Springfield says NO +P in the Sub XD-9...what gives?

[DJDan]

Hello everyone!
I am new to the forum and this is my first post. I am familiar with discussion boards and have done a few searches for what I am bringing up and havent found anything.

I purchased a XD-9 Sub Bi-Tone a couple of weeks ago. So far I have 150 Rounds through it and LOVE this gun. It has functioned perfectly so far. Here are some of my initial thoughts.
-It has a bit more kick than I thought...similar to some .40's I have shot.
-It is loud as hell. Three people asked me if it was a .40 or .45 @ the range today.
-It has a bit of muzzle flash...more than I expected but that may be the ammo I am shooting.
I am currently shooting Fiocchi ammo. I think it is the 115 grain.

The REAL reason I am making this post is that I read (on the net) that the sub compact's are not designed or recommended to shoot +P ammo.
I called Springfield and talked to one of their techs and they confirmed this. He said the short barrel and small frame were not designed for +P ammo.
I am honestly SHOCKED at this...what do other sub owners think about this?
At first I was thinking about just going ahead with the +P stuff..but at the same time I don't want a major malfunction either.
Others with the sub let me know what your experiences and beliefs are.

Thanks in advance.

[ampleworks]

As with all +P ammunition in pistols not specifically listed as +P, use it spareingly. Put enough through it to make sure it functions properly and call it good.

Half the dopes at SA couldn't find their way out of an open closet...the others are great people.

[dragginaknee]

I agree w/ ampleworks, just use it and make sure it functions properly and then use it to carry.

I have shot about 50 rounds of +P+ and havent had 1 problem. I carry it everyday in my sub9. Think im gonna try some cor ball or whatever it is called next

[DJDan]

I think I am going to try Winchester's Super-X line and I am going to purchase 200 rounds of Winchester Ranger (non +p)

I want to shoot at least 150 rounds of any type of "personal protection" ammunition before I consider it safe to use.

I have plenty of options outside of +P stuff so I might as well stay away from it if I can.

Thanks for your replys...if anyone else has other opinions please let me know.

[TomSwift]

Has anybody chronographed +P out of a sub compact XD and compared to a standard load? I remember reading somewhere that in a short barreled gun a +P load doesn't get to burn completely in the pipe before the bullet exits, therefore it's just wasted energy. Can anybody lend any credence to this?

[ampleworks]

I don't have a sub, but I am going to chrono 127 +p+ from a 4" sometime this week.

My idea for functionality is, get 2-3 boxes, make sure they're all from the same lot. Shoot 33 rounds out of each box, if no malfunctions, take the remaing rounds, put them in one box and make it your defense ammo.

[packingasubcompact]

I have always been told that +p was fine in the subby - I have even seen an email saying it was ok from SA. I have shot plenty of +p out of mine and it worked fine.

[DJDan]

I imagine it would be fine to shoot +P as well. I am just playing it safe. The XD's seem to be pretty solid guns. For that matter I have a Hi-Point that can and has handled +P all day long...in fact it is +P+ rated....hold your comments.

I just purchased 4 boxes of the Winchester Ranger RA9T 9mm Luger 147 gr. Ranger T-Series. I will see how that does. I imagine it will be fine....I HOPE to never REALLY have to use it anyways except for testing.

[Sabo2r]

I have to wonder what the determining factor is, as far as whether a pistol is rated for +P or not.
Is it the strength of the barrel?
The subcompact has a beefier barrel, in comparison with the service model.
Is it the recoil system?
Is it the frame?
How does any manufacturer know where to draw the line?
I can only wonder. sab

[retired]

For some reason, I seem to recall speaking with someone at SA last year when I bought my SC9, who said +P was ok. Guess I will call back.