Self Defense Ammo Recommendation
- Thread starter blincoln
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Archer 9505
New member
PDX
My choice; Winchester 147 grain PDX. Just My opinion.
My choice; Winchester 147 grain PDX. Just My opinion.
I don't mind the fact that you didn't do a search on this topic to turn up the already existing information, concepts, issues and opinion, because I like writing on the Firing Line forum, even about stuff that we've gone over a million times.
On the other hand I'm too tired right now to explain my reasoning, so I'll just say:
Winchester "T" Series-146gr RA9T
Oh and jeez - good luck carrying a 92FS concealed. What is the definition of "concealed" - that the weapon has cloth covering it?
People will see you coming and say "Is that a Berreta 92FS in your pants or are you just happy to see me?"
On the other hand I'm too tired right now to explain my reasoning, so I'll just say:
Winchester "T" Series-146gr RA9T
Oh and jeez - good luck carrying a 92FS concealed. What is the definition of "concealed" - that the weapon has cloth covering it?
People will see you coming and say "Is that a Berreta 92FS in your pants or are you just happy to see me?"
Wow C0untZer0... Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed...
Obviously you do mind about me not searching... As I am too tired to explain why, just know that I didnt and decided that posting suited me better?
And as for me effectively carrying, you don't know who I am or how I plan to carry. I have obviously done my research on effective carry methods for a full size, and this combined with my size makes it a non-issue... How do you think people carried 10-12 years ago before the advent of the sub-compact?
Up until now I have had 100% positive experiences with these forums... Thanks for representing the very sparce minority so effectively.
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt
Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt
Archer 9505
New member
Good Natured Sarcasim?
"I don't mind the fact that you didn't do a search on this topic to turn up the already existing information, concepts, issues and opinion, because I like writing on the Firing Line forum, even about stuff that we've gone over a million times." - Count Zero
Speaking for myself, I enjoy talking (Writing) about Guns, Bullets, Hunting and Shooting. I don't mind repeating myself on occasion or revisiting an old topic.
Another thought; there is no mandatory requirement to reply to a thread. If you see a dead horse being beating and it bothers you, why jump in and join in the beating.
"I don't mind the fact that you didn't do a search on this topic to turn up the already existing information, concepts, issues and opinion, because I like writing on the Firing Line forum, even about stuff that we've gone over a million times." - Count Zero
Speaking for myself, I enjoy talking (Writing) about Guns, Bullets, Hunting and Shooting. I don't mind repeating myself on occasion or revisiting an old topic.
Another thought; there is no mandatory requirement to reply to a thread. If you see a dead horse being beating and it bothers you, why jump in and join in the beating.
You are not entirely alone in carrying a full-sized gun concealed. I don't, but there are several on TFL that are comfortable with it, in spite of the remarks you got earlier.
As for ammo, I am another who carries Gold Dots 124 grain. Widely used and well respected, as are two or three others that have been mentioned. There seems to be little practical difference between the top brands. The GDs are the easiest to find around here, so availability played a role in my choice.
As for ammo, I am another who carries Gold Dots 124 grain. Widely used and well respected, as are two or three others that have been mentioned. There seems to be little practical difference between the top brands. The GDs are the easiest to find around here, so availability played a role in my choice.
Tactical Jackalope
New member
I carry all full sized. As you can see from my signature. I only have one sub-compact. Carrying full sized is what suits me most at 4:00 when its concealed carry. My favorite type of handgun. No one can see it. Trust me....I don't know about you. That's just me 
As for ammo. In my 9mm's either +p Speer Gold Dots or +p Golden Sabers.
Better show us a pic of that gun!
As for ammo,
SA 1911 - XD45 - G21sf - G22 - G27 - Hk USP 40 - SIG P226 E2 - Browning High-Power - S&W M19-3 - CZ-82 - Remington 870
As for ammo. In my 9mm's either +p Speer Gold Dots or +p Golden Sabers.
Better show us a pic of that gun!
As for ammo,
SA 1911 - XD45 - G21sf - G22 - G27 - Hk USP 40 - SIG P226 E2 - Browning High-Power - S&W M19-3 - CZ-82 - Remington 870
1911Jeeper
New member
Gun Magazines routinely have articles on SD ammunition, you can go by what they write or not. Buy and use whatever commonly available commercially produced ammunition that: meets your specific needs, feeds and functions 100% in your firearm, makes acceptable groupings on target, and that you can shoot accurately.
There are no magic bullets.
There are no magic bullets.
Federal's 147 Hydra Shoks seem to penetrate slightly less and expand slightly less than the Winchester Ranger T series 147gr, but it's not a huge difference, I still think the 147gr Hydra Shoks are probably pretty good rounds.
The 147gr Golden Sabres seem to penetrate slightly more than the Winchester Ts, but expans slightly less - like they penetrate to around 14.5 and expand to .61 -.62"
I like the symetrical arrangement of the pointy little tridents on the Ranger "T".
The 147gr Golden Sabres seem to penetrate slightly more than the Winchester Ts, but expans slightly less - like they penetrate to around 14.5 and expand to .61 -.62"
I like the symetrical arrangement of the pointy little tridents on the Ranger "T".
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MikeNice81
New member
Federal 147gr Hydra Shok is good if you buy the LEO version. 147gr Federal HST and 124gr+P Federal HST is also very good. It is becoming the new "wonder bullet" in some circles. Combined with the LEO designation it can be hard to find locally. Ammo To Go or SG Ammo should have HST or LEO Hydro Shok available.
Winchester Ranger T is the updated version of the Black Talon and SXT rounds. It has a long and successful heritage. The 124gr+P actually out performs the 127gr +P+ in penetration. The 147gr is also a good choice. It offers slightly less expansion but more penetration.
Winchester Ranger Bonded is newer but has a good reputation. You give up some expansion for penetration and barrier performance. The 147gr actually penetrates less than the 124gr+P. The 147 also expands more. It is pretty much the inverse of what we expect.
Speer Gold Dot is in use by a vast number of police agencies. I heard one sales rep say that Gold Dot had 70% of the non federal government LEO market. I don't know if that is true. I do know that you can buy the Gold Dot in 20 round boxs if the 50 round LEO versions are unavailable.
I try to avoid Hornady XTP and Federal's Hydro Shok "For Personal Defense." Both have been repeatedly reported to clog when going through fabric. I don't want to pay for a "premium" hp that is known to act as a FMJ.
Golden Saber's have been bashed for core jacket seperation. I have even done it myself. However, I am changing my mind on the Golden Saber. I give them a maybe. In many of the tests that show seperation the distance between the bullet and jacket is one or two inches. Not exactly something that signals catastrophic failure. The other scenario usually comes when shooting through barriers like windshields. In other words in low probability situations. I am thinking of picking up a box of 147gr to test out.
Winchester PDX is often cited because it is used by the FBI. It is a good round, but any of the recomended rounds above will work just as well in the majority of scenarios for less per round. The PDX1 is a bonded bullet and will perform well throuh moderately hard barriers. The main advantage I have seen in PDX1 is that they have above average expansion for a bonded bullet.
You can find any of the above mentioned rounds at Ammo To Go or SG Ammo. Those two usually have the best price and widest variety when it comes to LEO ammo. Golden Sabers and Gold Dots and PDX can be picked up in "civilian" boxes at most local gun stores. You will pay more per round, but you will get instant gratification. PDX is also available at Wal Mart.
So it comes down to trying a couple. Which ones will probably depend on your desire to order or visit the LGS. Then pick the one your gun likes and you shoot well.
Others are going to tell you Cor Bon DPX is the way to go. It is a great round, but it is expensive. Others are going to tell you about their marvelous over powered Buffalo Bore or Double Tap ammo. Again I find them to be more expensive than they are worth. The increase in ballistic performance is out weighed by the increase in price in my opinion.
I also suggest staying away from Hornady Critical Defense. They have hit or miss quality control in my experience. Not something I would bet my life on.
Winchester Ranger T is the updated version of the Black Talon and SXT rounds. It has a long and successful heritage. The 124gr+P actually out performs the 127gr +P+ in penetration. The 147gr is also a good choice. It offers slightly less expansion but more penetration.
Winchester Ranger Bonded is newer but has a good reputation. You give up some expansion for penetration and barrier performance. The 147gr actually penetrates less than the 124gr+P. The 147 also expands more. It is pretty much the inverse of what we expect.
Speer Gold Dot is in use by a vast number of police agencies. I heard one sales rep say that Gold Dot had 70% of the non federal government LEO market. I don't know if that is true. I do know that you can buy the Gold Dot in 20 round boxs if the 50 round LEO versions are unavailable.
I try to avoid Hornady XTP and Federal's Hydro Shok "For Personal Defense." Both have been repeatedly reported to clog when going through fabric. I don't want to pay for a "premium" hp that is known to act as a FMJ.
Golden Saber's have been bashed for core jacket seperation. I have even done it myself. However, I am changing my mind on the Golden Saber. I give them a maybe. In many of the tests that show seperation the distance between the bullet and jacket is one or two inches. Not exactly something that signals catastrophic failure. The other scenario usually comes when shooting through barriers like windshields. In other words in low probability situations. I am thinking of picking up a box of 147gr to test out.
Winchester PDX is often cited because it is used by the FBI. It is a good round, but any of the recomended rounds above will work just as well in the majority of scenarios for less per round. The PDX1 is a bonded bullet and will perform well throuh moderately hard barriers. The main advantage I have seen in PDX1 is that they have above average expansion for a bonded bullet.
You can find any of the above mentioned rounds at Ammo To Go or SG Ammo. Those two usually have the best price and widest variety when it comes to LEO ammo. Golden Sabers and Gold Dots and PDX can be picked up in "civilian" boxes at most local gun stores. You will pay more per round, but you will get instant gratification. PDX is also available at Wal Mart.
So it comes down to trying a couple. Which ones will probably depend on your desire to order or visit the LGS. Then pick the one your gun likes and you shoot well.
Others are going to tell you Cor Bon DPX is the way to go. It is a great round, but it is expensive. Others are going to tell you about their marvelous over powered Buffalo Bore or Double Tap ammo. Again I find them to be more expensive than they are worth. The increase in ballistic performance is out weighed by the increase in price in my opinion.
I also suggest staying away from Hornady Critical Defense. They have hit or miss quality control in my experience. Not something I would bet my life on.
MikeNice81
New member
I don't carry a "full-sized" gun and I get the same remarks. My carry piece is 7.3"L x 5.1"H x 1.3"W. I get the same type of response from people. There seems to be this idea in the CC world that anything bigger than a sub compact is an unwieldy beast that will shine like a neon light.
Carry what makes you comfortable. If you can keep it coverred and run the machine well you are ahead of the game. In my opinion the mantra of "carry a lot practice a little" is overplayed.
TacticalDefense1911
New member
My favorite 9mm SD load is the Speer 124gr +P load for reasons of effectiveness, availability and price. Its an extremely consistent load that does well through all barriers. It also can be found in 50 round boxes for just a little more money then the standard 20-25 round boxes.
Other great 9mm loads are Corbon DPX, Corbon JHP, any of the Federal HST loads in any weight, Federal 9BPLE (115 +P+), and the Winchester 127gr +P+. You cannot go wrong with any of these loads
I also carry a full sized gun alot of the time - a 1911 Kimber Custom II. I can conceal it with nothing more than a t-shirt. Carrying a big gun is all about having a great holster and a great gun belt. While a full size gun is not always convenient or practical, it can be done.
Other great 9mm loads are Corbon DPX, Corbon JHP, any of the Federal HST loads in any weight, Federal 9BPLE (115 +P+), and the Winchester 127gr +P+. You cannot go wrong with any of these loads
I also carry a full sized gun alot of the time - a 1911 Kimber Custom II. I can conceal it with nothing more than a t-shirt. Carrying a big gun is all about having a great holster and a great gun belt. While a full size gun is not always convenient or practical, it can be done.
C0untZer0, I don't prefer the 92FS for CCW, but have been known to carry a commander length 1911; CZ75B; GP100; S&W 29-8; or full-size M&P45. If anybody has noticed, nobody has said a word.
I have a 3" K-frame on, at the moment. Smaller is easier, but bigger can be done. Good carry gear is a must, though. Big guns need stiff belts and good holsters.
I have a 3" K-frame on, at the moment. Smaller is easier, but bigger can be done. Good carry gear is a must, though. Big guns need stiff belts and good holsters.
armoredman
New member
Carry CZ SP-01 Phantom concealed, no problem. Good leather, good belt are key.
Ammo, I get grief on this sometimes, but according to Evan Marshall, the round is pretty good, and that's the generic Remington 115gr JHP. I am trying to change over all carry ammo to Speer Gold Dot +P 124, but the $ is a bit high.
Ammo, I get grief on this sometimes, but according to Evan Marshall, the round is pretty good, and that's the generic Remington 115gr JHP. I am trying to change over all carry ammo to Speer Gold Dot +P 124, but the $ is a bit high.
Cheapshooter
New member
Most all name brand SD ammo is excellent for the purpose. What is best for you is what you shoot best out of your gun. Spend a few bucks, try several brands, and see what works for you, and your gun.
I've done that with both my LCP, and S/A XD40 Subcompact. I ended up with Hornady CD 380 in Elsie, and Winchester Supreme Bonded PDX1 180gr. 40 S&W in the Springer.
I've done that with both my LCP, and S/A XD40 Subcompact. I ended up with Hornady CD 380 in Elsie, and Winchester Supreme Bonded PDX1 180gr. 40 S&W in the Springer.
From what I've read in the Gun rags the 124 to 127gr HP loaded to approxemently 1,250 FPS are performing very well.
Currently I'm using 124gr +P Rem Golden Sabers. My G26 has no issues with feeding them. But had heard that the Rem GS's aren't as hot has some of the other +P brands (Hornaday, Speer, Winchester) not sure if that is true or not?So I may be switching soon. That said, I'm not so concerned about this that I'm loosing sleep over it at night either.
Currently I'm using 124gr +P Rem Golden Sabers. My G26 has no issues with feeding them. But had heard that the Rem GS's aren't as hot has some of the other +P brands (Hornaday, Speer, Winchester) not sure if that is true or not?So I may be switching soon. That said, I'm not so concerned about this that I'm loosing sleep over it at night either.