Snowdog
Member
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2002
- Messages
- 4,606
At the risk of sounding overly apprehensive about the performance of my chosen CCW ammunition, I am considering switching from the turbo-charged super hot 127gr +P+ Rangers (which my K9 can easily handle) that is currently scheduled to replace the 115gr +P+ Gold Dots to the much more mild 147gr Rangers.
I’ve never considered carrying a subsonic in my K9, but this was primarily due to the consistencies in expansion failures that I noticed of various subsonics in many of my own play dough tests (and somewhat verified by the tests of others from online/magazine sources). Just recently, I've found a subsonic that has mild recoil and refuses to plug. Winchester's 147gr Rangers seems to buck 2 layers of denim and expand regardless, while still offering around 16" of relative penetration (in comparison, the 127gr +P+ offered 11" or so in play dough).
I have nothing against the 127gr Rangers, but I intend to put around 200 rounds of carry ammunition through my K9 before switching permanently from my standard G-A 115gr +P+ to something different.
My primary interest in the 127gr Rangers was the increased energy it offered, but the accuracy was a bit less than my current G-A Gold Dots, and the recoil was the most I’ve experienced from the little pistol. Not that I have a problem with recoil mind you, but I do like to enjoy range time.
Long ago, I found my K9 loved the 147gr variety when it comes to accuracy, be it the 147gr HydraShok, 147gr Silvertip or 147gr Golden Saber, but the expansion problems always jinxed them for carry... until now.
So here's the plan, I'm thinking about taking a couple boxes of 147gr Rangers to the range to see if they group as well if not better than the hot 115gr +P+ Gold Dots and if so, possibly switch permanently.
Does anyone see a problem with switching from a proven and solid performer (115gr GD I've carried since '97) that offers snappy recoil, decent accuracy and around 9" of penetration to a subsonic that performs like a black talon, possibly offering better accuracy, milder recoil and penetration almost twice as deep?
Usually I find my own answers and need little along the lines of guidance, but I have little knowledge of the subsonics on the street and wonder about possible liability issues (which I currently feel are generally blown out of proportion). Is there a solid reason not to carry 147gr JHPs if they've overcome any expansion issues?
127gr +P+ Ranger (left), 147gr Ranger and 115gr +P+ Gold Dot after 2 layers of denim from a K9
Same slugs seen from the base, 127gr is at top:
Here's a comparison of expansion between a 5" and 3.5" barrel for posterity, little is lost:
Left to right: 127gr +P+ Ranger from a K9, 147gr Ranger from a PT-99 and 147gr Ranger from a K9, all after denim
I’ve never considered carrying a subsonic in my K9, but this was primarily due to the consistencies in expansion failures that I noticed of various subsonics in many of my own play dough tests (and somewhat verified by the tests of others from online/magazine sources). Just recently, I've found a subsonic that has mild recoil and refuses to plug. Winchester's 147gr Rangers seems to buck 2 layers of denim and expand regardless, while still offering around 16" of relative penetration (in comparison, the 127gr +P+ offered 11" or so in play dough).
I have nothing against the 127gr Rangers, but I intend to put around 200 rounds of carry ammunition through my K9 before switching permanently from my standard G-A 115gr +P+ to something different.
My primary interest in the 127gr Rangers was the increased energy it offered, but the accuracy was a bit less than my current G-A Gold Dots, and the recoil was the most I’ve experienced from the little pistol. Not that I have a problem with recoil mind you, but I do like to enjoy range time.
Long ago, I found my K9 loved the 147gr variety when it comes to accuracy, be it the 147gr HydraShok, 147gr Silvertip or 147gr Golden Saber, but the expansion problems always jinxed them for carry... until now.
So here's the plan, I'm thinking about taking a couple boxes of 147gr Rangers to the range to see if they group as well if not better than the hot 115gr +P+ Gold Dots and if so, possibly switch permanently.
Does anyone see a problem with switching from a proven and solid performer (115gr GD I've carried since '97) that offers snappy recoil, decent accuracy and around 9" of penetration to a subsonic that performs like a black talon, possibly offering better accuracy, milder recoil and penetration almost twice as deep?
Usually I find my own answers and need little along the lines of guidance, but I have little knowledge of the subsonics on the street and wonder about possible liability issues (which I currently feel are generally blown out of proportion). Is there a solid reason not to carry 147gr JHPs if they've overcome any expansion issues?
127gr +P+ Ranger (left), 147gr Ranger and 115gr +P+ Gold Dot after 2 layers of denim from a K9
Same slugs seen from the base, 127gr is at top:
Here's a comparison of expansion between a 5" and 3.5" barrel for posterity, little is lost:
Left to right: 127gr +P+ Ranger from a K9, 147gr Ranger from a PT-99 and 147gr Ranger from a K9, all after denim