Snowdog
Member
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2002
- Messages
- 4,606
I'm curious whether it's advisable to fire several hundred rounds of +P+ ammunition through my Taurus PT99. I understand that the frame on my PT99 is virtually the same as the frame on a PT100/101. However, Winchester's 127gr +P+ Ranger ammunition is the heaviest recoiling 9mm I've encountered, significantly more so than G-A's 115gr +P+ Gold Dots or Corbons 115gr +P fodder.
The PT92/99 (not certain about stainless models) features an alloy frame. From my understanding, some pistols with alloy frames generally don't appreciate sizable amounts of hot ammunition being put through them.
Mild 147gr Federal Hydra-Shoks currently reside in the pistol. These have proven accurate and reliable from my PT99. So, why the change? On several tests, I found these low-energy subsonics to clog quite easily, many times failing to yield any expansion after only 2 layers of denim.
Using my steel-frame K9, I have already run several tests involving penetration and expansion against Play Dough using these 127gr Rangers. Though the talons don’t deploy as I had expected (talons remain folded against the jacket, never protruding), expansion is phenomenal, even after 6 layers of denim. This same test significantly limits expansion from my current K9 carry load (G-A 115gr +P+ Gold Dots).
Even after full expansion, penetration is outstanding. For my K9, this ammunition puts the icing on the cake.
I am planning to switch to this load for my CCW K9 once I run a few boxes through to gauge accuracy and reliability. At the same time, I am debating whether I should make the switch for my "bump-in-the-night" PT99 and just buy a case of Rangers, as they would prove a serious step up in performance.
However, if I make that switch, it means running at least 3 boxes of this spicy stuff through my alloy-framed Taurus, then at least another 2 boxes (100 rounds) a year to stay somewhat proficient. That doesn't include the other loads I usually put through the pistol (all FMJ of some kind) for fun.
Is this platform up to the task?
The second option is tacking on an order of 147gr Rangers with my next order of 127gr Rangers and giving those a run. Those were my original intensions anyway, until I became so enamored with the performance of the lighter 127gr Rangers.
The PT92/99 (not certain about stainless models) features an alloy frame. From my understanding, some pistols with alloy frames generally don't appreciate sizable amounts of hot ammunition being put through them.
Mild 147gr Federal Hydra-Shoks currently reside in the pistol. These have proven accurate and reliable from my PT99. So, why the change? On several tests, I found these low-energy subsonics to clog quite easily, many times failing to yield any expansion after only 2 layers of denim.
Using my steel-frame K9, I have already run several tests involving penetration and expansion against Play Dough using these 127gr Rangers. Though the talons don’t deploy as I had expected (talons remain folded against the jacket, never protruding), expansion is phenomenal, even after 6 layers of denim. This same test significantly limits expansion from my current K9 carry load (G-A 115gr +P+ Gold Dots).
Even after full expansion, penetration is outstanding. For my K9, this ammunition puts the icing on the cake.
I am planning to switch to this load for my CCW K9 once I run a few boxes through to gauge accuracy and reliability. At the same time, I am debating whether I should make the switch for my "bump-in-the-night" PT99 and just buy a case of Rangers, as they would prove a serious step up in performance.
However, if I make that switch, it means running at least 3 boxes of this spicy stuff through my alloy-framed Taurus, then at least another 2 boxes (100 rounds) a year to stay somewhat proficient. That doesn't include the other loads I usually put through the pistol (all FMJ of some kind) for fun.
Is this platform up to the task?
The second option is tacking on an order of 147gr Rangers with my next order of 127gr Rangers and giving those a run. Those were my original intensions anyway, until I became so enamored with the performance of the lighter 127gr Rangers.
