To continue discussion on 9mm self defense ammo.... - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

TEXXD · 01-02-2006, 06:55 PM

I've been reading a whole bunch on this site and others regarding this seemingly contraversial topic. I wish to continue the debate as I want to be very well informed before I recieve my CCW and assume the responsibility of carrying a deadly weapon.

Is 147gr the best self defense ammo because it's heavy and will most likely stop inside the BG? Would a 124gr or 115gr at normal pressure be just as good if not better? Does it really matter which JHP you carry as long as you can shoot accurately? Mind you, I'm talking about the service model. I understand ammo can behave differently in other barrel lengths.

I know opinions vary and no one can agree on what is "best." I just want to be wise in choosing my ammo.

PS
Let's hope we never have to find out the hard way.

021411 · 01-02-2006, 07:36 PM

I'm sure you know but the utmost importance is shot placement. People can't stress this enough. That's where practice comes into play.
I too did a bunch of reading during my decision process. I ended up picking the Gold Dot 124gr +P. I've read a bunch of good stuff on it. It was also recommended by a few people I know.
I bought a crap load of it and function tested out of my XD-9 Service. It functions 100%. Will I ever use it, I hope not.

darkfire · 01-02-2006, 08:00 PM

As 021411 noted, shot placement is key. You should also note that with today's loads (such as the excellent Gold Dot 124 +P), caliber is less of an issue. Several 9mm loads exist that have ballistical performance equal to (and sometimes better than) that of .45.

Whatever you shoot, learn to shoot it well. You shouldn't feel outgunned with a nice 9mm load.

XD BACKUP GUN · 01-02-2006, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkfire

As 021411 noted, shot placement is key. You should also note that with today's loads (such as the excellent Gold Dot 124 +P), caliber is less of an issue. Several 9mm loads exist that have ballistical performance equal to (and sometimes better than) that of .45.

Whatever you shoot, learn to shoot it well. You shouldn't feel outgunned with a nice 9mm load.

HOLD on MINUTE.......did you say that some 9mm loads have better performance the the mighty .45ACP?

gsh341 · 01-02-2006, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XD BACKUP GUN

JD McDorce · 01-03-2006, 06:54 AM

-deleted-

TeckTrek · 01-04-2006, 07:26 PM

Hi JD,

Not to hijack but I noticed you have both Service and Tactical in 9mm. I'm a new, recreational shooter with an interest in possible light competition down the line - currently focusing on shooting a lot to get better and learning all I can about defensive use.

I finally decided on the Service because I got so many conflicting opinions on the value of longer barrels for competition AND because the 4" felt better in my hand.

I'm sure you have specific uses for both guns but do you have a favorite and why?

Thanks,
Doug

XD_Dan · 01-04-2006, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeckTrek

Hi JD,

Not to hijack but I noticed you have both Service and Tactical in 9mm. I'm a new, recreational shooter with an interest in possible light competition down the line - currently focusing on shooting a lot to get better and learning all I can about defensive use.

I finally decided on the Service because I got so many conflicting opinions on the value of longer barrels for competition AND because the 4" felt better in my hand.

I'm sure you have specific uses for both guns but do you have a favorite and why?

Thanks,
Doug

Doug,

I own a 9mm sub-compact and a 9mm tactical. You are welcome to try them both at the Jan 21 match. Of course you will have to attend.

That way you will be able to get a feel for all three XD sizes.

Dan

JD McDorce · 01-04-2006, 09:14 PM

-deleted-

BrokenArrow · 01-14-2006, 08:37 AM

Not as much difference in penetration and expansion between the various 9mm loads as some think despite the velocity/energy differences. Through IWBA denim:

Speer 115 +P+ Gold Dot 15.9 inches/.53 caliber
Speer 124 +P GD 15.9/.56
Speer 147 GD 16.9/.54

European LE wants ammo that stays in torsos as much as possible and max energy transfer. So they like light/fast bullets like the EMB, QD, PEP, etc. About 90g at 1350 or so from 4 inch bbls that penetrate about 8 - 12 inches. Magtech's First Defense and CorBon's PowerBall/DPX are similar but better IMO.

The FBI wants ammo that penetrates at least 12 inches as much as possible, are more concerned w getting deep enough than going too deep and ignore energy transfer. So they like heavier bullets like the 124 - 147 Gold Dot, Ranger T, Golden Saber, Hydra-Shok, HST, etc.

01-02-2006, 06:55 PM	#1
TEXXD XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Laredo, TX Posts: 23	To continue discussion on 9mm self defense ammo.... I've been reading a whole bunch on this site and others regarding this seemingly contraversial topic. I wish to continue the debate as I want to be very well informed before I recieve my CCW and assume the responsibility of carrying a deadly weapon. Is 147gr the best self defense ammo because it's heavy and will most likely stop inside the BG? Would a 124gr or 115gr at normal pressure be just as good if not better? Does it really matter which JHP you carry as long as you can shoot accurately? Mind you, I'm talking about the service model. I understand ammo can behave differently in other barrel lengths. I know opinions vary and no one can agree on what is "best." I just want to be wise in choosing my ammo. PS Let's hope we never have to find out the hard way. __________________ If anything is worth shooting, it's worth shooting twice.

01-02-2006, 07:36 PM	#2
021411 XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,018	I'm sure you know but the utmost importance is shot placement. People can't stress this enough. That's where practice comes into play. I too did a bunch of reading during my decision process. I ended up picking the Gold Dot 124gr +P. I've read a bunch of good stuff on it. It was also recommended by a few people I know. I bought a crap load of it and function tested out of my XD-9 Service. It functions 100%. Will I ever use it, I hope not. __________________ XD40 : Custom SA 1911 Springer Precision TX XD Practical Shooters Association

01-04-2006, 07:26 PM	#7
TeckTrek XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 20	Hi JD, Not to hijack but I noticed you have both Service and Tactical in 9mm. I'm a new, recreational shooter with an interest in possible light competition down the line - currently focusing on shooting a lot to get better and learning all I can about defensive use. I finally decided on the Service because I got so many conflicting opinions on the value of longer barrels for competition AND because the 4" felt better in my hand. I'm sure you have specific uses for both guns but do you have a favorite and why? Thanks, Doug __________________ XD 9mm Service S&W 642 Bersa Thunder 380 Firestorm .22 Democracy is Two Wolves and a Lamb Voting on What to Have for Lunch. Liberty is a Well-Armed Lamb Contesting the Vote - Benjamin Franklin - lifted from \"retired\"

01-14-2006, 08:37 AM	#10
BrokenArrow XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Lost In Space Posts: 116	Not as much difference in penetration and expansion between the various 9mm loads as some think despite the velocity/energy differences. Through IWBA denim: Speer 115 +P+ Gold Dot 15.9 inches/.53 caliber Speer 124 +P GD 15.9/.56 Speer 147 GD 16.9/.54 European LE wants ammo that stays in torsos as much as possible and max energy transfer. So they like light/fast bullets like the EMB, QD, PEP, etc. About 90g at 1350 or so from 4 inch bbls that penetrate about 8 - 12 inches. Magtech's First Defense and CorBon's PowerBall/DPX are similar but better IMO. The FBI wants ammo that penetrates at least 12 inches as much as possible, are more concerned w getting deep enough than going too deep and ignore energy transfer. So they like heavier bullets like the 124 - 147 Gold Dot, Ranger T, Golden Saber, Hydra-Shok, HST, etc. __________________ Mike >>>>----> In archery we have three goals: to shoot accurately, to shoot powerfully, to shoot rapidly. - Anonymous Byzantine general, On Strategy (Peri Strategias) c. AD 527-65

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01-02-2006, 08:00 PM	#3
darkfire XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 142	As 021411 noted, shot placement is key. You should also note that with today's loads (such as the excellent Gold Dot 124 +P), caliber is less of an issue. Several 9mm loads exist that have ballistical performance equal to (and sometimes better than) that of .45. Whatever you shoot, learn to shoot it well. You shouldn't feel outgunned with a nice 9mm load.

01-03-2006, 06:54 AM	#6
JD McDorce XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Westland, MI Posts: 1,267	-deleted-

01-04-2006, 09:14 PM	#9
JD McDorce XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Westland, MI Posts: 1,267	-deleted-