SD Ammo question for my CM9/CW9

[Cornhusker]

I have a box of Speer Gold Dot LE 124g +P I haven't used. Just wondering if I should use these rounds in my Short Barrel Kahr Pistols? They are LE rounds and not short barrel.

Thanks,
Keith

[Bill K]

Sure. Very popular and highly rated, perhaps even the most popular 9mm SD round - short long and in between barrel lengths.

I've heard but have not vetted that the LEs only differ in that they come in a 50 count as opposed to the "civilian" 20 count box.

[hotpig]

They will be fine, I chose the Ranger T 147gr for my CW9.

[Cornhusker]

Thanks Bill. Appreciate the info. Having read a few :rolleyes: of Jocko's posts, I figured they might be good to go. They are in 50 count boxes that look like they've been around for a while.

[gundawg]

Bill k is spot on, LE from what i have gathered is it being a 50 count box vs. 20. When you get into Gold Dot in .357 sig, then there are some differences in the box codes, and different velocities.

I carry Gold Dot 124 +p in my MP9c, and plan to try them out first in my new CM9. I am also a big fan of Hornady Critical Defense except that it only comes in 115 grain, but out of my MP right now the Hornady it’s very soft shooting, and very accurate. Ranger T, and HST also some great choices.

[Rubb]

Same thing I use in my PM9.

[BEARDOG]

Absolutely...That's my carry load for my CM9, good load, nice little kick!

I run Ranger T 147gr in my CW9.

And Ranger T 127+p+ in the G26

I only buy self defense ammo in 50 pack LE boxes. Same stuff as in the civilian 20 packs. Just cheaper.

[sierrajb]

Okay, guys...another "newbie" question regarding SD ammo for my PM9 and Ruger SP101 38 special. There are so many to choose from, how can I 'test' the results of each brand for each gun to determine the best outcome? Should I search for a ballistic study of SD rounds, or should I follow the advice of reputable others like you?

My selection of shooting places are limited to in-town shooting galleries, so I don't have the liberty to set up targets that could gauge the impact of various rounds. Any ideas or insight? Thanks!

[yqtszhj]

Use what feeds good in your gun and Speer Gold Dot has been a good one for me.

[sierrajb]

I've only tried a couple, and it all seems to "feed good" in my gun. My question concerns the business end of the bullet. Which brings about the most memorable results?

[wm36]

I don't read much on this forum about Federal HST. Anyone use these in their CM9? It's the SD round I've settled on for my Beretta.

[Dietrich]

I've only tried a couple, and it all seems to "feed good" in my gun. My question concerns the business end of the bullet. Which brings about the most memorable results?
Some of the better performers are the Gold Dot,Ranger T Series,Golden Saber,Critical Defense and the list goes on.As a general rule,just about any brand name SD bullet will perform well nowadays.With the advances made in self defense ammunition over the past few years,you have a lot of great choices.Find the ones that work flawlessly in your firearm,are easy to find in your area and put your mind at ease about it.I once got caught up in the great "What is the best SD ammo" debate and read thread after thread and post after post until my head started to hurt.Stick with the top brands and you`ll be fine.No worries.

[stumprat]

I have shot quite a few different hollow points through my CM9. Although they all cycled flawlessly. 124 grain Hornady Tap FPD was by far the most accurate through my pistol.

[Popeye]

I have the Federal HST 124 gr.+p JHP rounds in every 9mm pistol I've owned as a SD round. They seem to feed well which is the most important thing, and I'm sure are right up there with most of the other brands as far as effectiveness. IMO it's a good round that will perform well in many different types of pistols that have different barrel lengths. I'm sure they're are others that work just as well.

[Rubb]

http://www.youtube.com/user/tnoutdoors9#g/c/727CAFF8A6C0D3BF

[gundawg]

I don't read much on this forum about Federal HST. Anyone use these in their CM9? It's the SD round I've settled on for my Beretta.


The HST is a heck of a round, and if you ever run a test, and pick one out of wet paper filled jugs, or ballistic gelatin, watch out for the petals, they can and do cut.

For me the perfect round would be a federal 124 HST+p, with a few of the improvements Hornady made with their Critical Defense line, such as the polymer tip, and the fact that Hornady CD line the bullets are cannelured and crimped to avoid bullet setback.

Seems the HST has a small advantage in bullet expansion over Gold Dot, but that could be the fact that all Gold Dot’s are bonded, both will do the job and do it well. When Hornady finally listens to me ( I write them about once a month asking) and comes out with a 124 +P in the CD line, that will be the one I carry full time. I think the 115 grain they have now would excel in some of the pocket 9’s, and for those who may be a little recoil sensitive.

In the end it’s what you shoot best, and feel confident in as well as shot placement.