Best 9mm load for defense practice

[Bill92869]

Yes I used the search feature and yes the infinite wisdom dictates only factory ammo be used for self-defense. Now with the disclaimer having been covered, I want to practice with ammo that will approximate defense ammo without having to hunt high and low to find a box of overpriced ammo to do so. First, what is the consensus on bullet weight? Seems that over time the 9mm has run the gambit from light (90gr JHP) to heavier (147gr JHP) and back again in the search for the "optimum" bullet for defense. Second, what is the best bullet with compromise between: knockdown power, penetration, expansion, reliable feeding?

Oh yeah, another disclaimer: I know a .45, .40, 10mm (enter your favorite caliber here) is the only one to use for defense.

[gvbsat]

Personally, I like the 125gr. JHP. Off the top of head, I think its a Fed primer with 4.8 Gr. W231. I could be wrong of the charge weight , I'd have to look. But that combo works for me out of my G19, and this is my home defense gun and caliber.

[mif_slim]

The best 9mm defence ammo to get is a 10mm. jk jk.

[Federalist]

I found the information contained in this link (and in the articles linked in the text) to be helpful.

http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm

For a 9mm HD round, I use a lighter bullet (Cor Bon 115 grain JHP) with slightly less recoil (since my 9mm is not my primary handgun).

[will227457]

147 jhp...but thats me....

[johnny_22]

Practice some with the expensive stuff.

You need to shoot enough of the self defense ammunition to verify that it works in your gun every time. I use Federal EFMJ, and shot 150 rounds though each of my guns to ensure no problems. Expensive, yes. But, I needed to be sure.

For practice, I use a cartridge with similar kick. The NJ Department of Criminal Justice has a comparison of different ammunition for practice and which were weaker and less like the carry ammo, and which were a good practice round. Don't let the report name dissuade you; there are Pb+ rounds listed, too. I do try to use reduced lead (Pb-free primer) to decrease my lead intake.

Report is here:

http://www.state.nj.us/oag/dcj/pdfs/non_toxammo.pdf

[Bug Splat]

147 jhp...but thats me....

Me too. I always like the heaviest bullet I can use in that caliber.

9mm= 147gr
40S&W= 180gr
45ACP= 230gr

[earchivist]

9mm +P 115gr JHP loads were very popular with police agency's not too long ago. And rated highly in the Marshall and Sanow Stopping power book.

Sierra's old listing of their JHC using Herco for from 1300 to 1400 FPS should replicate the Corbon load.

[kazman]

I have some 124gr +P JHPs but also just bought some Federal HST 147 gr. If you research that you will find some great reviews of it.

[FieldsofFire]

I like 124gr. +P for 9mm loads. I know this won't help much, but I just loaded my FMJ handloads to feel approximately like how my defense rounds felt.

[SixPointEight]

You need to shoot enough of the self defense ammunition to verify that it works in your gun every time. I use Federal EFMJ, and shot 150 rounds though each of my guns to ensure no problems. Expensive, yes. But, I needed to be sure.

I've been thinking about buying some Gold Dot bullets and loading them to the same OAL as factory Gold Dot's to ensure function. Seems like it would be a reasonable test.

Anyways, if you can't tell, I'm gonna recommend Gold Dots.

[ireload]

I'm a big fan of Speer Gold Dot 115gr. It's accurate for my Beretta. I've loaded them at +P level in nickel plated brass with sealed primers for defense. I use Rainers or Berrys 115gr. round nose as a practice round even though the bullet profile is different.

[Ed_in_Sac]

A bit confused on your question. Most people who frequent ranges, except LEO's when their department buys the ammo, just use something close to the FMJ NATO round. As to which round is best for ACTUAL defensive purposes I defer to those who actually have experience in real life situations.

I would think that for home defense any factory JHP should be at least a GOOD choice. How reliably a particular brand/load feeds in your weapon is more important than a few more fp of energy or mm of expansion from the highest performance loads. Hence you should run a few dozen down your chosen round through your weapon to make sure they feed reliably. Other than that just save some $$$ and shoot whatever you can afford to practice often with.

[oddjob]

I use WW 127 grn +P+ in my H&K USP Compact. For practice I use my reloaded ammo (130 grn with VV N320). For factory practice ammo I would use the WW white box since its the cheapest and the weight of the bullet is close to the 127's I use (I think its a 124). Practice with the cheap stuff and fire a mag or two just to sight in and get acquainted with the good stuff. Ideally if you could find the cheap stuff and good stuff with the same point of impact it would be the best of both worlds! Realistically though the difference in a "serious social encounter" would be minimal.

I have friends/co-workers who have shot people with the 147's and they have all said it worked like a champ. The guns they used was a Beretta 92SF, S&W M39, & a Glock 19. One agency used a Sig 226 and a MP5 SD on a suspect (with 147's) and they did not like performance at all. Its been a while back, but the last suspect was on meth.

[bsg]

which 9mm gun do you own? my older w german sigs have always loved the 115 gr rounds; not that you asked but i have always used the winchester silvertip 115 gr hp and federal 115 gr hp for my old P series 9mm sigs.... if you have an old w german P225 or P226 i wouldn't advise to shoot higher pressure +P loads. i don't reload and can't give advise about that; i can only say i am envious of guys that are wired tight in that department. remember that some guns of the same caliber prefer different brands, weights, etc. and can be quirky just like people....

-Brady