your 9mm defensive load recommendations...

[kmrcstintn]

as much as I tried to move beyond keeping a 9mm semiauto in the collection, I like the cartirdge too much and I have a soft spot for the Beretta 92 platform; this time its a Beretta 92D Centurion which allows me to shoot the 9mm and the trigger on the D variant is similar to that of a double action revolver which I also like alot; this model is equipped with a shorter 4.3" barrel instead of a 5" full length barrel; the slide and frame are equal to the full sizes model 92's;

I am posting a poll this time focusing on the various grain weights and normal or +p powder charges; you are free to post your selected brand and type of defensive load; you can explain why it is your choice; I DO NOT WANT this to turn into a feud over which load is the best...there are many choices and there are many opinions...please just respect other peoples' choices; I am just seeking experiences/opinions on the various choices that you make. Thank you.

BTW: I am polling for only 15 days so we aren't beating a dead horse in a few weeks...

 

[kmrcstintn]

okay, I'll start as to what I've tried in the past:

147 grain: Winchester WWB Personal Defense: good feedback and gelatin test results from users on GlockTalk; good price; good availability; suprises many by working even though it's not a premium load; fed reliably and shot accurately out of various guns I've owned

124 grain (non +p): Speer Gold Dot, PMC El Dorado Starfire, Hornady XTP, Federal HydraShok: these seemed to be good mid-weight loads that fed well and were accurate in the various guns I've owned

124 grain +p: Speer Gold Dot, Federal Premium HST: good feedback on various forums; fed reliably & shot accurately in various guns that I owned

now, I am broadening my horizons and seeking opinions on the many choices that are available

 

[denfoote]

147 grain: Winchester WWB Personal Defense: good feedback and gelatin test results from users on GlockTalk; good price; good availability; suprises many by working even though it's not a premium load; fed reliably and shot accurately out of various guns I've owned

This is what I use.
In fact, the G26 that sits next to me as I type this is loaded with them!!

 

[kokapelli]

Speer 124 gr + P GDHP.
1220 fps with 410 fpe and
with reliable expansion in
every gelatine test I have ever seen.​

 

[hitman134]

Winchester Ranger SXT!

 

[universal]

Speer Gold Dot 124 grain +P.

 

[Ala Dan]

For Self Defense

124 grain +p JHP

 

[GunNut]

I'm sure that I will get flamed by the "you ought to just get a .357sig" crowd, but my personal preference is Winchester Ranger 127gr +P+.

 

[gbelleh]

I use Gold Dot 124 gr +p for my 9mm defensive needs. This round has been consistently reliable and accurate in all my 9mm pistols.

 

[legion3]

You left out the Winchester Ranger SXT 127 Grain +P+
which is my choice but I also have some of the Winchester 124 +P Bonded, so I went with a 124 +P...as the choice

 

[alucard0822]

speer 124gr +p, so far never a single misfeed or misfire out of my 92fs, or G19. IMO the best combination of recoil, velocity, energy, expansion and penetration that a 9mm is capable of. lighter bullets lose penetration, heavier increases in recoil.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I buy both the 124 gr and 135 gr Federal Hydra-Shok rounds for different reasons. The 124 gr rounds are "normal" rounds and are used in standard size pistols. (4" barrel and above) I buy the 135 gr rounds which are reduced recoil rounds for smaller pistols like the Taurus PT-111 Pro. (3.25" barrel) I found you have a lot more control with the reduced recoil rounds out of a short barrel with very little loss of power.

Federal Hydra-Shok 124 gr 1120/345
Federal Hydra-Shok 135 gr 1060/337

 

[tango3065]

147 grain: Winchester WWB Personal Defense: good feedback and gelatin test results from users on GlockTalk; good price; good availability; suprises many by working even though it's not a premium load; fed reliably and shot accurately out of various guns I've owned

Thats also my load for practice and HD, I did my own test on a dead cow (died of natural causes not lead) and I wish I took pictures because the 3 shots performed awsome.

 

[Black Majik]

I use Speer 124gr. +p Gold Dots

 

[Ken Rainey]

I didn't vote for any of them...but any of them would work!

I recommend using the one that provides the most accuracy in your pistol - assuming reliable function first and foremost.

With that said, I would prefer the 147 standard pressure ammo for better penetration and ease of shooting but if it wasn't accurate I'd be happy with the 124s in either standard or +P depending on what I launched them from - and if they didn't eat the bullseye up, well, then your left with the 115s.....I've fired the +P+ 115 and it was very accurate. I guess having a mag of 115+P+ with a mag of FMJ to back it up with wouldn't be the end of the world... .. lol

 

[12many]

I also use the WWB 147 grn JHP. Inexpensive but worked fine for me. I bought 100 rnds and ran the first 50 through my xd to confirm reliable operation. I shot straight WWB 147, then mixed with other ammmo, then shot fast, slow, one hand grip, limper grip, and it cycled fine with all 50 rounds. It is cheap enough so that I know it will cycle and I can practice enough. It shoots a bit different so it good to practice.

 

[longeyes]

RA9TA Winchester Ranger 9mm T-Series 127gr +P+

and

Cor-bon Powr'ball

 

[GaryArkansas]

124 grain Federal Hydrashocks in a CZ 75B. In the past, it was Speer Gold Dots is 124 grain (If I recall the weight correctly).

 

[s&w 24]

I voted 124 +P (golddot) because thats what I use in 2 out of 3 9X19's the other one is loaded with magtech first-defence 92 gr copper HP's. It's not like it used to be there alot more good than bad HP loads out there we have come a long way from back in the 80's.

 

[nemoaz]

+P+ in either 124 or 115. Really doesn't matter much. 147s are for silencers.

 

[Chupacabra]

124gr +P Gold Dot loaded by DoubleTap

It is low flash, accurate, consistent, and the extra recoil is barely noticeable. This load shoots wonderfully out of my Hi-Power. I wouldn't carry anything else.

 

[MJZZZ]

After much reading and research, I switched to Winchester Ranger T 124gr +p (RA9124TP). I still have a couple of boxes of Federal Hydra Shok 124gr +P+ sitting around that I used to use. Either would be good to go. Mike Z

 

[Shadan7]

Another one fond of the 124 GD +P.

But I recently came across some 90grain stuff from Speer I had to experiment with. The discussion about the results is on the Rohrbaugh forum, towards the bottom of the first page. Final results on page 3. Interesting stuff.

7

 

[kmrcstintn]

thank you to all who have participated so far...a great variety among the group has emerged; being my first poll, I forgot the ubiquitous "other" category for those who are outside the parameters of the choices listed;

I also wasn't counting on any +p+ listings since I was under the impression that +p+ was submachine gun ammunition and I forgot that there are some +p+ meant for duty handguns;

I am the type to just go down to a local Mom & Pop or bigger retailer and buy ammo off the shelf and I think this might be another reason why I stuck with more readily available loads and common grain weights in my survey choices

 

[usp9]

I've recently been shooting Hornady TAP 124gr. This is a very accurate round for me, lower recoil than some, very low muzzle flash, but pretty expensive. In the past Gold Dots have served very well. Either are perfectly acceptable rounds. IMHO