What Ammunition to Carry?

[3Hummers]

Jeff,

Richard Mann did the testing and published the article in the September issue of The American Rifleman. He tested 23 different manufacturers/loads in 9mm and published the results. He tested 100 different samples in multiple calibers. The average stats for the 9mm rounds were 1168 fps ( vel @ 10' ), 14.3 inches of penetration and an EF of 1.57. The Corbon DPX beat the average on velocity and penetration but was below the average of the 23 tested samples on EF.

 

[Major Tom]

Colt Trooper 357 mag 6" barrel with 158gr JHP

 

[deserth3]

John,

In 9mm, it's hard to beat Corbon DPX. Solid copper Barnes bullet... Consistent expansion, the +P numbers are impressive.

If recoil is the issue, the personal defense line by Corbon is dependable.

The DPX is expensive... and worth every cent if you ever need it. Obviously, you won't want to practice with it.

Thanks Rugged. I'll get those next time when it's time to rotate the ammo.

Right now I'm loaded with Remington Golden Saber 147gr. No real reason I picked it. Just got the heaviest brand name bullet I could find.
My XD's like it and the few rounds I've put through them have been in the center of the paper.

 

[RuggedH2]

Jeff,

Richard Mann did the testing and published the article in the September issue of The American Rifleman. He tested 23 different manufacturers/loads in 9mm and published the results. He tested 100 different samples in multiple calibers. The average stats for the 9mm rounds were 1168 fps ( vel @ 10' ), 14.3 inches of penetration and an EF of 1.57. The Corbon DPX beat the average on velocity and penetration but was below the average of the 23 tested samples on EF.

Cool. The biggest factor to consider IMO is always permanent wound cavity. Human tissue consists of different densities and bone. Ballistics gelatin offers part of a picture.

Edit*

The solid copper Barnes bullet also provides consistent expansion through all kinds of different media, and retains it's mass. I've seen too many bonded copper jackets separate from the lead core or come apart completely, as happens with many non bonded hollow points. I've also seen too may hollow points not expand at all when plugged with denim, wood or other media... not to mention what happens to them through glass, especially windshields.

Hell, there is no such thing as an automatic one shot stop with a handgun. Good training and accuracy will always trump everything else.

 

[DJinCO]

I agree with the comment that the best ammo is the kind that you can shoot accurately over and over. It really doesn't make sense to shoot one round and then drop the gun from the recoil.

 

[WarMongur]

John, try the Sig P238. Single action only, nicely built though pricey for such a small gun.

LOL .... ALL Sig's are pricey and nicely built

I also have the Hornady Critical Defense in my primary mag ... FMJ's are not a round I'm comfortable with when it comes to home defense for several reasons. Now out on the streets, FMJ all the way in case I need to shoot through a car

 

[3Hummers]

Yeah but every Sig I have had was a tack driver out of the box.

 

[MaxPF]

My 9 is still loaded with ancient 124gr. +P Cor-Bon ammo (probably 6 years old now). I need to load some new ammo for it, obviously. In every test I have ever seen 124gr. is the optimum weight for 9mm hollow points. 115's reliably expand but have less penetration, while the slower 147's often fail to fully expand and thus over penetrate. In .357 mag and .45ACP I have handloads stuffed with Gold Dot projectiles (125gr in .357, 230gr in .45ACP). I will probably handload Gold Dots in nickel plated Starline brass for the 9mm, probably with Alliant Power Pistol powder since I already have plenty. Hornady XTPs also make good bullets for defensive ammo. My reason for handloading is purely economic - I can load 5 times the ammo for the same price as factory stuff. That lets me thoroughly test the feeding of the ammo in each of my magazines without spending a fortune.

 

[3Hummers]

I really need to get my Dillon set back up. Age doesn't hurt your ammo much if it has been kept away from moisture, which in AZ shouldn't be too hard.

 

[deserth3]

I change my ammo out once a year. Figure it hasn't been in a controled environment. So better safe than sorry.

I took a look at the P938. Nice gun, but XD has spoiled me. I like the safety in the back strap and on the trigger. Guess I'll have to wait for the XDs to come out in 9mil for a thinner gun.

 

[f5moab]

No one mentioned Winchester PDX1?
http://www.shootingillustrated.com/index.php/664/winchester-bonded-pdx1/

It's all I carry in my handguns (except for the 300 gr flat nose Cor-bon I carry in the 44 mag)

 

[WarMongur]

The FNX-9 looks like it might be pretty nice. I'll take the FN-57 any day.

I'll always like the Beretta M9 too.

Anyways, back to ammo.

I just shot 100 rounds of military issue .45 that is 50-60 years old ... without a single issue Thou I admit I was a bit nervous for the first 5 rounds :giggle:

Riflegear has a pretty good deal for you Desert:

Springfield XD-9 Essential Package

Regular Price: $499.00 Our Price: $409.00

In stock

 

[deserth3]

Riflegear has a pretty good deal for you Desert:

Springfield XD-9 Essential Package

Regular Price: $499.00 Our Price: $409.00

In stock

Thanks. But I already own the XD9 Service model and the XD9 Sub Compact. Both are great weapons. But the double stack hand grip sometime makes it obvious you're carrying. The XDs in 9mm would be a great addition to the family.
I will admit I'm still considering the Sig P938. Depends on how much patience I have. Which I'm not well known for.:giggle:

 

[MaxPF]

I change my ammo out once a year. Figure it hasn't been in a controled environment. So better safe than sorry.

I took a look at the P938. Nice gun, but XD has spoiled me. I like the safety in the back strap and on the trigger. Guess I'll have to wait for the XDs to come out in 9mil for a thinner gun.

Huh? XD's are made in 9mm. Do you mean a single stack 9mm?

Maybe it's me, but I don't have an issue concealing a full-size 1911, let alone my 4" 9mm XD. A pocket gun would be nice to have, and I will probably get one someday, but I don't find it necessary for concealed carry.

 

[deserth3]

Huh? XD's are made in 9mm. Do you mean a single stack 9mm?

Maybe it's me, but I don't have an issue concealing a full-size 1911, let alone my 4" 9mm XD. A pocket gun would be nice to have, and I will probably get one someday, but I don't find it necessary for concealed carry.

Maybe it's just me being self concious. It just feels like the XD prints when wearing a T-shirt.
The single stack XD is made in 45 only right now. I tried one. Shoots great, but just didn't work for me. Springfield says they are releasing the 9mm single stack this fall.

 

[deserth3]

OK, It's Alrocks fault. You just had to point me to the Sig P936.
Well I picked up this today. The P938 Alluminum.

Range report...
Fired 150 rounds through it today. 100 WWB 115 gr, and 50 124gr Blazer. No failures. Gun worked flawless.
Magazine is rough to load for range use. If you don't have a magazine loader get one.
Check your handle screws and lock tight them before your first range visit. I lost 2. Good part Sig Sauer is sending me replacements at no charge.
Recoil is a little more than the XD9sc but is managable. At 7 yards I was getting some pretty decent groupings. Par if not a little better than the XD.
Over all thi sgun is a keeper.

 

[RuggedH2]

OK, It's Alrocks fault. You just had to point me to the Sig P936.
Well I picked up this today. The P938 Aluminum.
View attachment 6860

Nice John. That's a cool little concealed carry gun.

 

[alrock]

I'll happily take that blame! I probably shoulda warned you about the sharp edges on the magazine too, but it's Bigunit's fault for failing to warn you about the grip screws.

I could see me selling my P238 to get that P938.

 

[Bigunit]

Opps, sorry deserth3, I should've mentioned the grip screws coming loose and falling out! :emb: The good news is that if you ever need any extra ones, just let me know, I've got some!

BTW, very nice gun - I like it ALOT! :cheers:

 

[deserth3]

I'll happily take that blame! I probably shoulda warned you about the sharp edges on the magazine too, but it's Bigunit's fault for failing to warn you about the grip screws.

I could see me selling my P238 to get that P938.

I think you'd like one. Ammunition is about 1/3 cheaper around here. I paid $40 for 100 WWB .380 and $27 for 100 WWB in 9mm.
From what I've read the p938 may fit in you p238 leather holster.

The mag did bite me when putting it into the weapon. Got a blood blister on the palm of my hand. It may be because the hand grip shifted.:whaa:

 

[deserth3]

Opps, sorry deserth3, I should've mentioned the grip screws coming loose and falling out! :emb: The good news is that if you ever need any extra ones, just let me know, I've got some!

BTW, very nice gun - I like it ALOT! :cheers:

I'm good Sig Sauer took care of me. I'll lock tight them first thing when they arrive.

 

[bigbadt]

The FNX-9 looks like it might be pretty nice. I'll take the FN-57 any day.

I'll always like the Beretta M9 too.

Anyways, back to ammo.

I just shot 100 rounds of military issue .45 that is 50-60 years old ... without a single issue Thou I admit I was a bit nervous for the first 5 rounds :giggle:

Riflegear has a pretty good deal for you Desert:

Springfield XD-9 Essential Package

Regular Price: $499.00 Our Price: $409.00

In stock

I agree a 100% on the FN 5.7 , I own 100+ guns and the FN 5.7 with Hollow point is a beaut ! Little kick but major stopping power !

 

[alrock]

Shot a few rounds with the new Springfield XDS 45 - single stack, 5+1, pocket .45. As you might expect, that thing has a kick! I was able to place my shots nicely but simply had no desire to pick up that gun again after a couple of turns with it.

Might've even had a little personal breakthrough today on the range as I finally figured out my trigger finger and wasn't pushing my shots left on both my .40s and my .380 - okay not as far left as before. More work to do!

 

[Green 1]

Shot a few rounds with the new Springfield XDS 45 - single stack, 5+1, pocket .45. As you might expect, that thing has a kick! I was able to place my shots nicely but simply had no desire to pick up that gun again after a couple of turns with it.

Might've even had a little personal breakthrough today on the range as I finally figured out my trigger finger and wasn't pushing my shots left on both my .40s and my .380 - okay not as far left as before. More work to do!

I was shooting everyday and now it has been 3 months. I probabaly can't hit the broad side of a barn now.

 

[deserth3]

I've tried the XDs too. Nice gun and I like the idea of having something that matches my other XD9's. But I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with it. And the handle seemed too agressive to me too.
But I'll check it out again whenever they come out with the 9mm version. The Croatians make a pretty decent and reliable weapon and I like the idea of the passive double safety.

My P938 is in with the Gunsmith. The magazine is sometimes hitting the mag release, preventing it from being inserted. Good time for it to happen. I didn't like the holster I was using and the one I have being made isn't done yet.