Best 9mm Defense Ammo

[redbug]

Hello,
My first time here. I found out about this site from FALfiles where I frequent from time to time. Their server is swarmed at the moment.

I recently purchased a used, NRA "excellent", Beretta 92FS and am searching for best defense ammo with best stopping power.

This question specifically pertains to the use of +P / +P+ ammo in Beretta 92FS. I have been checking local dealers comparing prices and available loads. Also trying to find out LEO preference as I discovered that many of them still carry 9mm.

Is there any evidence of one brand being more effective than the others or is it mainly personal preference?

Since most, if not all, of the self defense ammo is +P or +P+ and costs substantially more than regular ammo, will keep most folks from shooting it much more than to just check function and accuracy and then keep just enough on hand for that special situation.

The 92FS owner's manual has disclaimer stating that prolonged use of +P or +P+ ammo is not recommended. Would it really be that much harder on this pistol and significally shorten it's life? Like I said before, I would intend to only use it enough to get the feel of how it shoots and then keep a mag or two loaded with it.

Would the +P be enough or would the +P+ be really that much better without being too much harder on the 92FS?

Do any of the hollowpoints offer any more stopping power than the others?

Thanks,
Steve

[Colt]

had good results with standard loadings 124gr gold dots in our Berettas. (my wife has a stainless, I have a blued)

We performed a 'scientific test' involving an 11 lb hunk of old meat....the GDs made 9mm holes on the way in, dang near 3/4 inch holes on the way out.


The cool part is that there was virtually no difference between the 124gr 9mm and the 230gr .45ACP (also GDs) exit wounds. I prefer .45 in my carry guns, but I wouldn't feel undergunned with the 9mm--as long as I can carry the GDs instead of ball.

[redbug]

This confirms what one LEO told me about his many years carrying 9mm. He also uses the Gold Dots. He said he had been in his share of confrontations and had never been let down with his "lowly" 9mm.

Thank you for your reply. There is gun show this weekend where I live (Abilene, TX) and maybe I can find some of the Gold Dot at reasonable price.

Steve

[MdlMkr 7.62]

147 grain Gold Dot over #5 powder.

[Ryder]

Winchester Ranger SXT's in 146gr.

Same thing as the old Black talon loads.

[Bidah]

There are a number of good loading for the 9mm. One thing to do, besides the function check, is to see which one your pistol prefers. For instance, my CZ prefers 124gr loads, so that is what I use.

There are the Gold Dots, Winchester SXT's, and the Hornady Personal Defense loads. So far there appears to be good reports on the Corbon DPX's as well.

-Bidah

[akfanatic]

I run these when I carry the 9mm...

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=888798

Just my .02

[Mac's]

The choice of defensive ammo depends on a lot of variables. First and most important is reliabilty. If it's a defensive situation, you will probabaly not get a second chance so make sure that it runs right the first time.
The law enforcement use of +P+ ammo is not only for the extra power delivered to the target. It's also because the extra power will help to over-ride some (but not all!) mechanical problems with the handgun..Dirty, lack of proper lube, etc.
I know several shooters who have two sets of recoil springs for their primary handgun. A heavy one for play.. to reduce wear on the handgun and a lighter one for work...increased wear but more reliable. But remember: You will fight like you train!
Evaluate the types of defensive sitautions that you may find yourself in. Home...at night...on the road...in the booneys...apartment...etc. etc. Also evaluate potential distances involved. If you anticipate having to shoot thru metal drums or barn doors at your country home, then FMJ's are the way to go. However, if you live in an apartment with neighbors 4 inches away, then Glaser's may be a better choice.
Whatever you decide to load it with, do NOT use custom hand loaded ammo for defensive situations. (Unless it's TEOTWAWKI) It may be a totally justified shoot but it will still be investigated by the prosecutors office. Then the "poor victims" family will get involved...etc. etc. Having your pistol loaded with Glaser Safety Slugs will look a lot better for you than having it loaded with "Custom-loaded-super-extra-power-flesh-eating-bone-crushers".
Last, check out your local CCW courses. Many of them offer training on the legal aspects of self defense. Take the course even if you don't plan on getting the carry permit. Trust me! Common sense does not always apply when lawyers get involved in defensive shoots. Keep yer powder dry, Mac.
Tuff-Gun Finishes. The Name Says It All
Mac's Shootin' Irons
http://www.shootiniron.com

[MrGrey]

this is some interesting ammo but I have not tried it out yet. Very spendy stuff but if you have the money, it has possibilities.

extremshockusa.com

Look through the testimonials and some of the test results. Interesting pics.

I'm not sure I would want to shoot a wild 500 lbs boar with a 9mm but there you go.

I'm also not sure I would use a .220 swift for killing deer either but then there is the handicaped kid who did it, in spite of not being a great marksmen. Just read up and think about it. If some one tries it out let me know what you found. I'm still saving up for other things and this is further down my list so I won't be getting any anytime soon.

[MdlMkr 7.62]

The best stuff is whatever you have when you need it.

7.62

[Bidah]

I will add a little more thought here, but in the end it is just my opinion.

Bullets are designed for a certain range of velocities, and a certain amount of penetration, in this case the holy grail of 12 inches. If you look at the testing that has been done out there between bullet weights, speeds, and all that, you will notice something. They mostly penetrate to 12 inches. So that regular loading of 115gr, or the +P+ loading of 115gr penetrate to 12 inches.

Yes, there is the issue of the "knock down" power factor of +P over regular loadings, but IMNSHO, it is hogwash. Shot placement and the mindset of the attacker (or drug level and type) is the larger deciding factor. My opinion, so I can be proven wrong and I am free to change my mind at any time. :)

One thing to not overlook if you reload. Load up practice rounds that mimic the carry load that you are using so you can practice cheaper. If you use the GD, then buy some and load them up to match that ammo. Same for the DPX or the Hornady TAP. Heck, I load a cheaper ball round to the same specification, but I also know that mine will feed the HP reliably. If you practice with a standard loading, and then shoot your +P+ load, you may be in for quite a shock, at the wrong time.

I did not say this last time, but should have. Congratulations redbug on getting the 92FS. I hope that you are working steadily towards wearing it out and then rebuilding it or getting a new one. Beware of the man that has and uses only one. I am not one of those men as I am diseased. :)

-bidah