I don't claim to know the specifics of the differences between standard and +P ammo, but I think the increased pressure that is developed from the "stronger" +p loads is not recommended in certian guns. I know I am not supposed to use it in my new Keltec P11, but it is OK to use in my Rugar LCR. As for which is the "latest and greatest" on the market, that would be interesting information to have as I would like to see what the people that have used it think.
I carry Federal Hi Shok +P.
Would recommend a projectile 124gr. and heavier. Like aero said, can't go wrong with a major name.
Would recommend a projectile 124gr. and heavier. Like aero said, can't go wrong with a major name.
Some of the heavier 9mm bullets won't expand when fired from a 3'' barrel, velocity is to slow. There are some lighter, 80ish gr., loads that boast up to 1700 something fps from a 5'' barrel, and I think around 1100fps from a 3''. Keep this in mind if you have a 3'' carry gun.
If you have a modern, quality made pistol you should be able to shoot +P for defense in it. If it's too fragile to be used with +P then I wouldn't consider it a viable cary gun.
For 9mm I use two carry loads. Speer Lawman 115+P+ Gold Dots and Winchester SXT 127gr+P+. Both are highly regarded. The Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P is a good load too.
For 9mm I use two carry loads. Speer Lawman 115+P+ Gold Dots and Winchester SXT 127gr+P+. Both are highly regarded. The Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P is a good load too.
One of the best 9mm rounds, that's fairly available commercially, is Speer Gold Dot 124 grain JHP +P. Speer Item No. 53617. Pretty hot (1200 fps from service pistol), very accurate, quality hollow point that expands and holds together in tests.
Also, Cor-Bon's 115 gr 9mm+P DPX (= Barnes all copper hollowpoint) is a VERY interesting development. Exciting ballistics results. Expansion, barrier penetration, accuracy.
For top accuracy and penetration, with less emphasis on expansion, I love Hornady XTP bullets launched at high 9mm+P velocities -- 1200+ fps (124 gr) or 1300+ fps (115 gr). Hornady factory loads are not hot enough. The XTP wants velocity! I'm not a handloader, but Black Hills Ammunition makes great factory +P 115 gr and 124 gr loads with the XTP and the proper vigor. They group like match ammo in my pistols, but good luck finding any Black Hills JHP ammo anywhere in the past year or two. Occasionally see it at Cabela's out of state.
EDIT TO ADD: I'm not familiar with Double Tap Ammo, but I think they have a line of Gold Dot +P loads that are hot stuff too.
Also, Cor-Bon's 115 gr 9mm+P DPX (= Barnes all copper hollowpoint) is a VERY interesting development. Exciting ballistics results. Expansion, barrier penetration, accuracy.
For top accuracy and penetration, with less emphasis on expansion, I love Hornady XTP bullets launched at high 9mm+P velocities -- 1200+ fps (124 gr) or 1300+ fps (115 gr). Hornady factory loads are not hot enough. The XTP wants velocity! I'm not a handloader, but Black Hills Ammunition makes great factory +P 115 gr and 124 gr loads with the XTP and the proper vigor. They group like match ammo in my pistols, but good luck finding any Black Hills JHP ammo anywhere in the past year or two. Occasionally see it at Cabela's out of state.
EDIT TO ADD: I'm not familiar with Double Tap Ammo, but I think they have a line of Gold Dot +P loads that are hot stuff too.
+1 get a major brand.....usually get what ya pay for...... heard good things about ordering ammo from Cabelas.
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