9mm personal defense ammo

[Herb D]

Can anyone recommend personal defense ammo? I currently carry a Springfield XD mod 2 which shoots any ammo I run through it without a malfunction.
Thanks for your help.

[Hodgie]

In my extensive research into this subject which consisted of reading and watching a few Youtube channels who understand the proper testing protocols I came to the conclusion that Federal HST is or at least was at the time ( 3-4 years ago or so) the most consistent 9mm hollow point SD ammunition on the market.

I prefer the 124gr standard pressure load.



In all reality any LE issue 9mm Hollow point like Gold Dot's or Whinchester Ranger will get the job done. Another reason why I prefer the HST is it comes in 50 round box's and can be found for $20.00 per box which is rare of quality SD ammunition.

Of course my options are based on my own personal findings and like anything else in the world of guns are subjective.

[Twoboxer]

Nothing wrong with Federal HST.

Another good approach is to go down to your local WaWa and ask your cop(s) what ammo they use. Might well be HST, maybe in 40 cal.

I've always felt any quality personal defense round THAT I COULD SHOOT FREQUENTLY AND AS WELL AS OTHER AMMO would work fine. But I've also felt more comfortable answering the question "Why did you choose that ammo?" with "Because our local (or state) police use it.". Especially if asked in a legal situation.

[Hoppy]

I'm carrying Hornady Critical Defense 115 gr. but I'm going to check out Hodgie's recommendation on Federal HST since it comes in 50 rounds for about $20. My last box of Critical defense was about $24 for 20 rounds.

[Carnes]

In my extensive research into this subject which consisted of reading and watching a few Youtube channels who understand the proper testing protocols I came to the conclusion that Federal HST is or at least was at the time ( 3-4 years ago or so) the most consistent 9mm hollow point SD ammunition on the market.

I prefer the 124gr standard pressure load.

In all reality any LE issue 9mm Hollow point like Gold Dot's or Whinchester Ranger will get the job done. Another reason why I prefer the HST is it comes in 50 round box's and can be found for $20.00 per box which is rare of quality SD ammunition.

Of course my options are based on my own personal findings and like anything else in the world of guns are subjective.

I also did a good deal of research on the subject, and agree with the above 100%.

[Hodgie]

I also did a good deal of research on the subject, and agree with the above 100%.

I'm just wishing it was still $20.00 a box, I'm running low and would like to grab another 250 rounds but it seems the price has gone up to $30.00 a box most everywhere I look. I will still use it just be buying less of it.

[RockIsland]

I'm just wishing it was still $20.00 a box, I'm running low and would like to grab another 250 rounds but it seems the price has gone up to $30.00 a box most everywhere I look. I will still use it just be buying less of it.

I read your old $20 a box post with dismay. Rat bastards!

[marinville]

I have found this to be a helpful resource: https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/sel...sts/#standards

After reviewing the data there, I switched my 9mm carry load from gold dot 124gr +p to hst 124gr +p. Hornady loads tested there are consistently underwhelming, imo.

One thing about the lucky gunner tests is that they do not list values for energy foot pounds. I did my own calculations with their data and took that into my personal considerations as well.

[Hodgie]

I have found this to be a helpful resource: https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/sel...sts/#standards

After reviewing the data there, I switched my 9mm carry load from gold dot 124gr +p to hst 124gr +p. Hornady loads tested there are consistently underwhelming, imo.

One thing about the lucky gunner tests is that they do not list values for energy foot pounds. I did my own calculations with their data and took that into my personal considerations as well.

Hornady makes a great bullets but puts together mediocre loads. Other companies like Percision One get much better performance using Hornady bullets in their own loads.

[RockIsland]

I'll jump on the bandwagon. 124gr +P HST is my preferred carry round.

Can't go wrong with Speer Gold Dots or Remington Golden Sabers either.