Self Defense Ammo Recommendation

Type of Ammo

Whatever you choose, be sure it works in your gun.

For me, the first two cartridges out of the magazine are Hornady CD, and the rest are FMJ.
 
"My preferences in 9mm SD ammo are Winchester Ranger T-Series 127gr +P+ or Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P."

What he said! Two great and proven loads.
 
I don't have one particular favorite 9mm load, because in some cases the gun dictates the load.

For instance, my MKII BHP is limited to standard pressure. It does well with bullets in weights from 124-147, but given the +P exclusion, I like Hornady TAP 147gr in it. I would also consider standard pressure 124gr Gold Dot. However, I virtually never carry the BHP, as it's on the heavy side, and I like the point and shoot of a DA or DAO gun better for carry.

My carry autos these days are either M&P .45s, or Beretta PX4 9mm's.

In the 9mm's:

My Beretta PX4 SubCompact shoots closest to POA with heavier ammo, and is dead on with Hornady TAP or Winchester Ranger SXT 147. I've been told the SubCompacts tend to shoot low, in general, so it makes sense they'd prefer heavier ammo.

My PX4 Compact, on the other hand, does best with 115-124gr ammo. I load it with Cor-Bon DPX 115gr. It's on the light end, but that's because it's an all-copper bullet. However, despite the light weight, the bullet has tested well (both by Cor-Bon and by independent testers) for light barrier and denim penetration, and does really well in ballistic gelatin. The DPX is pricey, but who cares when it comes to an SD load?
 
blincoln, on ocassion, I do carry a 92FS as well. 5' 10" 188lbs and quite concealed IWB at 4. NO issue. I rather like the Critical Defense myself and I do use it in ALL my carry guns.
 
Winchester PDX1 124gr +P is a great round and available at my local Walmart, so it gets a lot of duty in my Hi Power.

The Federal HST 124gr and Gold Dot 124gr +P are my other two favorites, but must be purchased on line. My Bug/summer carry gun runs on 115gr Gold dots or the aforementioned HSTs (both standard pressure).


Any bullet that penetrates 12"+ and expands to .61" is about as good as you can get with 9mm.


As far as carrying the 92, get a solid Hybrid holster (KHolster or Crossbreed) and a very stiff gun belt. Of course, OWB will be a bit more comfy.
 
A few recommendations:
  • Ask your local PD what they carry. If you get into a shooting you have to defend in court, you can neuter the "oh my god he went out and bought evil hollowpoints" argument with "I use what the police use". Minor point perhaps, but something to consider.
  • Test several rounds, including the load the police use; the best terminal performance means nothing if stuck in your gun from a FTF. Cheapshooter's comment is dead on.
I tend to carry Remington Golden Saber 147 grain. It feeds through all my 9mm carry guns, is pretty accurate through all of them, and I can buy them in boxes of 50 for the same price most vendors charge for boxes of 20 to 25.
 
Winchester PDX

I use Winchester PDX 124gr +p in my Hi-Powers. Actually my Hi-Powers digest pretty much anything I have run through them. Why do I use them? Just going through a phase. Use any good quality ammunition that runs good through your weapon. The Berretta is a large weapon and I am going to give you credit for carrying it. As for those others that complain about not using the "Search", give me a break. Maybe you may want some updated or more recent information about something. And forums are like TV shows, if I don't like it, i'll change the station and watch something else. Good luck in your decision.:p
 
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The 124 gr self defense ammo has gained a recommendation for home defense (the 147s for LEO use).

Not definitive, advocates on eihter side. I am not going to be shooting through barriers or into cars so the 147s are not my choice.

Mostly I would go with whatever seems to be most reliable (if it doesn't feed the rest is worthless). If that's not an issue I think any of them are fine.

I like Golden Sabre as it has proven to be reliable and has a reputation for feeding well in all guns. I can't get the Golden saber 1267 bullets so my reloads will be Hornady.

I run factory except when I am target shooting. More confidence in that as in 9mm it uses the front of the case to head space.
 
When it comes right down to personal self defence....I personaly will use only a .40S&W JHP caliber round....In my Glock 23

I have seen it, and heard about too many bad guys hit multiple times with smaller/less calibers and still keep on comeing and fighting back.
Especialy if they are hyped-up on drugs.

A .40 caliber is a one shot knock down power mamma jamma.....And I like that.
 
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