9 mm self defense ammo

[Hunter]

So what ammo are you using for 9mm self defense? I am getting ready to get some for my M669 and would like some opinions.

[Nframe]

Dom,

I always like Gold Dots. I keep them in my G19. I also have some Gold Sabers that have always fed reliably. I've never had to use them for defense other than against water filled milk jugs.

I'm guessing you will run a box or so through the 669 to insure proper operation .

[Hunter]

Thanks Chris, what grain are you using? I have a lot of FMJ 115g for practice and was thinking of getting 115g for PD, although I have been receiving recommendations for 147g. This is my first 9 mm pistol so i'm a newbie in that respect.

[Nframe]

Dom,


I use 'em all. I think my Gold Dots are all 115's though. They are a hot +p. Have fun with the experiment!

[s&wtoter]

I'm a Remington Golden Saber fan myself. I also like the Hornady Critical Defense. The bullet shape, with the steep angle, seems to load very reliably in even the most picky of my 9's.

[WendyZXZ]

The main loads we use for all calibers are and in no particular order except for availablility:

Corbon
Hydra Shok
Golden Saber
Gold Dot

[Erich]

I really like the short barrel +P 124-grain Gold Dots for my 3" guns - they give remarkable and remarkably consistent velocities. I also like the Gold Dot 147-grainers - again, remarkable shot-to-shot consistency. The bullets are held to be effective, but I've never seen one used in any of the shootings I've worked on.

In my 4" guns, I tend to use Winchster's 127-gr +P+ RA9TA loading. 1400 fps from my Sigma - that's cooking with gas!

[Hunter]

Thanks everyone, I am going to get the Hornady critical defense 115 grain to start, the the Gold Dots and Sabers.

[danc46]

I've heard lots of bad things about Hornady critical defense ammo. They supposedly used Russian primers that are really hard and as a result were having misfires.
I've very partial to the Gold Dots, 115 +Ps.
I've even got some Federal Hyra-shoks in 124 gr +P+ that are even better.
But the real truth is any good premium hollow point should perform well as self defense ammo.
Reliabilty and accuracy out of your gun are more important than terminal performance.
But it's nice when you can get it all in one good bullet!

[Hunter]

OK, I ordered some Rem Golden Sabers 124 grain to try out first, I'll let you know how they do.