What 9mm Ammo - 115g or 125g? PMP?

D

DougB

New member
I'm looking to buy some 9mm ammo, primarily for a new SW99. I've always used 115g ammo in my other 9mm (S&W M59), but I've heard that 125g may be a better bullet weight. Also, a friend's P99 shoots more accurately with 125g. But there seem to be much better deals on 115g ammo. I'm leaning toward buying a case of South African PMP for about $110.

Would point of impact typically change much if I use 115g for practice and 125g for self defense? Is 125g significantly more effective? (Maybe I should just stick with 115g for everything) Finally, any opinions on how the PMP compares with Sellier & Bellot and other low-cost practic ammo? Does anyone sell low-cost 125 grain ammo? Thanks.

Doug
 
Doug, what's the barrel length on that SW99? IMO, if you have a 4"+ barrel you would develope sufficient velocity in the barrel with the 125 for it to be considered "optimum".

Remember the tradeoff, more weight, less velocity and vice-versa. If you have a shorter barrel, in a "compact" type pistol for example, I would stay with the 115 as you would develope better velocity with the lighter bullet.

I have shot thousands of rounds of both the S&B but have yet to try the PMP. I not heard a bad word about the PMP.

Good shooting.

CMOS

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GOA, TSRA, LEAA, NRA, SAF and I vote!
 
What fortuitous timing.

I just got back from the range doing a little 9mm ammo comparison. FYI, I shot everything in my H&K USP Compact (4" barrel).

The three types of ammo fired were:
1) 115gr Cor-Bon +P
2) 124gr Carroll Ammunition reloads
3) Sellier & Beliot 115gr

The Cor-Bons have the biggest kick by far, but they were unbelievably consistent. My first round was WAY off target, but subsequent shots were within 1" of the bulls eye.

The difference between #2 and #3 was minor. In fact, I can't say for certain which one generated more recoil. I changed my mind three times, and shot well with both.

Bottom line, firing the Cor-Bons is different, but I didn't have to change my point of aim or anything else. Also, if you're trying to decide between 124 and 115 for practice... go with the 115. It's usually cheaper.

YMMV
 
The PMP ammo is good stuff!! :)
Your SW99 should like it.
My P99 does!!!
S&B is also good practice ammo.

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BOYCOTT SMITH AND WESSON!!!
Defend the Constitution from the foreign threat!!!!
 
The normal rule of thumb is, the heavier the bullet, the higher the shot.

On the other hand, using a .45 ACP comparision, compact guns generally shoot better with 185 gr JHP than the popular 230 gr Hydro-Shok.

When you decide to go small for weight, concealability, you have to pay a price.

Your SW 99 will enjoy the 125 gr. Well, atleast mine did before I traded it towards a 1911.

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ArmySon
1911 Addiction
"Rangers Lead the Way!"
 
Follow CMOS (Complimtary Metal Oxide Semiconductor???? Please answer as I helped develop them when I was with Intel)advice. A heavier slug is prferable due to lowered velocity in case of a missed shot. This will keep the neighbors kids safe as an HV miss can go a LONG distance prior to stopping...
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Siggy:
A heavier slug is prferable due to lowered velocity in case of a missed shot. This will keep the neighbors kids safe as an HV miss can go a LONG distance prior to stopping...[/quote]

I think you have this backwards - its my understanding that the heavier, slower bullets tend to penetrate more while the lighter, faster bullets expand more and penetrate less. This, of course, assumes they hit SOMETHING (a wall, for example). Either will carry for a VERY long ways if they don't hit anything. I believe the .223 is considered "safer" for police use than a 9mm submachine gun because its very light, very high velocity bullet doesn't penetrate as well through walls.

Doug
 
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