lgustavus81

I'm looking for some personal defense ammo in 9mm for 2 of the mags that come with my Tacops and keep the other 2 for range mags. So far all I've shot out of it is 115's ranging from Ferderal,WWB,and some of the cheap ass Wolf ammo which it actually seemed to like more than the others(might just have been my perception of it, not sure) I'm just interested in you guys opinions on your own experiences with it and let me know what ya think!

silversport

I prefer the middleweight in 9mm and have had no issues with standard velocity...I have been using Speer Gold Dot in 124GR standard velocity for years...

...any of the big names will treat you right...they usually are built to a better standard (or even a standard )...I haven't had reliability with the cheaper priced ammunition so I shy away from it for anything other than the range...

Bill

athens7

Here is an article from American Rifleman that speaks to defense ammunition. It is not specific to, but does include, 9 MM loads:

Handgun Stopping Power: Sizing Up Your Options

I carry Hornady Critical Duty 135 GR +P JHP in my full size 9, and Speer Gold Dot 124 GR JHP in my P938. I find the +P loads are a little too snappy for me in the pocket 9 MM pistol, both from a comfort and ability to get back on target quickly standpoint.

TravestyTrav

I like Speer Gold Dot as well. I prefer the heavier 147 grain round, but the 124 grain is pretty good too.

dbrow62720

I use Hornady Critical Defense in all of my guns except my 380's. They get CorBon.

SauerSig

What he said!

Kenny D

Range ammo I use is WWB and defensive ammo I use is 124 and 147 gr Federal LE Tactical HSTs.

Geobob

Hello, Igustavus. This link is to an article that provides data on many calibers and brands of self defense ammo. This is a really good source:

BEST SELF DEFENSE AMMUNITION
Best Choices for Self Defense Ammo

I prefer the 147 or 124 grain Federal HST JHP, and also Fiocchi 92 grain EMB - two very different types of SD ammo. Check out the ammo subforum; 1- 2 months ago I posted some pictures of home testing of Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, and Fiocchi EMB.

lgustavus81

Bout a week or 2 ago! I'm still trying to get my ducks in a row to go pick up 3 or 4 different brands and grains to take them out on the range and let me and the wife try them out to see which one works out the best for the both of us! she has arthritis in her wrists so she can't handle a lot of recoil too well and I want her to be able to pick it up and fire it without any concerns so its gonna take a bit of testing to find something she's comfortable with. I'm used to my 45 so the 9 actually feels almost like a 22 to me now! I keep UMC 230gr JHP's in 2 of my 45 mags for home defense!

MIWildcat

I prefer Speer Gold Dot 124gr. If your wife has problems with the wrists, this shouldn't be too bad, but you could always settle for a 115gr gold dot as well.

Best of luck to you!

Jgdisco2

Another vote for 124g gold dots, have them for all my weapons.

sigp229r 

I like Winchester SXT's

Roncodrummer

I use Hornady Critical Defense in my P238 and Winchester PDX1 +P in my P938

GreyCoupe

Winchester Ranger T...

Zombie

I am using golden saber in my 9mm

TexasRaider

When I can find it, I've carried Federal 9mm +P+ JHP 115gr. in my old Sig P226, bought in 1988. It is pretty hot stuff, I admit. It was originally made for Illinois State Police in their old steel S&W 39 9mm's and designed to replicate the stopping power of the Federal 125gr. 357 magnum round many Highway Patrol agencies used in their old Model 28's. My dept, the Texas DPS used that magnum round for years and the Fed 9mm load is nearly its spitting image, so IMHO it's a damn fine load.

It runs just short of 1300fps and hits like a brick. I'd get a strong spring from Wolff springs to soften the blow, and I wouldn't shoot it like candy every day, but for duty it is easily the equal of the 357SIG.

vader23

Buffalo Bore 115gr +p would be my first pick if overpenetration isnt a factor or concern for your safety. If you are concerned with this risk I would have to say that Corbons PowRBall is pretty impressive and is designed to disperse all of its energy into the target, not the target and 3 walls behind it.

vader23

Forgot to mention a key factor. both of those loads come in 20 rd boxes. If you want more bang for your buck, I would def go with Federal HST +p in either 124 or 147( 115 if they make it, im not sure) You can find 50 rd boxes of this on ammunitiontogo.com (out of TX) for around $23. Its a pretty darn good deal but doesnt quite push the envelope of the 9mm by any means. Good reliable expansion though. That same website also offers 50 rd boxes of Winchester Ranger T series in various loadings. Another good bang for your buck offering if you want the most ammo for your money.

lgustavus81

I would just have to buy 2 boxes then! One box would only fill one of my mags!

jlruiz32

Golden saber 124 gr +p