Newbie question about ammo

C

cbuchanan87

New member
Hi all,

I'm looking at posts about what people shootam and I have started noticing the designations of +p+ and p+. what do these mean?

Thanks
 
This is a pretty good answer From Wikipedia


Overpressure ammunition, commonly designated as +P or +P+, is small arms ammunition that has been loaded to a higher internal pressure than is standard for ammunition of its caliber (see internal ballistics), but less than the pressures generated by a proof round. This is done typically to produce rounds with a higher muzzle velocity and stopping power, such as ammunition used for defensive purposes. Because of this, +P ammunition is typically found in handgun calibers which might be used for defensive purposes.
 
+1 to that answer. Be aware though, not all firearms are rated for +p and/or +p+. It can damage the firearm, and injure you in extreme cases if it is not recommended for your gun. Most manfacturers should tell you in the owners manual, or on their website.
 
You don't mention the caliber, but I'll throw in an important safety note.

.38 Special +P+ is considered safe ONLY in revolvers chambered in .357 Magnum.* Do NOT use this ammo in a revolver chambered in .38 Special or .38 Special +P.

Regarding .38 Special +P, as golfnutrlv says, RTFM. ;)

{EDIT} *There are a couple of exceptions for a handful of extremely overbuilt .38 Special revolver models, but it's not safe for the vast majority of .38Spl guns.
 
There are oficial specifications for +P ammo in 9mm. I carry it in my High Power and it is probably OK in good modern firearms. Ruger has a reputation for making rugged pistols so I would think it is OK but best to check the manufacturer's web-site and/or owners manual. As for +P+, I would recommend you stay away form this. There is no officail specification for +P+ and it can be anything the producer wants it to be. I would never trust any of my guns to something like that. It's a crap shoot that could ruin your gun and injure yourself or someone near-by.
Remember that +P loads, because of their higher pressure, will also increase the speed of the slide which will increase wear and tear on the gun parts. Use it sparingly. Also, if you must use +P, get a heavier recoil spring to absorb the increased slide force. I changed my Hi-Power form a 17# to a 18.5#. What works in the Ruger will need to be determined by experiment. Use the heaviest spring that will reliably function.
 
Sacramento P.D for years issued Federal 110gr +P+ ammo for their issued Model 15 38spl's with no problems.

Sacramento Sheriff same with winchester 9mm127gr +P+ in their Sigs but not Smith & wesson 9mm's as one had a catostrophic failure They still issue it for Sigs.
 
Sacramento P.D for years issued Federal 110gr +P+ ammo for their issued Model 15 38spl's with no problems.
Click to expand...
FWIW when the topic of .38Spl+P+ comes up, someone often surfaces with a story such as this.

My opinion? The S&W factory says it isn't safe, and I've heard stories of people blowing up .38Spl S&W K frame revolvers (such as the Model 15) with hot handloads that exceed +P pressure levels. :eek:

OK, such-and-such police department used it and never had a gun blow up. That doesn't mean my gun won't blow up! :rolleyes: Many old-time police departments used wadcutters for practice anyway, and I don't have to worry about a city council or attorney prohibiting me from using "evil overpowered man-killing Magnum" ammo to avoid lawsuits. If I want .357Mag performance, I will buy (and have bought) a gun chambered in .357Mag. Better safe than sorry! :)
 
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