CCW Ammo Question

[Achilles11B]

I couldn't really decide if this would be better in the Semi Auto Handgun section or this one, please move this if necessary.

I recently got my concealed-carry permit and am researching ammunition. I work as a courier and plan on using a Glock 17 for both work and concealed-carry. I have ran about 200 rounds of Winchester 115gr FMJ through it and so far, so good. I have the mentality of 'train as you fight' so my line of thought is that I should be looking at 115gr HP ammo for carry ammo. However, the 115gr HP offerings are few and I read good things about other defensive loads and I wonder if practicing and training with one bullet weight and using a different load, such as the various 124gr, 147gr and the +p loads, would be worth the differences in POA/POI vs. the 115gr stuff. Any guidance from the more experienced of you guys out there would be appreciated. Thank you.

[El Cid]

In the broad scope, ammo selection is probably the least important factor. Buy quality from a reputable manufacturer and practice. Make sure it runs in your gun and know where the POI is in relation to the POA.

That said, stick with a bonded JHP or a solid copper HP. My recommendations would be one of the Barnes X loadings (Corbon DPX, Barnes TAC-XPD, or Asym), or the Winchester 147gr bonded Ranger.

[TACTICAL45]

EL Cid gave good info., I would also say keep in mind of the type of bullet you use. Basic rule of thumb is HP's are for defense, FMJ's are for penetration.
(i.e.) HP's are for hitting the target, expanding and causing as much trauma as possible without (hopefully) exiting. Remember, you have to think of what or who is behind your intended target. FMJ's are more of a offensive round made to hit the intended target and pass through.

As far as what grain, that is up to you, it's a all in one scope to keep in mind:
1) What has the most power that you can control the best (recoil/back on target) check with the maker of your weapon to see what the highest recommended pressure/load you can safely use, not all are made the same.
2) Do some research and see if your weapon will chamber HP's correctly, might have to have the ramp polished or worked.
3) Yes, definitely practice and practice often with what you intend on carrying, that way there is no difference should the day come. (other than heart rate, tunnel vision and other parameters) Look for a place that offers a class that introduces such things.

These are just some guidelines to take in to consideration, not the end all by any means.
Good luck, stay safe.

[oldtexan]

Achilles11B, private message sent to you.

[Achilles11B]

I appreciate the feedback from everyone. I know the majority of the equation is training but I wanted to cover all my bases. Thanks again.

[MegademiC]

I train with the cheapest stuff I can find. I function test my carry ammo and ensure poi is where it should be, and accuracy is what is should be. The difference in recoil characteristics and poi between different ammo is not enough to worry about training with expensive ammo, and DEFINATELY not worth carrying crappy ammo for, IMO.

[Whamonkey]

Federal HST 124+P for me in a G19. Excellent penetration, expansion and kinetic energy into target, manageable recoil for follow up.

I run Speer Gold Dot 147 in my M&P 9. Highly recommend either round for EDC.

Glocks are rated for +P ammunition, BTW. 115g is unacceptable for carry ammo in my opinion. Fine for punching paper but that's all.

[El Cid]

BTW. 115g is unacceptable for carry ammo in my opinion. Fine for punching paper but that's all.

Not entirely accurate. While the trend has been towards heavier 9mm bullets, the Barnes X bullet is an outstanding performer in testing and actual shootings. It's a 115gr in the 9mm loading. In fact, in a recent Pannone vehicle class while shooting out of the windshield I got all four hits (2 head, 2 body) with the Corbon DPX load in 9mm. Most LEO's got few if any hits with handguns (of varying caliber, ammo).

[Whamonkey]

Not entirely accurate. While the trend has been towards heavier 9mm bullets, the Barnes X bullet is an outstanding performer in testing and actual shootings. It's a 115gr in the 9mm loading. In fact, in a recent Pannone vehicle class while shooting out of the windshield I got all four hits (2 head, 2 body) with the Corbon DPX load in 9mm. Most LEO's got few if any hits with handguns (of varying caliber, ammo).

Very interesting results....would not have predicted that outcome. Thanks for the reply

[ST911]

The 115gr Barnes TAC-XP bullet loaded by BHA and Corbon (DPX) has done very well in gel testing. Both in service length and short CCW barrels. It's OAL and profile are also noted in feed reliability, even in some guns that can be wonky.