3" Inch 9mm Carry Loads?

[Eda]

Generally speaking the 147gr will lose less velocity than the lighter but faster loads when the barrel gets shorter. I use the 147gr +P HST for my 9mm handguns, regardless of barrel length. Once the +P version runs out (I think they stopped making them) I have the standard pressure 147gr HST's as next-in-line.

I remember back in the 90's and early 2000's when 9mm 147gr loads flat-out sucked. With the advancements in bullet technology, IMHO the 147gr is the way to go. HST's and Ranger's have the weight and sectional density to penetrate deeply yet still expand well. The best of both worlds. Then you factor in less recoil (not as "snappy") and it's win-win.

federal recently changed the design of the 147gr HST, and the new lots are seeming to have expansion issues in real life shootings

the 124 and 124gr +p HST are the new gold standard

[Eda]

Generally speaking the 147gr will lose less velocity than the lighter but faster loads when the barrel gets shorter. I use the 147gr +P HST for my 9mm handguns, regardless of barrel length. Once the +P version runs out (I think they stopped making them) I have the standard pressure 147gr HST's as next-in-line.

I remember back in the 90's and early 2000's when 9mm 147gr loads flat-out sucked. With the advancements in bullet technology, IMHO the 147gr is the way to go. HST's and Ranger's have the weight and sectional density to penetrate deeply yet still expand well. The best of both worlds. Then you factor in less recoil (not as "snappy") and it's win-win.

federal recently changed the design of the 147gr HST, and the new lots are seeming to have expansion issues in real life shootings

the 124 and 124gr +p HST are the new gold standard

[Ron3]

I ordered some to try out myself. (68 gr +P) Will chronograph from my HKP30SK 3.3 inch and Beretta Cx4 16 inch & report back.

I tried out the Underwood Defense 68 gr +p ammo.
No over pressure signs. Fed fine through the HK P30SK.

I ran ten rounds over my Pro Chrony at about 10-15 ft. It was about 65 degrees.

High: 1749
Low: 1707
Avg: 1726
ES: 42
Sd: 14

Pretty damn good, huh!?

Point of impact didnt seem to be any different than 124 gr fmj ammo. Hows that? I dunno. Accuracy was fine. Recoil & blast not notable.

Edit:

Oh, I tried to feed some through my new AP-5. Nah, it fed a couple and chocked on a couple more. I expect my CX4 carbine to feed them fine.

But the four I measured through the 9 in? Barrel were just over 2000 fps. Nice.

The AP5 ran perfectly on fmj and 147 gr Fiocchi JHP. Even Win USA white box.

[MegademiC]

Gold dot 147gr
Hst 147 gr

[Ron3]

Of the Ranger line, which is best for a 3-3.3 in barrel: 147 gr RA9T or 127 gr +p+ RA9TA?

Will the 147 gr RA9T expand from such a short barrel?

[1168]

Of the Ranger line, which is best for a 3-3.3 in barrel: 147 gr RA9T or 127 gr +p+ RA9TA?

Will the 147 gr RA9T expand from such a short barrel?

RA9T will expand from a 3” barrel.

[Alpha-17]

federal recently changed the design of the 147gr HST, and the new lots are seeming to have expansion issues in real life shootings

the 124 and 124gr +p HST are the new gold standard

Do you have a source for this? Or info on what lots have been affected?

[ABNAK]

Do you have a source for this? Or info on what lots have been affected?

Yes, very interested to read the source. The newest HST's I have are at least a year+ old, and that's the 147gr standard pressure ones. All the other ones are even older.

[Alpha-17]

Yes, very interested to read the source. The newest HST's I have are at least a year+ old, and that's the 147gr standard pressure ones. All the other ones are even older.

I got curious and did a quick google search on the subject. Found a few discussions on the topic, but little actual info. Several people repeat the same claims of failures in real-world shootings, but offer no details or info. Closest to anything useful I found was a test of "new" 147gr HST by TNoutdoors9, which showed slightly reduced expansion. According to him, the change was several years ago.

[ABNAK]

I got curious and did a quick google search on the subject. Found a few discussions on the topic, but little actual info. Several people repeat the same claims of failures in real-world shootings, but offer no details or info. Closest to anything useful I found was a test of "new" 147gr HST by TNoutdoors9, which showed slightly reduced expansion. According to him, the change was several years ago.

Why does the desire to "fix it if it ain't broke" seem to permeate society in general? SMH