9MM Defense load - The Firearms Forum

Airdale · 10-06-2011, 10:56 AM

I'm about to put in an order for bullets for a defensive 9mm round.

I'm down to two brands Sierra and Hornady XTP and two weights 124 or 147 grains. My question is this; Is there any reason the 147 grain wouldn't be superior for a self defense round? Maybe I'm asking a "no brainer" question but I thought I'd throw it out to guys that have more knowledge and experience than me.

I'll be using either Unique or Bullseye so if someone has a recipe it would be appreciated.

Before somebody warns about legal ramifications. I am buying these for a time that ammo may become unavailable (SHTF scenario).

Caneman · 10-06-2011, 11:36 AM

posted from an excellent article on self defense ammo:

http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_De..._FAQ/index.htm

**********************************************************

Please note that all of the recommended pistol loads listed below have been personally tested and vetted by Dr. Roberts. THEY ARE NOT IN ORDER OF PERFORMANCE, SO ANY BULLET ON THE LIST IS CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE.

9mm
• Barnes XPB 115gr HP (35515) loaded by Cor-Bon (DPX09115)
• Winchester Partition Gold 124gr JHP (RA91P)
• Winchester Ranger-T 124 gr +P JHP (RA9124TP)
• Winchester Ranger-T 127gr JHP +P+ (RA9TA)
• Winchester Ranger-T 147gr JHP (RA9T)
• Winchester Bonded 147gr JHP (RA9B/Q4364)
• Speer Gold Dot 124gr JHP +P (53617)
• Speer Gold Dot 147gr JHP (53619)
• Remington Golden Saber 147gr JHP (GS9MMC)
• Federal Tactical 124gr JHP (LE9T1)
• Federal Tactical 135gr JHP +P (LE9T5)
• Federal HST 147gr JHP (P9HST2)

You might notice that the list does NOT include any lightweight bullets with the exception of the Barnes 115gr version. The reason - especially if you've read the beginning of this article - should be clear already, but Doctor Roberts sums it up nicely as well: "With the exception of the Barnes 115 gr XPB all copper projectile, in general, most 9 mm 115 gr loads have demonstrated greater inconsistency, insufficient penetration, poor intermediate barrier capability, and failure to expand in denim testing than other 9mm bullets. For those individuals wanting to use lighter weight, supersonic 9 mm’s, I think a better alternative than the vast majority of 115 gr loads is to use the slightly heavier 124 to 127 gr bullets or the Barnes 115 gr all copper bullet"

gdmoody · 10-06-2011, 11:39 AM

I don't know about having more knowledge, but I like the Hornady XTP bullets. I normally use the 115 grain ones. I have used both Win 231 and AA #7 in them. You can get a little more velocity out of the lighter bullets with the about the same amount of powder.

I load my .380 with a 90 grain XTP bullets and Titegroup powder. (i know you didn't ask about .380

)

Country101 · 10-06-2011, 11:52 AM

I dont know about the technical aspects and dont know particularly about those rounds, but what I have noticed with .45 hydrashoks on pigs is that the 230gr outperform the 185+P. I dont have numbers and know that shot placement makes a huge differance, but I have shot many pigs and the 230 grain bullets stopped them quicker or with fewer rounds. That is by no means scientific, but that is what I have observed and I will always go with a heavier bullet, unless my gun doesnt shoot it well or other factors are involved.

The Duke · 10-06-2011, 01:30 PM

I like the 147g Hydrashocks or Gold Dots loaded to +P velocity.. Had a friend shoot a big sow in a trap recently with a +P Gold Dot...Very impressive amount of trauma...the hog was down an out with one shot to the head.

JLA · 10-06-2011, 01:58 PM

124 gr XTP
5.0 gr Unique
CZ75 9mm pistol
25 yds. (benched)

Bullet velocity is 1125 fps avg over a full mag (16 rds).

JLA · 10-06-2011, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdmoody

I don't know about having more knowledge, but I like the Hornady XTP bullets. I normally use the 115 grain ones. I have used both Win 231 and AA #7 in them. You can get a little more velocity out of the lighter bullets with the about the same amount of powder.

I load my .380 with a 90 grain XTP bullets and Titegroup powder. (i know you didn't ask about .380

)

Same here George. I load the 90 grainers over titegroup for the wife. That little CZ83 of hers loves that combo.

Airdale · 10-06-2011, 04:43 PM

Thanks guys, lots of good info. (as usual for TFF).

rcairflr · 10-06-2011, 05:17 PM

deleted

steve4102 · 10-06-2011, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

124 gr XTP
5.0 gr Unique
CZ75 9mm pistol
25 yds. (benched)

Bullet velocity is 1125 fps avg over a full mag (16 rds).

Ouch! Don't want to be in your cross hairs!

JLA · 10-06-2011, 08:10 PM

Heres a practice B27 I shot std CCW qualification course at my range with the same pistol and load.

20 rds at 3 yds
20 rds at 7 yds
and 10 rds at 15 yds
all standing offhand.

10-06-2011, 10:56 AM	#1
Airdale Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: N.W. Arkansas Contributor Posts: 750	9MM Defense load I'm about to put in an order for bullets for a defensive 9mm round. I'm down to two brands Sierra and Hornady XTP and two weights 124 or 147 grains. My question is this; Is there any reason the 147 grain wouldn't be superior for a self defense round? Maybe I'm asking a "no brainer" question but I thought I'd throw it out to guys that have more knowledge and experience than me. I'll be using either Unique or Bullseye so if someone has a recipe it would be appreciated. Before somebody warns about legal ramifications. I am buying these for a time that ammo may become unavailable (SHTF scenario). -->

10-06-2011, 11:36 AM	#2
Caneman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 1,244	Re: 9MM Defense load posted from an excellent article on self defense ammo: http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_De..._FAQ/index.htm ********************************************************** Please note that all of the recommended pistol loads listed below have been personally tested and vetted by Dr. Roberts. THEY ARE NOT IN ORDER OF PERFORMANCE, SO ANY BULLET ON THE LIST IS CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE. 9mm • Barnes XPB 115gr HP (35515) loaded by Cor-Bon (DPX09115) • Winchester Partition Gold 124gr JHP (RA91P) • Winchester Ranger-T 124 gr +P JHP (RA9124TP) • Winchester Ranger-T 127gr JHP +P+ (RA9TA) • Winchester Ranger-T 147gr JHP (RA9T) • Winchester Bonded 147gr JHP (RA9B/Q4364) • Speer Gold Dot 124gr JHP +P (53617) • Speer Gold Dot 147gr JHP (53619) • Remington Golden Saber 147gr JHP (GS9MMC) • Federal Tactical 124gr JHP (LE9T1) • Federal Tactical 135gr JHP +P (LE9T5) • Federal HST 147gr JHP (P9HST2) You might notice that the list does NOT include any lightweight bullets with the exception of the Barnes 115gr version. The reason - especially if you've read the beginning of this article - should be clear already, but Doctor Roberts sums it up nicely as well: "With the exception of the Barnes 115 gr XPB all copper projectile, in general, most 9 mm 115 gr loads have demonstrated greater inconsistency, insufficient penetration, poor intermediate barrier capability, and failure to expand in denim testing than other 9mm bullets. For those individuals wanting to use lighter weight, supersonic 9 mm’s, I think a better alternative than the vast majority of 115 gr loads is to use the slightly heavier 124 to 127 gr bullets or the Barnes 115 gr all copper bullet"

10-06-2011, 11:39 AM	#3
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,310	Re: 9MM Defense load I don't know about having more knowledge, but I like the Hornady XTP bullets. I normally use the 115 grain ones. I have used both Win 231 and AA #7 in them. You can get a little more velocity out of the lighter bullets with the about the same amount of powder. I load my .380 with a 90 grain XTP bullets and Titegroup powder. (i know you didn't ask about .380 ) __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

10-06-2011, 11:52 AM	#4
Country101 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dardanelle, AR Contributor Posts: 2,026	Re: 9MM Defense load I dont know about the technical aspects and dont know particularly about those rounds, but what I have noticed with .45 hydrashoks on pigs is that the 230gr outperform the 185+P. I dont have numbers and know that shot placement makes a huge differance, but I have shot many pigs and the 230 grain bullets stopped them quicker or with fewer rounds. That is by no means scientific, but that is what I have observed and I will always go with a heavier bullet, unless my gun doesnt shoot it well or other factors are involved. __________________ Gainfully employed= shooting somebody elses bullets and getting paid for it Country101

10-06-2011, 01:30 PM	#5
The Duke Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NW Louisiana Posts: 813	Re: 9MM Defense load I like the 147g Hydrashocks or Gold Dots loaded to +P velocity.. Had a friend shoot a big sow in a trap recently with a +P Gold Dot...Very impressive amount of trauma...the hog was down an out with one shot to the head. __________________ Ineptocracy (in-ep-toc'-ra-cy) - a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers.

10-06-2011, 01:58 PM	#6
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,305	Re: 9MM Defense load 124 gr XTP 5.0 gr Unique CZ75 9mm pistol 25 yds. (benched) Bullet velocity is 1125 fps avg over a full mag (16 rds). Attached Images __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

10-06-2011, 04:43 PM	#8
Airdale Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: N.W. Arkansas Contributor Posts: 750	Re: 9MM Defense load Thanks guys, lots of good info. (as usual for TFF). __________________ "The Utopian schemes of leveling [redistribution of the wealth] and a community of goods [central ownership of the means of production and distribution], are as visionary and impractical as those which vest all property in the crown.[These ideas] are arbitrary, despotic, and, in our government, unconstitutional." Samuel Adams

10-06-2011, 05:17 PM	#9
rcairflr Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wichita, Ks Posts: 1,314	Re: 9MM Defense load deleted Last edited by rcairflr; 10-06-2011 at 06:25 PM..

10-06-2011, 08:10 PM	#11
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,305	Re: 9MM Defense load Heres a practice B27 I shot std CCW qualification course at my range with the same pistol and load. 20 rds at 3 yds 20 rds at 7 yds and 10 rds at 15 yds all standing offhand. Attached Images __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!