Ammo question about +p

[Soginator]

When is it necessary to get higher pressure ammo? I saw the recent post about the FBI adopting the 9mm gold dot, but I wasn't sure whether to try out the standard pressure or the +p. This would be for CCW pistols (SA EMP, SW shield) but I suppose there's probably someone out there with the same question for more standard pistols like g19/xd9 etc.

[CSACANNONEER]

I would not shoot +P ammo through any firearm that isn't rated for it. While I do occasionally carry +P rated ammo in my SP101, it's a tank and can handle it. For the guns you listed, what does the manufacturer recommend?

[003]

Keep in mind that SAMMI spec 9mm +P for all intent and purpose has the same chamber pressure as NATO spec 9mm. Any gun approved by NATO, and rated for NATO 9mm ammunition is certainly well able to handle a regular diet of SAMMI spec 9mm +P.

The reason I said “for all intent and purpose” is because SAMMI and NATO use a different method to calculate chamber pressure, but the end result is the same.

As an example, given the Beretta 92 and the Glock 17 were originally designed as military pistols and issued to NATO country troops, both were originally designed to handle the higher pressure of +P ammunition.

[ScottsBad]

I shoot +P, but be aware not all pistols can handle it. And you might see early wear/failure in some semi-auto handguns.

[Soginator]

Okay looks like I'll check out the standard loads for the ccw pistols. Seems most full size pistols don't have too much of a problem with +p (at least those in my collection). How many rounds does it take to cause problems? I've fired around 50 +p so far out of the short pistols

[LeadFarmer74]

I've shot +p (~100) and +p+(~20) out my XD. No issues here.

[fritztkatt]

+P is just that. It's hotter anmo. All things equal, it will expand/penetrate more. Maybe not by much, but the difference will exist. +p is totally unnecessary for fmj practice/blasting ammo.

Most modern firearms will handle +p, but read the manual or contact the manufacturer to be sure.

I safely fire +p+ in my glock 19, and keep it loaded with such as my HD weapon of choice. My choice to use the load I do is simply because I can't afford to test more modern bjhp. 9bple (the specific load from Federal), has a long standing reputation with law enforcement, and there are many tests shown online (as are nearly all calibers/loads). Ive noted low light muzzle flash on this is nothing compared to typical ball ammo. Performance is there, and it's affordable.

Modern defensive loads are often designed for the shorter barrels to give good velocity, and have low muzzle flash. Important things for self defense or law enforcement.

Few flavors of fmj +p exist afaik. Rumor has it that 9mm nato is +p.

[P5Ret]

For a short barreled gun, you'll be fine with a standard loading. You will gain a bit more velocity out of a service sized gun with +P's but even then the difference isn't all that much.

+P's really shined in revolver loads for years, with all kinds of claims of the old 125 gr semi-jacketed hollow point being the top of the pile. Most PD's went with that loading for years, until the high capacity 9's became the new thing everyone had to have.

[IVth Horseman]

Your owners manual will specify what type of ammo is safe to shoot from your firearm, but I can't think of any modern 9mm pistol sold in CA that couldn't handle a magazine of +P rounds used in a self defense situation, it simply offers ~10% more power.

[hermosabeach]

When do you need +P....

The 9MM already tends to over penetrates..... But some time the faster Ammo does not penetrate as well at higher speed as the hollow point expands more or breaks apart.

I could be dead wrong, but I believe that the bullet manufacturer make 1 bullet for a specific weight and design. So the 124 grain JHP is the same bullet loaded in the standard and +p or +P+ configuration.

So the ballistic gel tests tend to show how the bullet will perform.



But at the end of the day- it's a handgun and it sucks for stopijg people...

Shot placement is key....

A 9mm to the leg could be very survivable.... It's 320-380 foot pounds of energy


The .223 /308 / 12 gauge dump a lot more power.... But are harder to have with you.



What ever you buy, shoot it to verify it runs in your firearm....

[jeffrice6]

Just outta Curiosity, what pistol manufacture's literature has explicitly approved the use of +P?

[Citizen_B]

Glocks are designed to shoot +p (slightly over standard pressure).

To OP, there's no explicit 'need' for +p. Some users choose it because they want a slight increase in terminal ballistic performance, which some provide at a slight increase in felt recoil. You have to evaluate them individually. For gold dots, either pressure work fine.

I used to fret about the ideal defensive round. I've concluded there are many good enough rounds and the most important thing is to train often, with your defensive round or at least one that 'feels' similar.

[I Swan]

Just outta Curiosity, what pistol manufacture's literature has explicitly approved the use of +P?

Ruger manuals for various P series semiautos I own/owned state they are OK with any ammo within SAAMI or NATO specs loaded in aluminum, brass or steel cases.

[Bansh88]

I heard +p in 9mm would be for sub guns/full auto. I've got a handful of +p/+p+ but haven't used it. Glocks are supposed to be OK with it.
I don't see the point in choosing it though over standard ammo.

[003]

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/product_info.php/pName/1000rds-9mm-luger-israel-military-industries-124gr-fmj-ammo

http://www.imi-israel.com/home/doc.aspx?mCatID=68523

Quality high performance 9mm Israel ammunition at a good price. .20 per round.