Which Winchester Ranger -T- ?

[m3b]

The 2004 Winchester LE ammo catalog lists three Ranger -T- series loads: RA9124TP, RA9TA, and RA9T. Based on Winchester's barrier tests for penetration and expansion, I don't see any advantage to the +P and +P+ loads, the RA9124TP & RA9TA. Performance of the 147-grain RA9T is on-par with the two hotter loads without as much "flash & bang".

Anything I'm missing? Anyone have personal experience with these loads to share?

[artherd]

I don't see any advantage to the +P and +P+ loads, the RA9124TP & RA9TA. Performance of the 147-grain RA9T is on-par with the two hotter loads without as much "flash & bang".

Total penetration & barrier performance is not the whole story. There is also perminant and temporary crush cavatity size and positioning vs penetration... total energy, etc.

The +P+ RA9TA has 441lb/ft of energy on target. This is .357mag energy levels! The 147gr RA9T only 320lb/ft.

[BigAL]

147 grain Ranger T is often considered the top defensive load. The temporary cavity generated by a pistol rounds is not enough to cause significant tissue damage and energy numbers are also largely meaningless. You are correct that there is little to no advantage of the +P, +P+ Ranger loads over the heavier 147 grain. Those loads will however generate more muzzle blast and batter the gun more.

I encourage you to read this. http://www.firearmstactical.com/hwfe.htm

[m1371]

Ah, BigAl, ya beat me to it. . . . .

Anyway, m3b, my recommendation for you would be to go with the Ranger RA9T for a G17. The 147gr is a proven performer in FBI testing and also independant tests by AmmoLab and others. It offers optimal barrier penetration w/ minimal core separation, and performed quite well in gelatin testing. It easily meets the FBI's standard for depth of penetration and has good (consistent) expansion. Overall, it's a well balanced performer.

If you can get it, get it.

The +P and +P+ will not offer you any significant performance gains. If anything, they would perform better out of a shorter barrel than what you have, the G17. Even for a G19 the standard 147gr Ranger will do fine.

[delloro]

... I don't see any advantage to the +P and +P+ loads, the RA9124TP & RA9TA. Performance of the 147-grain RA9T is on-par with the two hotter loads without as much "flash & bang"....

the best +P 9mm is the .40 S&W.

just use the standard power that you can afford to shoot all the time. unless you practice a lot with +P and +P+ ammo, why introduce another variable into what is a stressful and confusing situation in the best case scenario?

european cops have used the 32 for many years and it worked OK. the anemic .38 calibers did OK too, the .38 special was the LEO industry standard for many years. good, modern 9mm loads blow all of those away - even without the higher pressure. if you chose a 9mm, my humble advice is to stick with the normal loads in it. if they are not enough, get a new .40 pistol.