Guys/Gals, which home/personal defense loads do you currently use in your SR9, and how did you arrive at your choice? Thanks, in advance, for your insight.
Horady critical defense. I want a bullet weight the same as what I practice. I also like the plastic in the end as there is no hole for lint and junk. Which ever one you choose make sure your weapon likes them. The SR9 is pretty forgiving about ammo. Hope I never have to use them.
I like Speer Gold Dot 124 grain +P I keep them for a few months then send them down range and load new ones into the magazines.
After studying Lucky Gunner's 9mm Handgun Self-Defense Ammunition Ballistics Test (using < 4-inch barrels) and watching TNOUTDOORS9's ballistic tests on YouTube (using 4-inch barrel), I've chosen Federal HST 124g JHP as my primary defense load, and Speer Gold Dot 124g JHP as my secondary defense load. My training load is now Federal 124g FMJ.
For all of my semiautomatic pistols, I too use the 124gr HST as my EDC ammo . During training, I shoot four magazines of it; two mags half point shooting and two mags front sight shooting. During regular training drills I shoot 300 rounds of S&B 124gr FMJ. I also use this ammo for recreational shooting.
Federal HST’s are the way to go! They work, they are available, and if you shop online you can buy boxes of 50 for less than $20.
My Pops carries a SR9c, I carry an LC9s, and we both use Hornady 115 gr Critical Defense. It doesn't expand the most, but it expands very reliably. Side note: When Pops goes south for the winter he stays in a trailer court and loads up with Federal Guard Dog, to limit penetration through those thin trailer walls... I've been known to use 124 gr Starfire or plain old Winchester hollowpoints too.
