My belief is the 127 gr. load would be tough to beat. If it was reassuringly accurate and 100% reliable in my pistol I would carry it and not look back.
Winter Ammo: Light or Heavy 9mm?
Gents,
Well, Oregon winter is on the way. Tempuratures are dropping, clouds and rain are on the way. It's Oregon, don't like the weather wait five minutes!
The mode of dress is changing with the rain and cold, too. I'm not saying that folks are dressing like Nanuck of the North, but heavy jackets and rain gear will be the norm for the next six months. Stage set.
Given the above scenario what would you use in a 9mm, 115-124 Gr. or 147 grain heavyweights and why?
My gut instinct has always been to reach for the heavier 147 grain bullets. Probably because 230's are what's used in my .45's. Thus a mental "mind-set" that heavier is better. However, now I'm not sure it matters, as many of the lighter bullets expand and penetrate enough to meet requirements and work well against barriers.
A particular comparison would be the Winchester 127 Gr. +P+ vs thier 147 Gr. standard pressure offering in the Ranger LE line.
My gut reaction is to split the difference between light and heavy and stick with the 127 gr. load. Your thoughts?
Wes
Well, Oregon winter is on the way. Tempuratures are dropping, clouds and rain are on the way. It's Oregon, don't like the weather wait five minutes!
The mode of dress is changing with the rain and cold, too. I'm not saying that folks are dressing like Nanuck of the North, but heavy jackets and rain gear will be the norm for the next six months. Stage set.
Given the above scenario what would you use in a 9mm, 115-124 Gr. or 147 grain heavyweights and why?
My gut instinct has always been to reach for the heavier 147 grain bullets. Probably because 230's are what's used in my .45's. Thus a mental "mind-set" that heavier is better. However, now I'm not sure it matters, as many of the lighter bullets expand and penetrate enough to meet requirements and work well against barriers.
A particular comparison would be the Winchester 127 Gr. +P+ vs thier 147 Gr. standard pressure offering in the Ranger LE line.
My gut reaction is to split the difference between light and heavy and stick with the 127 gr. load. Your thoughts?
Wes
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
147 grain loads - with the heavy overclothes, I'd want penetration over expansion.
Howdy Mr. Wes,
If your gut says to go with the 127gr, then that is what I would suggest. Over they years I have carried many pistols loaded with various 115gr JHP rounds, as they were my issued loads. I did not feel underarmed with them. But like you, I tend to prefer sort of splitting the difference between light and heavy, and try to end up somewhere in the middle with the 9mm round. When I have a choice I opt for 124 gr JHP, either the Gold Dot or some other respected brand. I have carried the Winchester Ranger 147 JHP in the past when it was issued and did not feel I was poorly armed either. But again, give me the choice and I try to split the difference. Especially as you noted, there have been some improvement in round performance in several brands now compared to days of old.
To me your gut reaction to go with the Winchester 127 JHP load makes a lot of sense. Just my thoughts, and others may offer different choices which is fine.
twoguns
If your gut says to go with the 127gr, then that is what I would suggest. Over they years I have carried many pistols loaded with various 115gr JHP rounds, as they were my issued loads. I did not feel underarmed with them. But like you, I tend to prefer sort of splitting the difference between light and heavy, and try to end up somewhere in the middle with the 9mm round. When I have a choice I opt for 124 gr JHP, either the Gold Dot or some other respected brand. I have carried the Winchester Ranger 147 JHP in the past when it was issued and did not feel I was poorly armed either. But again, give me the choice and I try to split the difference. Especially as you noted, there have been some improvement in round performance in several brands now compared to days of old.
To me your gut reaction to go with the Winchester 127 JHP load makes a lot of sense. Just my thoughts, and others may offer different choices which is fine.
twoguns
Put me down for the 127 +P+ WIN loading.
Well said, gents. Another good one you might like to consider is the Winchester Ranger LE +P 124 grain T-Series. RA9124TP. My best friend is in homeland security for our county and recommended it to me as an excellent choice. I've used the Ranger LE ammo since our Department adopted the .40 back in '91 and have always found it to be very credible defensive ammo. I'm sure the 9mm meets the same standard.
So I bought three boxes of it for $20 per box (50 rounds) from Jerry Kirkpatrick down in Sarasota, Florida. His info is in the thread about Affordable JHP's for SD a few threads down the page. Best to all,
Jerry
So I bought three boxes of it for $20 per box (50 rounds) from Jerry Kirkpatrick down in Sarasota, Florida. His info is in the thread about Affordable JHP's for SD a few threads down the page. Best to all,
Jerry
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Handguns and Ammunition Forum
A forum community dedicated to handgun owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about optics, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Recommended Communities
