9 mm selection.......

[jmoore]

I've been really enjoying the "Replacing all my handguns with one system - help me out" thread. I've done that already, and after a lifetime of 1911 use, I've settled on the Glock 17 as the weapon I will train with and "carry" from here on out. (I say "carry" as I live in the Republic of Illinois, so my "carry" is restricted to having a Condition 4 weapon in the console of my truck.)

I'm now at the point of settling on ammo, sort of an extension of the one man - one gun - one ammo theory:) I've read all the sticky posts, as well as tons of other articles and reports. (and on the rare occasion of it working, I've looked up a lot using the search function here on the list:) Also - I teach Forensic Science in a Criminal Justice program, so I'm a little ahead of the curve in the terms of my understanding of terminal ballistics.

I can say that I won't be selecting 115 gr ammo, and won't be selecting +P or +P+ ammo. What I would very much appreciate from the folks here is YOUR reason behind why YOU chose either 124 gr or 147 gr ammo. FWIW - I'm leaning heavily towards the 147s - as you might expect coming from the 230 gr world of a 1911 shooter.

Again - any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

Back to see if I can get the search function to show me some love:)

john

PS – If you are at all interested in the world of Forensics – especially as related to “bones” – check out the following: http://natsci.parkland.edu/ise/bones-R-us/

[Glock17JHP]

Even though you say you have already settled on a Glock 17... if you have not yet made the actual purchase, check out the Glock 19 side-by-side with the Glock 17. You might like the Glock 19 better, like I do (I have had both).

I like the 147 grain 9mm JHP. I specifically prefer the Winchester Ranger (RA9T), and this is because I not only like the terminal performance best as compared to the other 147 grain offerings, I prefer it for the lower recoil compared to the other 147 grain offerings, too. Also, the RA9T seemed to have lower flash in my tests, too.

So... I prefer the 147 grain JHP due to the terminal performance AND the lower recoil and flash, too.

Winchester Ranger RA9T...

[QuietShootr]

I use Winchester 127gr +P+ Ranger, because I believe it displays the mix of characteristics that I want in a 9mm. Which is to say, it is hot and functions well, it's accurate, waterproofed, and has excellent terminal ballistics to boot.

[JR TACTICAL]

Im a little confused, when you say "one ammo" are you only going to buy this pirticular kind of ammo for plinking only or is this going to be for defense and plinking and kind of an all purpose round?

[jmoore]

Im a little confused, when you say "one ammo" are you only going to buy this pirticular kind of ammo for plinking only or is this going to be for defense and plinking and kind of an all purpose round?

Clarification: I'm looking to use one ammo weight for SD/HD purposes. The company where I purchase remanufactured ammo (I don't reload) also makes 124 & 147 loads, so even the practice/plinking ammo will still be the same weight. Having said that, yes, I AM sort of looking for an all-around choice. Statistically, it would most likely be used on unprotected bad guys. OTOH - as we can't ever predict anything, would there be a possibilty of use on animals, vehicles, or whatever? Yes - hence the desire "all-around" capabilities. SD would be a brand name jhp, whereas the practice would simply be fmj of the same weight.

Reality check: In the big picture, I don't know how much this really matters. Lets just say that after 4 decades of shooting 230 gr out on my 45s, I've gotten pretty damn good at hitting at distance. Why? - I "know" that load. I'd like to develop that same familiarity with a 9mm load now.

Reality check 2: What are the chances I would ever need that abilty in a real world scenario????? Well, here's a snowball, and here is hell.....

Reality check 3: Wait a minute! The way the country and the planet are going - please ignore reality check 2:)

john

[chapperjoe]

I'm lucky in that I have one choice.
I get good prices on 124gr +p gold dots.

[Fail-Safe]

I like the 147gr Winchester Ranger Talon (RA9T).

I have shot stuff with it. Feral hogs (2), bags of water, bags of water with denim in front, car doors, and even a windshield. Penetration and expansion is always goodly. I have had this round expand at very low velocities in bags of water.

I find that it is a very accurate round. It is very reliable, every 9mm pistol I own/owned eats it up. Follow ups are faster. There is a noticeable lack of muzzle flash.

I guess it doesnt hurt that its my local PDs round of choice.

I got a bunch of it at very good price points. VERY good.

[alank2]

Hi,

I'm going to throw my vote in for 147gr. If you are already a heavy and slow guy (230gr), then you will feel right at home with the 147gr and its type of recoil impulse. RA9T is good stuff.

Good luck,

Alan

[Tennvol12345]

Amazing how often these threads come up and just go around in circles. Check Doc Roberts list and go from there.

[Glock17JHP]

jmoore,
You are getting very sound advice here. The loads mentioned here thus far are all good ones (they are all on Doc's list), and should be totally reliable out of a Glock 17/19/26 in good condition.

As some have said, if you are a 'heavy/slow' guy, go for the 147 grain JHP's. (Choose one from Doc's list)

As far as plinking/practice, I like the Winchester USA 147 grain JHP (USA9JHP2). It has been 100% reliable from my Glocks, and shoots to about the same POA as RA9T.

As far as other critters besides BG's... the 147 grain JHP's should work well on pretty much any BG-sized critter, including: cougars/mountain lions and coyotes. What critters would you typically encounter there in Illinois (besides BG's)?