What are the ups and downs of using +p ammo

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Target shoot and practice with the inexpensive FMJ's. Load the magazine with +P for defense and home protection. There's absolutely no reason to use one type of ammo only for both tasks unless you are getting +P defense ammo for free.
 
If you are going to train with FMJ's and carry +P's for defense, you should also shoot some of the +P's during your training exercises so you will be familiar with how the gun reacts and how your groups are with the +P's.
 
+P gives you about 75-100 fps more in a 9 mm or 38 from those I've chronographed. That's not a lot considering standard ammo is hitting 1100-1200 fps out of your gun already. There are plenty of non +P hollow point rounds out there. Just for comparasion I chronographed 38 spl Federal 147 JHP +P+ in a 2 3/4 barrel vs Federal 147 jhp (std pressure) in 9 MM in a Glock 26 and the velocity for both was 900 for the 38 and near 1000 fps for the 9mm. The 9 mm is already a high pressure round in its standard loadings.
 
SK: handloading can change things considerably with powder selection. I'm with gdvan01 on this one. If this will be a carry gun, I'd practice with a fair amount of ammo that replicates your carry load's performance. Also consider getting a heavier recoil spring, that will help. The original pressure spec for the 9 X 19mm is nearly identical to the present max for +P pressure. Most quality pistols are made for the original pressure spec and lighter springs are used to match the level of factory ammo. The same size pistols are firing .357 SIG and .40 S&W. Accelerated wear is a bit overstated in my oppinion. I shoot mostly +P handloads in 9mm and I've yet to wear out a pistol from doing it. Naturally, a faster bullet and higher pressure will increase wear with any pistol barrel, but it will take a very long time to do it in a barrel as good as what the Croatians are making for the XD, and they'll sell you another one if it does happen. Slide acceleration is the bigger concern and that can be controlled by the use of a heavier spring.;)
 
Most foreign 9mm ammunition is a bit hotter than American and the guns are made for it. You are not likely willing to pay for enough +P to wear it out.
Do NOT depend on FMJ for self defense, it hasn't got what it takes. JHP is what you need, +P or standard.
 
The recoil springs should match the ammo so that the empties hit the floor 5' away.

If the ammo is too wimpy and the springs too stiff, the gun will jam.

If the ammo is too hot and the springs are too wimpy, the cases fly too far and the slide slams the frame, which is not good for the gun or your hand.

But if the ammo and the spring are a match, the cases land 5' away, the gun does not jam, recoil feels ok, and your gun lasts a long time.

So +P ammo would be best with a heavy spring.
Wimp ammo would be best with a light spring.

You can change the springs in a minute if you are fast at stripping your gun.

Here is the link for different springs for your gun:
http://www.gunsprings.com/SemiAuto/SpringfieldNF.html#XD
 
SK: another thing to consider if your XD-9 is a 4" Service Model, is that it uses a two stage recoil spring and guide system. My experience with the XD is with the 5" Tactical in .40 S&W that uses a one piece guide rod and single spring. The two stage system is very robust. Sort of a recoil reduction system that comes standard with the pistol. I'd try +P ammo with the pistol completely stock before making any changes and as Clark pointed out, if your cases are ejected to excessive distances, look at heavier springs for +P loads. In this case, they may not be required. My luck evidently isn't as good as his with 5' ejection with +P loads, but mine are handloads. The XD locking system is very similar to that pioneered by SIG. It is a strong one and completely capable with factory +P 9mm ammo.;)
 
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