Difference regular 9mm round vs +p round

[Allen]

Is there really any noticable difference between a regular 9mm round and a +p round of the same shape and weight? Especially for a self defense concealed carry round. I have a recently purchased CM9 and have been to the range a couple of times now with Federal and Winchester White Box 115gr for target and break-in rounds but like other Posters I'm still trying to decide what to carry for protection (and locally available).

[OldLincoln]

+P is apx 50ftsec faster and 50ftlb greater energy. That's maybe 5% more, certainly less than 10%. I do carry HST +P 147gn in my PM9.

[GROTMAN]

I've found the +p round tolerable but a little snappy in my pm9. I practice with the 115 grain wwb and am using Hornady Critical Defense 115 grain for my carry ammo. There is no noticeable difference in recoil, and both have been very reliable for me so I figure if I am ever in a self defense situation will have some consistency shooting my carry ammo with what I shoot regularly.

[warbird1]

+1 for Hornady Critical Defense.

[JERRY]

in a mini poly 9mm i prefer standard 115 or 124 weight rounds. +p for my G26 and the like...

[Allen]

Thanks for all the excellent information, keeps me from spending money on the +p rounds that I probably wouldn't like either.

Just was reading in the recent American Rifleman that Hornady also has the Critical Duty 135 gr. ammo. Has anyone tried these in comparison to the Critical Defense 124 gr.? AR's tests used Critical Defense 115 gr for their gelatin penetration but from the Forum experts I was wondering about recoil comparison of the two. I haven't even seen the Critical Duty ammo on the shelves anyplace so no sure how much they are available. Course in my little podunk town there's no too much choice of suppliers.

[fitpro]

Thanks for all the excellent information, keeps me from spending money on the +p rounds that I probably wouldn't like either.

Just was reading in the recent American Rifleman that Hornady also has the Critical Duty 135 gr. ammo. Has anyone tried these in comparison to the Critical Defense 124 gr.? AR's tests used Critical Defense 115 gr for their gelatin penetration but from the Forum experts I was wondering about recoil comparison of the two. I haven't even seen the Critical Duty ammo on the shelves anyplace so no sure how much they are available. Course in my little podunk town there's no too much choice of suppliers.

^^^I don't think they load Critical Defense in anything but 115gr for 9mm...but I could be wrong. To get Critical Duty ammo in 50-rnd boxes, go to policehq.com and then call them. They sell to civilians but their online inventory is not accurate. I called them last week and bought two boxes of Critical Duty 135gr standard for $69.69 shipped. The CD was not even listed on the website, I just asked if they had any and they did. Check out youtube videos on the ammo by Tnoutdoors9 and by Hornady.

Good luck!:)

[wyntrout]

I just got my copy of the September American Rifleman and there is an extensive test of Hornady's new Critical Duty ammo. There is also a Handgun Stopping Power Comparison of 100 different rounds of defensive ammo. All are not covered but you can find quite a few of your favorites compared. The Speer 124-gr +P Gold Dots had the highest ratings for 9mm, especially for expansion.

Wynn:)

[ripley16]

Here is a privately operated test site that contains excellent info on various rounds. Tons of info for your comparison of different rounds.
http://www.brassfetcher.com/index_files/9x19mm.htm

In general I can tell a difference between standard and +P ammo, but it depends on the particular brand as to whether or not the extra power affects my shooting. Not all ammo, and therefore, not all +P ammo is the same.

I carry +P ammo in my HK and for practice I use NATO ball ammo, (which is almost +P in pressure), but is much cheaper. I would suggest you purchase several different brands of quality, available ammo and try them in your gun. Only by testing will you find the round both you and your gun likes best.