Best 9mm carry round

[shooter31]

What is everyone's opinion on the best 9mm personal protection round. I've always been a big fan of speer gold dot, but I want to hear some new suggestions.

[pistol pete]

I use Federal Hydro-Shock and have never had a problem.

[car]

I've also shot federal hydra shocks with zero problems feeding. Seems like they'd get the job done--luckily haven't had to shoot someone;)

Any other suggestions?

Anybody have any real data?

[Deputy]

Hornady has a new round called "Critical Defense" that I have started using. It has a plastic insert in the hollow point that prevents clothing and other junk from plugging it up, but it opens up in bodies consistently. Part #90250.
9MM Luger 115 grain FTX. Note this is NOT +P ammo!

[KUBasketballnut]

I like the Hornady TAP FPD. Shoots great and instills confidence. I also carry Cor-Bon. If you can handle the recoil chose the one you trust. Remember that a well placed rock is more effective than a .454 Casull if you don't hit the target. Oh, and good luck getting any quality 9mm or .45 acp ammo at this time. If you can afford it the gun shop is probably out of it. Try Cabelas or Midway and wait for it.

[steve666]

CorBon is always my first choice but Remington Golden Saber and the XTP bullets from Hornaday are good too.:)

[crumbum]

Hornady Critical Defense 9mm 115gr works good

[littlered75]

I carry Fiocchi 115 gr. HP's and they function perfectly.

[kahrguy9mm]

I've put several boxes of Hornady Critical Defense through my 9mm and have had 0 problems. The technology behind them is interesting! Some states only allow you to carry Personal or Critical defense ammo if your carrying concealed. I've wanted to try the Corbon Power Ball but can only find it in+p. My CW9 does not support that ammo.....

[Raptor77]

A New Mexico Police Officer I teach CCW classes with shot the FBI ammunition protocols and found that only bonded core bullets will survive passage through auto glass (windshields). In our classes we recommend bonded core; Gold Dot, Federal Tactical, the new Winchester bonded bullets and etc.

[Deputy]

I don't think there's a big worry about shooting through car windows. That's a pretty specialized situation and not something a normal citizen would be doing. Shooting at someone who is fleeing in car is generally discouraged. Hard to defend if you are brought into court.

[tsip83]

Check out the following web site:

http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm

Note that there is not much data on the performance of any bullet when fired from a 3 inch barrel. If anyone has any, I would sure like to see it.

[rock]

Win. Ranger T-series 147 grn. Second choice would be gold dot.

[yankee2500]

I have three I like a lot Winchester Silvertip, Speer Gold Dot and the Hornady Critical Defense. I have the Critical Defense in my Rohrbaugh and LCP but have been unable to find them for the PM40 yet.
John

[kpm9]

Winchester Ranger 124gr +p and Speer +p 124gr GD.
The Speer works flawlessly in my PM9.

[mfcmb]

My first choice, CorBon DPX, doesn't feed reliably through my CW9, so instead I carry my second choice, Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P.

[Deputy]

LOL....I'm kinda surprised nobody has said "the best 9MM load is one in .45ACP or .40 S&W". :D

[Steelheart]

I'm carrying 124gr +P Gold Dots in my PM9. It's not the Short Barrel version but I got a good price on some a while back.

In the P9 that's around here I've tested Corbon 115gr +P and WWB 115 JHP's.

Steelheart

[Dietrich]

I carry Remington Golden Saber 124gr. +P in my PM9. I`ve had no problems with feed or function and the ballistic gel tests look great for the round. Check out the test findings at Golden Loki. Several rounds had great results in 9mm.

[shipwreck]

I just bought a box of critical defense in 9mm, but haven't tried it yet. I was gonna shoot some, and keep enough for 1 mag.

But on a couple of other forums, there is discussions about bad primers. Some of the ammo isn't going off. And, it's popped up enough to not be a quirk, from what I have read.

Some claim that the manufacturer claims that they switched from silver to brass colored primers to fix the problem - but there are reports of FTF even with this.

Except for 22 ammo, I have never had a failure to fire with any ammo I have ever bought. So, this bugs me when multiple rounds in the same box are not going off for some people (but not every round in the same box has reported problem so there is not way to tell)

[drober30]

I have three I like a lot Winchester Silvertip, Speer Gold Dot and the Hornady Critical Defense. I have the Critical Defense in my Rohrbaugh and LCP but have been unable to find them for the PM40 yet.
John

They don't make it in a .40cal yet.

[Dogman]

Speer GD, 124 grain, JHP

[johnh]

I carry Hornady TAP 124gr in my nines. It has worked reliably for me in several different platforms. I tend to go first by what functions reliably, then look at terminal peformance. One nice thing about 9mm, from back when I started shooting to now the quality of ammunition has gone through a revolutionary transformation. There are many, many good choices out there for defensive use.

John

[proudtoshootpentax]

I have both the Remington Golden Saber in 124 +P and the Ranger in the 127 +P+, I'm very happy with both. The Ranger is a little tough to find. I don't have a chrono, but according to this article on the Kahr review site: Kahr Arms | Product Reviews (http://www.kahr.com/PA-1B/review_ch0809.html) the Ranger should be in the 1170 fps range and the Golden Sabre about 100 fps behind. That's the kind of speed I like in a carry gun. It's especially good for a 3" pocket gun!

[Deputy]

I just bought a box of critical defense in 9mm, but haven't tried it yet. I was gonna shoot some, and keep enough for 1 mag.

But on a couple of other forums, there is discussions about bad primers. Some of the ammo isn't going off. And, it's popped up enough to not be a quirk, from what I have read.

Some claim that the manufacturer claims that they switched from silver to brass colored primers to fix the problem - but there are reports of FTF even with this.

Except for 22 ammo, I have never had a failure to fire with any ammo I have ever bought. So, this bugs me when multiple rounds in the same box are not going off for some people (but not every round in the same box has reported problem so there is not way to tell)

If you read the newest issue of American Rifleman, they talk about Critical Defense. I wouldn't put much stock in forums for ammunition information as far as reliability, etc. Too many guys have "brand loyalty" in ammo and they hate to hear that something has come out that might be better. Do your own testing and if you have problems, then contact the manufacturer with lot # and description of problems.
I've had failure to fire problems with Remington .44 Special round nose and Winchester .44 mag Silvertips. Turned out not to be an ammo problem but a gun problem with my S&W 329 Nightguard. A new firing pin and crane from Smith resolved it. Fix was free too. I have also experienced "hard primers' with surplus import ammo. It's not something rare or unusual.

[sharpetop]

My CW9 is currently stoked with Federal 124gr HST +P.

[shipwreck]

If you read the newest issue of American Rifleman, they talk about Critical Defense. I wouldn't put much stock in forums for ammunition information as far as reliability, etc. Too many guys have "brand loyalty" in ammo and they hate to hear that something has come out that might be better. Do your own testing and if you have problems, then contact the manufacturer with lot # and description of problems.
I've had failure to fire problems with Remington .44 Special round nose and Winchester .44 mag Silvertips. Turned out not to be an ammo problem but a gun problem with my S&W 329 Nightguard. A new firing pin and crane from Smith resolved it. Fix was free too. I have also experienced "hard primers' with surplus import ammo. It's not something rare or unusual.

I hear ya. But, it's come up on more than 1 forum, and I kinda believe what I am reading.

I don't want to spend a fortune on it to shoot a bunch to see if I have a problem, though. I'll probably just throw the box I have in the back of the safe for now. and, I ordered some more hydrashok 124gr. I'll just keep using that.

[G20-IWB24/7]

Of the ten or so Kahr's that I've had (three were .40's), I have yet to have any factory ammunition failure of any kind, so I'd use whatever was available. Having said that, I like to find defensive ammo in the 50rd Law Enforcement packs, because $26/50rds is much better than $19/20rds. Because I only have STEEL framed guns now in 9mm, I've settled on the Winchester Ranger 127gr +P+, and both the K9 Elite and the MK9 gobble it right up. Its a little more peppy than the WWB that I usually practice with, but it's nowhere near the recoil level of the .40 caliber guns of the same size. Plus, you get an extra round of capacity in the 9mms, so there's no real reason to go to a .40.

[Deputy]

Plus, you get an extra round of capacity in the 9mms, so there's no real reason to go to a .40.

I think the majority of law enforcement agencies in the USA might disagree with you. :D

[Raptor77]

I don't think there's a big worry about shooting through car windows. That's a pretty specialized situation and not something a normal citizen would be doing. Shooting at someone who is fleeing in car is generally discouraged. Hard to defend if you are brought into court.

I would agree if car jacking was not a possibility. If your in a car and need to defend yourself from someone outside the car it is best if you can count on your ammo to get outside where the bad guy is. It is true that it is pretty specialized situation but we train with hope that none of this will be necessary but ready if it does. And, obviously shooting at someone fleeing in a car is not good self defense.

[Deputy]

I would agree if car jacking was not a possibility. If your in a car and need to defend yourself from someone outside the car it is best if you can count on your ammo to get outside where the bad guy is. It is true that it is pretty specialized situation but we train with hope that none of this will be necessary but ready if it does. And, obviously shooting at someone fleeing in a car is not good self defense.

I don't EVER want to touch off one of my handguns INSIDE a car. I don't relish the thought of blowing out my eardrums. I'll hand them the keys and when they are getting in the car...BOOM!

[Raptor77]

I don't EVER want to touch off one of my handguns INSIDE a car. I don't relish the thought of blowing out my eardrums. I'll hand them the keys and when they are getting in the car...BOOM!

Works well as long as they are polite and wait for the keys and IF they only want the car.

[ltxi]

I don't EVER want to touch off one of my handguns INSIDE a car. I don't relish the thought of blowing out my eardrums. I'll hand them the keys and when they are getting in the car...BOOM!

You won't blow out your eardrums....but the ringing does last awhile. :)

[Deputy]

You won't blow out your eardrums....but the ringing does last awhile. :)

I carry a S&W 329 Nightguard in .44 magnum. Bye bye eardrums.

[Gottabkiddin]

Speer 124 +p Gold Dot. Good SD round, and runs like a champ in my CW9.:)

[cineski]

Gold Dot 124 +P is stellar, as are most flavors of Federal HST.

[pudly]

Speer Gold Dot 124 +p Short Barrel. Works well in my CW9.

[MisterAnderson]

I see a number of comments about feeding reliability, but few if any on accuracy thus far. I bring that up because I dropped by the range before work this morning to finish breaking in my MK9 Elite.

I shot Federal bulk 115gr for break in and from 7 yds on a rest put the remaining couple of mags into a 2" circle. I was more than satisfied with this performance.

After putting 250 FMJ rounds downrange, I switched to 124gr GDHP +P which I also use in my XDSC9. I've had excellent reliability and accuracy with this combination and expected similar from the Kahr.

Of the 26 rounds I fired, most were within a 6" circle, markedly different than the Federal performance. Same rest, sight picture, and distance. Seems quite odd, and while I wouldn't have balked with a few flyers, there's little if any consistency.

I'll chalk this up initial to a 'getting used to the new gun', or perhaps 'dirty barrel'. I'd be interested to hear others experience not only in what round you're shooting, but how accurate it is, especially in the MK series.

[500KV]

I've tried several brands of carry ammo and just keep going back to hydrashok.
I guess any good SD ammo will work if it functions well in your piece.

I have a box of Ranger 9mm +P+ 127GR. SXT that I bought at a gun show, probably 10 years ago, and some guy told me not to shoot it that it was valuable to collectors now.
Something about the original Black Talon thing.
Has anyone heard this story?
Sorta sounds like Bravo-Sierra to me.
It has a RA9SXTP lot # on it.

[03Lightningrocks]

I like the 124 grain Speer Gold Dots +P. I have fired a couple hundred rounds of it through my PM9 with never an issue.

[Nitro700]

CorBon and Federal Hydro-Shock are my two choices; try different types of quality ammo and use what works best for you. Remeber like some others have said more important to be able to put shots on target.

[border bandit32]

Speer Gold Dot 124 +p Short Barrel. Works well in my PM9
and Glcok 26

[TurboniumOxide]

+1 Speer Gold Dot 124 +p Short Barrel is exactly what I am carrying.

[8th SPS USAF]

I like Fed EFMJ and Speer GD SB

[kahrcrazy]

Federal Hydrashock all the way.

[LaVere]

I'm using Federal Personal Defence 9mm luger 147 grain Hydra-Shok JHP.
I never had to shoot someone with it so I realy don't know. I would think any of the top name brand personal defence brands will be fine.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/3945311395_88bafd85ec_o.jpg

[sentinel]

I've settled on the Federal 124+P HST for use in both my MK9 and HK P30.

[bikerbill]

I've always liked shooting hornady, and I'm currently carrying their new Critical Defense round in my PM9 ... very accurate, not a huge kick and I like the idea of no clogging with heavier clothing ..

[wagon]

Here's one report, the poster used a PM9, among others: Day at the range with the New Kahr PM 9 MM - PerfectUnion BBS (http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/showthread.php?t=73267)


Check out the following web site:

Best Choices for Self Defense Ammo (http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm)

Note that there is not much data on the performance of any bullet when fired from a 3 inch barrel. If anyone has any, I would sure like to see it.

[500KV]

Here's one report, the poster used a PM9, among others: Day at the range with the New Kahr PM 9 MM - PerfectUnion BBS (http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/showthread.php?t=73267)

Good pic's.
That guy has some excellent camera equipment to go along with his excellent guns.

[Cappy]

Check out the following web site:

Best Choices for Self Defense Ammo (http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm)

Note that there is not much data on the performance of any bullet when fired from a 3 inch barrel. If anyone has any, I would sure like to see it.

Some real good data there -- Thanks!

[Mdubtech]

So I saw a video on youtube comparing the muzzle flash from self defense ammo.
Gold sabers vs hydrashoks.
The video was at dusk and clearly showed the hydrashoks much lower flash than the sabers. This upset me since I like the 147grn gold sabers in my pm9 vs the lighter 124grn hydra's. So I took some of each to the range and had them turn off all but the lighting behind me. I loaded 3 of each and observed the flash. To my delight all of the sabers had virtually no flash! Now the hydrashoks had a flash the size of a tennis ball, not what you want at night! I hope this helps anyone considering either. I know I will be loading the sabers in both my Kahrs! Anyone else done this kind of test?

[jocko]

A New Mexico Police Officer I teach CCW classes with shot the FBI ammunition protocols and found that only bonded core bullets will survive passage through auto glass (windshields). In our classes we recommend bonded core; Gold Dot, Federal Tactical, the new Winchester bonded bullets and etc.

evidently didn't shoot corbon all copper barnes bullet dpx ammo. It will go through windshields with ease. :19:

[Deputy]

You should NOT be buying ANY ammo based on whether it shoots through glass or not. Why? Because you should NOT be shooting at glass at all. You should also NOT be shooting at moving vehicles. The only time you are justified at shooting at a vehicle is if your life is in imminent danger and you are unable to get out of the way. Police are taught this in their academy. At least, police that are worth a damn. New Mexico has a bunch of morons running the state, county, and local police. Pretty much everyone in New Mexico knows the cops are a bad joke.

[jocko]

You should NOT be buying ANY ammo based on whether it shoots through glass or not. Why? Because you should NOT be shooting at glass at all. You should also NOT be shooting at moving vehicles. The only time you are justified at shooting at a vehicle is if your life is in imminent danger and you are unable to get out of the way. Police are taught this in their academy. At least, police that are worth a damn. New Mexico has a bunch of morons running the state, county, and local police. Pretty much everyone in New Mexico knows the cops are a bad joke.

I hope your realize my comment was only to dispute that there is a round that will indeed penetrate auto glass as the angles of the vehicle.There are probably even more than one round that will do that also, not just corbon but I do know the Barnes all copper bullet is one awesome bullet I do know that when corbon introduced the dpx round they demonstrated it at one of the police adademies and I am hard pressed to tell you what caliber they demonstrated it with.

[Deputy]

I hope your realize my comment was only to dispute that there is a round that will indeed penetrate auto glass as the angles of the vehicle.There are probably even more than one round that will do that also, not just corbon but I do know the Barnes all copper bullet is one awesome bullet I do know that when corbon introduced the dpx round they demonstrated it at one of the police adademies and I am hard pressed to tell you what caliber they demonstrated it with.

It really doesn't matter. Why post glass penetration as some kind of advantage AT ALL? It's as meaningless as posting data about blowing holes in engine blocks. And it gives the uninformed the idea that shooting at glass is a good idea.

[jocko]

it might indeed mean something to law enforcement people. To me, it means nothing..

[Deputy]

it might indeed mean something to law enforcement people. To me, it means nothing..

Understood. :)

[MisterAnderson]

Because you should NOT be shooting at glass at all.

There are situations (car jacking for instance) where you may be forced to shoot through glass, from inside a vehicle, if you are unable to escape.

We can debate how likely it is, but the fact is that situations arise where shooting through glass may be necessary.

That said, I do not carry a round based on how well it penetrates through glass or various cover.

[Deputy]

There are situations (car jacking for instance) where you may be forced to shoot through glass, from inside a vehicle, if you are unable to escape.

We can debate how likely it is, but the fact is that situations arise where shooting through glass may be necessary.

That said, I do not carry a round based on how well it penetrates through glass or various cover.

First off lethal force for car jackings is only legal in SOME states. Secondly, if you are inside the car you are in control of a 2 ton weapon, why fart around with a little pellet? Run the SOB over, and if he's still alive, go back and run him over a few more times for good measure. But mainly, be aware of your surroundings and you won't have to worry about car jackings. BTW....have you ever discahrged a firearm while INSIDE a vehicle? A suggestion...don't. Unless you want to blow out both eardrums.

[adamsgeneral]

winchester ranger is a great round, if you can find it.replaced the talon series, i found a bunch of old black talon ammo, functions great.

[Deputy]

winchester ranger is a great round, if you can find it.replaced the talon series, i found a bunch of old black talon ammo, functions great.

Quite true, but you have to be careful about the Ranger ammo you buy. The stuff that's the same as Black Talon is called the "T-Series". It says it on the box (SXT). They aso make Ranger ammo that is just ordinary hollowpoint or FMJ ammo. Here is T-series Ranger ammo:

http://www.prestoimages.net/graphics03/13627_pd249885full.jpg

[tv_racin_fan]

FIRST the Winchester Ranger SXT are not the same as the Black Talon, they resemble them but are not the same.

SECOND I have fired a 357 magnum while inside an auto and neither me or my daughter who was present had our eardrums blown out or ruptured. The ringing was horrid and I never ever want to do that again. HOWEVER I have every confidence that my Federal HST rounds would be just fine in that situation should I be forced to fire from inside an auto. I will however avoid that as much as is humanely possible.

[500KV]

I've had these original Black Talons for over 10 years.
Chronographed some a while back at 1262 fps out of a G19.
Winchester voluntarily discontinued sales of Black Talon SXT to the general public in late 1993/early 1994 due to intense negative media and political pressure.

Ranger 9mm HP ammo.

RA9SXT 147 Ranger SXT (discontinued in 1999)
RA9SXTP 127+p+ Ranger SXT (discontinued in 1999)
RA9115HP 115HP
RA9115HP+ 115+P+
RA91P 124 Partition Gold (discontinued in 2005)
RA9T 147 T-Series
RA9TA 127+P+ T-Series
RA9B 147 Bonded hp
RA9BA 124+P Bonded hp

http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab225/500KV_album/IMG_0152.jpg

[PaiN]

I had a chance to get large amount of the Winchester +P+ SXT ammo, but I oped out, they seemed like over kill for my needs.
Generally my carry ammo is plain old Winchester 115g Silvertip HP. They've run reliably in every 9mm I've run them through and are always accurate(although I could never really tell from my Keltec PF9....:rolleyes:)
I do want to try some of the Speer 9mm 124g "short barrel" rounds through the P9 if I can find some.

[yamabushi]

It looks sexy in their ads, but it's junk. Whatever primer they use it doesn't like to go bang in most guns. I've had problems shooting it in Kahrs and Sigs. Don't trust your life to it. Buffalo Bore (500 ft/lbs)!

Jim

[wyntrout]

PaiN, I wanted some of that +P GD, too, but Cabela's was out of THAT one, so I went with the CorBon 125gr +P. That was my 4th use of the $20 off $100 or more purchases, completed about 15 minutes before that deal ended. I got some really good deals on ammo with that coupon use, AND a couple of those UpLula magazine loaders -- fantastic finger savers!
I got a bunch of Buffalo Bore for my P380-to-be, too. My first .380 ACP acquisition was Critical Defense 90gr. at Sportsmans Guide. I had wanted Fed HS, but none available. I chose ammo based on the magazine reviews for accuracy and reliability. I'll have to wait and see what works for me. At least I have a PM9 now, so I'm not quite as anxious about the P380. I have a holster and extra mags for the P380 already, but I need to get everything for the PM9. I understand that +P ammo can help make up for velocity loss with a short-barreled gun like the PM9, hence the +P CorBon.
Wynn:D

[Gottabkiddin]

I used to carry the 124gr +p GD, now I use the 147gr Remington Golden Saber for better penetration.

[wyntrout]

I tried to do some research online when looking for ammo choices, though it's often a case of what I can get and what I'm willing to pay for it.
Stopping Power (http://www.handloads.com/misc/stoppingpower.asp?Caliber=0)
and here's one that you may take issue with... the 9mm part, anyhow.
Ammunition For The Self-Defense Firearm (http://www.chuckhawks.com/ammo_by_anonymous.htm)
anatomical considerations here: Best Choices for Self Defense Ammo (http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm) .
For your consideration. :D
Wynn

[Wasabi]

Federal HST 147g +P is what I carry in my PM9.

[wyntrout]

This is an excerpt from my earlier post here. Check the whole article, but here is the 9mm portion. When he lists pistols and classes there are no Kahrs and this was updated in 2006, I believe. For your consideration:
The link (good .380 ACP info, too) Ammunition For The Self-Defense Firearm (http://www.chuckhawks.com/ammo_by_anonymous.htm)

9mm Parabellum (9mm Luger,9x19mm, 9mm NATO, or simply "9mm")

This is unquestionably the world's most popular pistol round. For this reason it has been the subject of a lot of experimentation, because 9mm ball - used by every army in the Western world - is a mediocre manstopper. Jacketed hollowpoints are a must if one wishes to rely on the 9mm as a defense round. Use ball ammo for practice only.

9mm ammunition is available in two pressure levels: standard and "+P." The latter should only be used in newer guns (made since 1985 or so), and is best used sparingly. I will deal here with only commercially available ammunition: there are specialized loads available only to law enforcement personnel. Civilians should not worry, as there are commercial loads as good or better than anything restricted to law enforcement usage.

I will now tell you the best 9mm Luger load for self-defense: it is the Cor-Bon 9mm 115 grain +P Jacketed Hollowpoint. This is the most powerful and street-proven manstopper available in this caliber. It is a high velocity (1340 fps) and high pressure round, and more effective than any load restricted to law enforcement use (such as the Federal 9BPLE).

Unfortunately, it is also likely to jam many older guns. For this reason I add a table at the end of the 9mm section discussing round suitability for different guns. Modern hollowpoints may either (a) jam, or (b) be too powerful for some older guns. This load is suitable only for First Class pistols (see table).

The best standard pressure 9mm load is the Federal 115 grain JHP (9BP). Its effectiveness and accuracy make it the world standard. Buy several boxes. Other excellent standard pressure 9mm loads are the Winchester Silvertip 115 grain (X9MMSHP), and Federal 124 grain Hydra-shok (P9HS1).

For guns that may jam with the Cor-Bon or Federal 115 grain hollow-points, the Remington 115 grain +P JHP is a good choice (R9MM6). For older guns I would use the Remington standard pressure 115 gr. JHP (R9MM1).

Now it is time to impart some crucial information: NEVER use 147 grain ammo in a 9mm pistol! There was a stupid fad for 147 grain hollowpoints a few years ago, and many were suckered into buying these weak, worthless and malfunction-prone rounds. I don't care what you've heard: never use any 9mm hollowpoint heavier than 125 grains. 147 grain hollowpoints often jam in many popular 9mm guns like the Browning Hi-Power, SIG, Beretta 92, S&W and Glock. Ignore the gun magazine hype and stick to what works. If you want to gamble, go to Reno. Don't gamble with your life. 147 grain ammo sucks.

Bad 9mm Loads to avoid (and certainly NEVER carry). Numbers given:

Federal Gold Medal 9mm 147 grain JHP (9MS)
Federal Hydra-Shok 9mm 147 grain JHP (P9HS2)
Winchester 147 grain 9mm Silvertip Subsonic JHP (X9MMST147)
Winchester 147 grain 9mm Super-X Subsonic (XSUB9MM)
Remington 147 grain 9mm JHP (R9MM8)
Remington 147 grain 9mm Golden Saber JHP (GS9MMC)
Remington 140 grain 9mm JHP (R9MM7)
Remington 88 grain 9mm JHP (R9MM5) This bullet is far too light.
CCI Lawman 147 grain 9mm PHP "Plated Hollow Point" (3619)

This isn't my opinion. I am shooting up my Fed 135 gr HS and getting CorBon 125 gr +P for CCW. I practice with 124gr Truncated FMJ and 124gr FMJ. Check the article for credentials and "reasoning". And, hey! Don't shoot the messenger! :eek::86:
Wynn :D

[wyntrout]

Here's the .380 ACP info from the same article:

.380 ACP (9mm Short, 9x17mm, 9mm Kurz)

Now we're getting into some decent stopping power. The three or four best .380 JHP rounds have better stopping power than ANY bullet fired out of 2" barrel .38 Special snub-nose. All of the Big Five make good hollowpoints for this caliber. The Remington 88 grain JHP is the most reliably-feeding hollowpoint but slightly less effective than the Hydra-shok or Cor-Bon. Reliability is crucial, and thus you must test the rounds before carrying.

I recommend the following two cartridges above all others:

-Federal 90 gr. Hydra-shok (P380HS1 H) - the best standard-pressure .380 JHP load, period.
-Cor-Bon 90 gr. JHP - the most powerful .380 hollowpoint, bar none.

These are the two best .380 loads, and I recommend them for these guns:
SIG/Sauer P230, Beretta 84/85, Browning BDA, CZ-83, H&K P7K3, Walther PPK and PPK/s. The Russian, East German, Chinese and Bulgarian Makarov pistols are apparently perfectly reliable with the hot Cor-Bon, and the strong all-steel construction of these guns should stand up to an infinite amount of these potent rounds. I have heard that the Colt does also well with the hot Cor-Bon JHP, which you should definitely look into if you own a Colt .380. You have better stopping power than any .38 snub-nose revolver (the long-time favorite concealment sidearm) when you load your .380 with these two rounds.

Other good .380 ACP jacketed hollowpoints:

- Remington 102 gr. Golden Saber BJHP (GS380M) - Another excellent .380 load (the BJHP stands for "Brass Jacketed Hollow Point"), the heaviest one available. I prefer the Cor-Bon and Hydra-shok, but many (including Sanow) like this new Remington round for its deeper penetration. I'll stick with the Cor-Bon and Hydra-shok, but the choice is yours.
- CCI-Speer 90 gr. Gold Dot JHP A good all-around hollowpoint.
- Remington 88 gr. JHP (R380AI): A good high-velocity hollowpoint that feeds well in: Colt Government Model .380, H&K HK4, Taurus PT-58, older PP and PPK, Bersa .380, Beretta 70s, Makarov and Hungarian FEG. These are all good guns that might choke on other hollowpoints but they will probably feed the Remington fine. This hollowpoint was redesigned in 1993 and gives excellent performance while retaining its rounded shape for positive feeding. If your .380 chokes on other JHP loads, try fifty rounds of the Remington 88 gr. through your gun and see if it improves.

.380 ACP hollowpoints to avoid:

-Winchester 85 gr Silvertip (X380ASHP) I really cannot recommend this weak and jam-prone round. It works reliably in a few modern European guns (e.g. SIG 230, Beretta 84F), but every load named above offers better performance. The Silvertip will likely jam in any American-made .380 automatic. Russian .380 Makarovs and PPK series guns may jam with the Silvertip, as well. The .380 Silvertip was once state-of-the-art, but has since been superceded by superior designs. It is also quite expensive. Look elsewhere.
- PMC-Eldorado Starfire 95 gr. JHP This round is similarly weak and jam-prone.
- Federal 90 gr. JHP (380BP) (see below)
- Hornady 90 gr. XTP-HP (9010) Both the Federal 380BP and the Hornady XTP-HP never expand and may jam many guns due to their truncated-cone bullet nose profiles. Pass by these two.

95 gr ball:

Davis P-380, Accu-Tek, EAA .380, Tanarmi, AMT/OMC/TDE "Back-Up," Heritage, FIE, Jennings, Bryco, Lorcin, Llama, or "other." Hollowpoints should never be used in these low-priced guns.

[swampman]

thanks wyntrout.:D

[wyntrout]

Hey, you're welcome. I like to pass stuff along -- the good and the bad. I just posted a notice about the upcoming "Baby" UpLula -- maglula Ltd. - The world's #1 magazine loaders and unloaders ! (http://maglula.tripod.com/BabyUpLULA.htm) -- .22 through .380. Coming in March! This should take the pain out of loading .22 ammo like my TPH magazines.
Wynn:D

PS: This article was updated in 2006 and there was no mention of Kahrs???

[Kevin in Texas]

I carry Federal HST's 124g +P in my CW9. Have fed reliably in it for the 2 years I've carried them.

[jeep45238]

Pistol Cartridges (9x19mm Luger) (http://frag.110mb.com/)

http://frag.110mb.com/images/All.Samples/Samples.S_UpRight.jpg


Pistol rounds poke holes in things, rifle rounds tear s&%# up.

If the ammo isn't reliable in your gun, it's worthless.

If you can't place a shot taking out the central nervous system or vital plumbing, it's worthless.



So many ammo makers these days are so close to each other it's not even funny. I'll stick to whatever's available on my local gun shop's shelves, where I can verify what I'm getting and check for damage and irregularities. You're kinda stuck with the ammo if it's mail order.

[tv_racin_fan]

I'll stick to my 147grain HSTs thank you sir. Plenty of expansion and pentration to spare.