What SD Ammo for P-11

[jondar]

Just put another hundred rounds of Remington 115 grain FMJ thru my new Kel-Tec P-11. They, like the previous hundred rounds of like ammo, functioned perfectly. I know, however, that it's time to start thinking of the type of SD ammo that I may need. Who can recommend that type of ammo that they have personally USED and functioned well in their P-11 pistols? Thanks for all replies.

 

[MCgunner]

I used to shoot Corbon +P 115 grain. It shot well and functioned 100 percent. I'd steer clear of 147 grain stuff. I don't like it anyway and I've heard others say it wasn't real reliable in some P11s. I shoot a handload now, 115 grain Hornady XTP JHP at 1260 fps. It shoots right to point of aim and is very reliable.

I'd think heavier than 115 grains might shoot a little high. If It shot to point of aim, I'd have no problem using a 124 grain JHP. Just depends on where it shoots and how accurate it is. My handload will put five rounds into 3.5" at 25 yards off bags. That's pretty impressive to me for such a small little auto. I really like the thing and it's my main carry piece.

 

[jondar]

McGunner - Yeah that's pretty good shooting. I'm also beginning to like the gun. I had some doubts at first but now the trigger seems to have smoothed out (maybe I'm just getting used to it) and its just the size I wanted with that capacity. I probably will just buy some dies and load a few and see, or try out that Corbon. I have used Hornady and Sierra and had good results with both in rifle loads. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[NORTEXED]

I used to carry 124 Fed. H.S. P.D. in mine, but have switched to the Federal 105 gr EFMJ. I've shot some of it and I like and trust it. You can't go wrong with either the Hydra Shoks or Gold Dots IMCO. Ayoob and others used to warn about carrying handloads in a defense weapon in case it were ever used. He said it didn't bode well in court if the laymen found out you were using "homemade Mankiller" bullets. That's part of why I like the EFMJ's, you get the expansion while maintaining "pollitically correct" plain old metal jacket ammo.

 

[kmrcstintn]

the P-11 is a good and reliable choice for SD, especially for the price; I used to own one and I chose Winchester WWB Personal Protection 115 grain JHP;

1) I didn't like the recoil from a +p loading out of a 14 ounce gun (tore my hand up and made for tougher followup shots due to recoil control)

2) It is less expensive since it is not a higher tech designer load & you get 50 rounds per box and gives you more bullets for the money (there are postings over on Glocktalk that cover expansion testings that shooters have done with the 115 grain & 147 grain Winchester WWB personal protection loads)

3) I think the 3" barrel is borderline for a heavier 147 grain load since you lose velocity that might be necessary to promote expansion in the heavier bullet

4) You are going to get responses giving alot of advice about different brands and bullet weights...usually the lighter bullets are better from shorter barrel guns since they have higher velocity and will expand better; the lighter bullets will usually penetrate less than the heavier bullets since they expand quicker( this is the compromise that is created by using smaller guns with shorter barrels);

5) I would recommend a weight range between 115 grains and 135 grains (the Federal Hydrashok Personal Defense Low Recoil load is 135 grains and theoretically gives you balance between velocity, expansion, and penetration)

Good Luck!

 

[jondar]

kmrcstintn- Yes I forgot to mention that it will jolt your hand a little. Got me between the first and second joint of my trigger finger, apparently by the inside front of the trigger guard. Could be my grip. I'm used to a 1911 which is a great pistol but way too heavy (for me) as a carry gun. Will pick up a box of the WWB and try that. Thanks

NORTEXXED - Yeah I didn't think about those "man killer reloads." Always something to take the joy out of life.