford]

9mmNATO ammo choices for protection/duty use

I work in the security industry and I'm a military veteran. For the 9mmNATO AKA: 9x19mm I would get the Remington Golden Saber 124gr JHP +P bonded or the Speer Gold Dot +P 124gr JHP(the issue load of the NYPD). The Ranger LE load; 127gr +P+ JHP is the "best" in documented incidents but it is hard to find for sale in many places.
Some shooters like the Corbon 115gr JHP +P+ load but I prefer the 124gr rounds. You can practice with cheaper FMJ 124gr loads and still have the same design/wt.

Rusty

PS: If you carry a 9mmNATO, you may want to use Federal EFMJ or Corbon's PowRball rounds in the spare pistol magazines. These rounds feed well and may have more punch against building material, auto glass, etc. Some members take issue with using 2 types of loads but I think it makes more sense. If you need to use a 2nd or 3rd mag, then the criminal(s) shooting at you may be behind cover or a barrier. JHP loads may not work.

 

[.357 magnum]

My Full Size MP 9mm

I use Winchester 147gr +P Bonded or Federal 147gr +P HST's.

The Best to You and Yours!

Frank

 

[BoneDigger]

For my M&P 9c I use Hornady TAP, 147 gr TAP FPD.

Todd

 

[kmbrman]

S&W M&P 9mm

When I first fired new rounds through my 9mm M&P full size I noticed it was zeroed perfectly to POI- POA with UMC 115 JHP from Wally. While the round is not the latest tech, it is a good starting point, and those of us who have tested it's penetration and expansion are OK with it .