Loading 9mm to simulate defense load

[Mustard]

Looking at 9mm defensive loads, they all come in at our under about 140-145 power factor.

Is the juice worth the squeeze to switch from my uspsa 9mm minor load to a 9mm load with the same pf as the defensive stuff?

All i have on hand are cci spp, hp38, and 115gr plated bullets

[M1NM]

Depends on why you want to train with the hotter loads. If you have a CCW it's wise to train with what you'll carry ammo wise. If you are just plinking the minor load will be cheaper and easier to control.

[Mustard]

Depends on why you want to train with the hotter loads. If you have a CCW it's wise to train with what you'll carry ammo wise. If you are just plinking the minor load will be cheaper and easier to control.

The former, training for ccw.

However, i do uspsa (when i have the time).

Not super keen on having to do multiple loads/ set ups on my press. Might just buy a batch of factory 147gr FMJ and call it good enough

[ds272]

I found some pulled 147 grain bullets really cheap and have loaded them to replicate my carry ammunition. I have found it beneficial to train with this load in my EDC gun every time I go to the range. Otherwise, I don't always shoot my EDC.

[Mustard]

I found some pulled 147 grain bullets really cheap and have loaded them to replicate my carry ammunition. I have found it beneficial to train with this load in my EDC gun every time I go to the range. Otherwise, I don't always shoot my EDC.

99% of the time I only shoot my g19, my competition and carry gun.

Do you shoot multiple guns with lighter loads, and then your EDC + EDC load?

[TomReloaded]

I have ammo from about 100 pf (doesn't even cycle stock springs) to about 150ish. None of it actually hits *that* much different. An inch here or there around 7yd is still hitting where it needs to hit.

I'm way faster with the low pf ammo, but besides that it really all trains the same.

Long story short, i don't think it's useful to match your HD ammo.

[sigstroker]

Federal factory 147's are 1000 fps and the 124's are in the same area in power factor. Unless you're having trouble knocking over poppers I don't see the benefit vs just using whatever you got.

[Mustard]

I have ammo from about 100 pf (doesn't even cycle stock springs) to about 150ish. None of it actually hits *that* much different. An inch here or there around 7yd is still hitting where it needs to hit.

I'm way faster with the low pf ammo, but besides that it really all trains the same.

Long story short, i don't think it's useful to match your HD ammo.

Clarification: i wasn't really concerned with accuracy, i am concerned/ curious about recoil. I'll bet your follow up shots with your low pf loads are faster than with your hot loads.

Curious what everyone's experience is from minor pf vs 145pf

[TomReloaded]

My low pf ammo is crazy faster for followups! Don't get me wrong, the +p stuff is harder to get back on target.

But it's great training to rip off good clean shots with low pf ammo. It definitely translates to better gun handling and also faster shots with full strength defensive ammo though. I think the core basic skills are still being practiced.

I've been shooting both low and high pf ammo in in the same gun on the same day and i do think I'm validating my theory that matching practice and SD ammo isn't as useful as it's made out to be.

[NeilMo]

I've always been a believer in practicing with exactly what you'll be carrying for SD. IMO it's the best way to develop the muscle memory required for "point shooting" without relying on the sights. Unfortunately with the price and scarcity of factory SD ammo, most use whatever they can get their hands on. As reloaders we have an advantage and why I have no issues handloading my SD and practice ammo.