127g +P+ Talon, or something less?

[Apollo11]

I apologize if this topic has been covered, however I have searched and cannot find many answers. I have read the section about Handgun Ammo in the Terminal Ballistics section and found it to be quite informative.

When I asked Glock about the 9mm 127g +P+ ammo, they said they do not rate their guns to handle any ammo outside of the SAMMI or NATO pressure spec's. Winchester states that their +P+ is not made to any SAMMI or NATO spec. Winchester also stated that they make tons of the +P+ for agency use.

Shooting this ammo seams risky to me, but I do understand that there are a lot of LE agencies that carry this round, and shoot it out of their guns on a limited basis (when the duty ammo needs to be replaced). I feel silly asking this with what I just stated, but am I risking anything shooting this through a Glock? Are we talking about more wear on the frame/springs; or risking a failure of the gun (ka-boom)?

Other ammo considered is 147g Ranger, 124+P Ranger or GD's. I understand there is no magic bullet, but I don't want to risk compromising safety/durability for a few f/s's gained.

Your thoughts are much appreciated.

[gunnut284]

That is my issued duty load and is fine for use in Glocks. Unless you are the Sultan of Brunei you can't afford enough to wear out your Glock 9mm.

[operator81]

The Glock will handle the 127 grain +p+ just fine. Consider for a moment that the 9mm Glocks share the same frame and recoil springs as the .40 and 357 Sig Glocks, both of which are standing up to the recoil just fine.

Both the 127 grain +p+ and 147 grain in the Ranger T line are great rounds. FWIW, I carry the 127s in my Glock 19 off duty and the 147s in my Glock 34 on duty. I find the 147s to be easier to shoot quickly as they are softer shooting, and from the tests I've seen, terminal performance is similar with the 147s having an edge in penetration.

So yes, you can safely shoot the 127 gr +p+ to your delight in your Glock. Also take a look at the Speer Gold Dot 124 gr +p and 147 grain, as well as the Federal HST line. Any of the 3 are solid performers.

[skyugo]

isn't 9mm NATO very high pressure? +P+ and NATO are a "different" spec, but i believe the NATO spec is quite generous.

[tpd223]

I've shot hundreds of rounds of 127gr through my Glocks, never had an issue. I'm not the only person to do so.

That being said, confidence if you choice of pistol and ammo is important, if it bothers you then make another pick from Doc's list.

FWIW, on my job we've found the 124gr +P Gold Dot and Ranger-T to be very effective.

The 147gr Ranger-T and HST is also proving to be an excellent choice.

[trio]

go with the 147 grain HSTs, Rangers/PDX1, or Gold Dots...

their performance is equivalent (with the 147s penetrating better for the most part, especially through more complicated mediums), and the 147s are easier on your gun and your wrists...plus you'll probably find you're quicker on followups with the non +p+ ammo...

[Dragon Slayer]

Glocks function even better with hotter rounds. I have always carried the Ranger RA9TA 127+P+ and still do in my Glock 26 and 19.The other round I like is the Speer Gold Dot 124+P.

[Assy Mcgee]

I apologize if this topic has been covered, however I have searched and cannot find many answers. I have read the section about Handgun Ammo in the Terminal Ballistics section and found it to be quite informative.

When I asked Glock about the 9mm 127g +P+ ammo, they said they do not rate their guns to handle any ammo outside of the SAMMI or NATO pressure spec's. Winchester states that their +P+ is not made to any SAMMI or NATO spec. Winchester also stated that they make tons of the +P+ for agency use.

Shooting this ammo seams risky to me, but I do understand that there are a lot of LE agencies that carry this round, and shoot it out of their guns on a limited basis (when the duty ammo needs to be replaced). I feel silly asking this with what I just stated, but am I risking anything shooting this through a Glock? Are we talking about more wear on the frame/springs; or risking a failure of the gun (ka-boom)?

Other ammo considered is 147g Ranger, 124+P Ranger or GD's. I understand there is no magic bullet, but I don't want to risk compromising safety/durability for a few f/s's gained.

Your thoughts are much appreciated.

you can shoot as much +p and +P+ in your glock as you like, and still not wear the gun out in your lifetime.

ranger is good stuff, HST is even better, but hard to find.

if i can't find HST, or ranger, i like PDX1 bonded 124grn +p.

[ChicagoTex]

you can shoot as much +p and +P+ in your glock as you like, and still not wear the gun out in your lifetime.

+P yes.

+P+ maybe not. The problem with the +P+ classification, and why Glock categorically discourages the use of +P+ ammunition is because +P+ is outside classification.

The 127gr +P+ Talons you're referring to are only a little higher pressure than standard +P ammunition and are therefore safe for use in most modern service 9mm handguns, but there also exists 9mm ammunition designed ONLY for submachineguns that is MUCH higher pressure and is absolutely not safe to fire in any handgun; these too will say +P+.

Basically, +P+ means Caveat Emptor: know what you're shooting before you shoot it, or you may very well blow up your gun.

[Alien]

If you can find Federal HST 147gr rounds (P9HST2), then GET them. From all the reading I've done and demonstrations I've seen, they are probably the best thing going in 9mm self defense ammo. However it seems to be extremely difficult to come by, and consequently I have no idea where to find any. I opted instead to go with Winchester Ranger T-Series 147gr (RA9T), which is supposed to be another top tier loading, and for years many regarded as the best stuff out there. It is comparable to the HST round. Of course, I'm just another guy on the internet so...

However, all of the following pistol loads listed below have been personally tested and vetted by Dr. Roberts. THEY ARE NOT IN ORDER OF PERFORMANCE, SO ANY BULLET ON THE LIST IS CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE.

9mm
Barnes XPB 115gr HP (35515) loaded by Cor-Bon (DPX09115)
Winchester Partition Gold 124gr JHP (RA91P)
Winchester Ranger-T 124 gr +P JHP (RA9124TP)
Winchester Ranger-T 127gr JHP +P+ (RA9TA)
Winchester Ranger-T 147gr JHP (RA9T)
Winchester Bonded 147gr JHP (RA9B/Q4364)
Speer Gold Dot 124gr JHP +P (53617)
Speer Gold Dot 147gr JHP (53619)
Remington Golden Saber 147gr JHP (GS9MMC)
Federal Tactical 124gr JHP (LE9T1)
Federal Tactical 135gr JHP +P (LE9T5)
Federal HST 147gr JHP (P9HST2)