Which 9mm ammo expands most reliably?

[xxsleepyxx]

Heard of Gold Dot, PDX1, Ranger.

Also, why does the grain weight matter? Heavier the better?

[sr503]

use google there have been many tests and comparisons already documented on 9mm ammo bullet types and weights

[XDRoX]

Heard of Gold Dot, PDX1, Ranger.

Also, why does the grain weight matter? Heavier the better?

I prefer heavier bullets for SD.
Any of these will work fine. Try not to get caught up in the fanboys or the hype. Any of these will work fine. I think I have 147gr Golden Sabers in my 9mm right now.

Barnes XPB 105 & 115 gr JHP (copper bullet)
Federal Tactical 124 gr JHP (LE9T1)
Speer Gold Dot 124 gr +P JHP
Winchester Ranger-T 124 gr +P JHP (RA9124TP)
Winchester Partition Gold 124 gr JHP (RA91P)
Winchester Ranger-T 127 gr +P+ JHP (RA9TA)
Federal Tactical 135 gr +P JHP (LE9T5)
Federal HST 147 gr JHP (P9HST2)
Remington Golden Saber 147 gr JHP (GS9MMC)
Speer Gold Dot 147 gr JHP
Winchester Ranger-T 147 gr JHP (RA9T)
Winchester 147 gr bonded JHP (RA9B/Q4364)

[J.D.Allen]

The Federal HST 147 grain is supposed to be real good. But it ain't cheap, and that is only IF you can find someone to sell it to you. It's supposed to be LE only. Gold dots in either 147 grain or 124 grain +P perform reliably as well. That's what I carry...FWIW

[xxsleepyxx]

use google there have been many tests and comparisons already documented on 9mm ammo bullet types and weights

I've read and seen some tests run on ammo. Sometimes 1 bullet out of 2 or more shots fired doesn't expand. Is it fair to eliminate that choice because of the faulty round? Or do all ammo have some rounds that fail to expand. (These were rounds which went through 4 layers of jeans before being stopped by water jugs)

[RugerFan777]

Golden Talon....need i say more?

[xxsleepyxx]

I prefer heavier bullets for SD.
Any of these will work fine. Try not to get caught up in the fanboys or the hype. Any of these will work fine. I think I have 147gr Golden Sabers in my 9mm right now.

Barnes XPB 105 & 115 gr JHP (copper bullet)
Federal Tactical 124 gr JHP (LE9T1)
Speer Gold Dot 124 gr +P JHP
Winchester Ranger-T 124 gr +P JHP (RA9124TP)
Winchester Partition Gold 124 gr JHP (RA91P)
Winchester Ranger-T 127 gr +P+ JHP (RA9TA)
Federal Tactical 135 gr +P JHP (LE9T5)
Federal HST 147 gr JHP (P9HST2)
Remington Golden Saber 147 gr JHP (GS9MMC)
Speer Gold Dot 147 gr JHP
Winchester Ranger-T 147 gr JHP (RA9T)
Winchester 147 gr bonded JHP (RA9B/Q4364)

There's also one called Winchester Ranger RA9STX. Any experience with that?

Here it is:

[Günter]

There's also one called Winchester Ranger RA9STX. Any experience with that?

I just blew up couple of water jugs with 9mm 147 gr. SXT out of a Beretta 92FS just a few weeks ago, excellent results: expanded reliably, targets destroyed

[xxsleepyxx]

I just blew up couple of water jugs with 9mm 147 gr. SXT out of a Beretta 92FS just a few weeks ago, excellent results: expanded reliably, targets destroyed

That's cool because I think that's the most affordable SD ammo (not trying to skimp on this but I think Winchester Ranger is respectable). Costs ~$25 for 50 rounds. Versus only 20 rounds for most other ammo. I want to be able to test out these rounds before using them for HD.

[Günter]

That's cool because I think that's the most affordable SD ammo (not trying to skimp on this but I think Winchester Ranger is respectable). Costs ~$25 for 50 rounds. Versus only 20 rounds for most other ammo. I want to be able to test out these rounds before using them for HD.

They are an excellent choice, the back of those water jugs were pretty much gone, no core/jacket seperation, and expanded with 6 talons protruding outwards as advertised, you can't go wrong with these. They also feed perfectly out of my 92fs, and even feeds well out of my old Walther P1 that jams on Remington UMC 9mm FMJs.

[oghl888]

My home grown magic bullet expands most reliably. I take a 147 gr FMJ cartridge from a reliable manufacturer, like Wolfe, and get to work with a sharp knife and a dremel. Cut the top 3mm of the tip off, then dremel a cone into the lead core about 5 mm deep.

Et voila, the most reliable expanding 9mm every made.

Seriously though, too much emphasis is put on ammo selection, and not enough on shot placement, accuracy, and ability to make quick/accurate follow up shots. In my first class, I was taught that it will most likely take multiple shots, Hollywood styple one shot stops can not be expected. So my take is to buy one of the top manufacturer's hollow points, and practice practice practice with it.

[FUBAR]

There's alot of tests on the web about this subject with good pics to go along with it. I've spent hours googling this same subject. Decided that they all would get the job done. Just find one that's reliable and accurate with your weapon.

[iareConfusE]

Youtube: tnoutdoors9 and andreleger2001.

These two guys do lots of ammo tests on various HP rounds.

[1911Operator]

I always had a few boxes of Winchester T-series in my mag when I had my G19. I think its the best band for your $$

[billped]

There are four factors to consider:
#1 = cycles reliably
#2 = shot placement
#3 = expansion
#4 = cost

Some folks get wound up about per round prices, but it is total $ that matter, not $/round. Since you will shoot maybe 5% as many home defense rounds as FMJ, total cost is truly insignificant.

Some guns won't cycle certain rounds so whatever you get, run a box through your gun. If you get jams, consider that a cheap lesson - it could have happened when you needed it to work.


Bill