124gr vs 147gr in 9mm

[vicious_cb]

What the pros and cons of each bullet weight in 9mm. Specifically Im comparing the Gold Dot line but any generalizations are welcome.

[wahoo95]

I prefer 147gr in 9mm because I like heavy bullets. I'd feel comfortable carrying either as they are both effective and the recipient wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

Gold Dot is a good bullet, however I prefer more expanision.

[Entropy]

124gr: It's higher velocity, so it tends to penetration hard barriers such as steel better due to its greater impact energy. I've also noticed that it tends to dig into rounded or angled substances better. A good real life example would be impacting the skull at a less than ideal angle. Lastly, it lightens your carry weight a tad.

147gr: It has higher sectional density and momentum. This allows it to penetrate more deeply into cushioning substances such as tissue, wood, a sofa.....etc. It also tends to retain its energy better after punching through a barrier.

Personally, I like 124gr+P the best. I think it makes a better overall general use cartridge. It's had great success with a number of agencies that shoot people a lot.

[Heavy Metal]

I am a big fan of the 124gr loads in 9mm.

I wonder is the 147's would come into their own in a .357 Sig?

[DocGKR]

Every projectile is different--I prefer the HST and SXT in 147 gr, but like the Gold Dot in 124 gr +P; its all about how the projectile performs, not any specific magic bullet weight or velocity.

[M4Fundi]

I would be happy with either. If I recall some Federal Agencies went to the 147gr because they wanted guaranteed deeper penetration in soft tissue. A buddy of mine is a Fed that gets the Win Ranger T 147gr issued. I use the Win Ranger T 147gr because 147gr has always shot more accurately and to POA in Hi-Powers (for me) than any other weight even tho I believe JMB designed the P35 to be used with a 124gr slug... go figure You might see what your gun likes

[RyanB]

Which is appropriate for a Kahr P9? I have Winchester and HST 147s and could get gold dots without trouble.

Not gonna try the 127s in the Kahr again. Too much for such a little gun.

[tpd223]

We've used the 124gr +P GD for many years on my job, to very good effect.



In the Kahr I'd pick any of the above that was the most reliable.

I'd carry any of the recommended duty loads from Doc's list without losing any sleep over the choice.

[Jake'sDad]

I'd carry any of the recommended duty loads from Doc's list without losing any sleep over the choice.

Ditto. We're very fortunate that there are several very good 9 loads to choose from now. I still love my .45's, but every time I see a gelatin shoot with today's better loads, the differences in performance become less and less distinct. As far as .40, I can't figure out why anybody would choose one today.

[DocGKR]

If I needed a handgun for LE Patrol duties, 15 + 1 rounds of barrier capable 180 gr JHP in a compact size package like an M&P40 is quite compelling...