I was in Wallyworld the other day and bought some WWB 147 grain JHP. I’m kind of curious - how do you know which ammo is considered +P? It’s not usually marked on the box of most of the common types I see.
My guess would be to compare the velocities of bullets you know are and aren’t +P in that grain and compare them. A lot of manufacturer’s post the round’s velocity right on the box. I’m not sure if this would be a totally accurate assessment though due to testing variations. Other than that you have to search or wait for someone more knowledgeable than I to chime in.
Ammunition that is +P will be marked as such on the box:
It will also be marked as such on the rim of the case assuming we’re discussing newly manufactured ammunition.
Almost all of the +P’s I’ve ever bought have always been marked on the box, and I think most of the time on the case head. Manufacturers are not shy about putting +P on the box when it applies, as I’m sure with all the liability lawsuits these days, not doing so could be risky.
On the rim also, load 4 rounds, two +P+ then 2 not +P at all, fire on range, you know which is +P+ no question!
If that Winchester 9mm 147 gr JHP ammo was in a plain white box with NO +P or +P+ markings on it, then it is most likely standard ammo. I have been buying ammo from WalMart for many years and can never recall seeing any +P type ammo for sale. This category of pistol ammo is usually restricted to LE sales only but it does turn up for sale to the public from various retailers.
I have seen similar ammo for sale some time ago and purchased Winchester 9mm pistol ammo in the 50 round white box marked “USA” in 115 and 124 FMJ and JHP from WalMart. This ammo is similar to the American Eagle line sold by Federal (ATK)it is supposed to be some type of budget ammo. It is good quality ammo and accurate.
Lastly, like the John Wayne pointed-out, Winchester clearly marks all of its ammo with the +P or +P+ markings in order to differentiate the high pressure loads from the standard loadings. I also have several different Winchester Ranger issue loads in 9mm and .45 Auto. All of the boxes are clearly marked just as in the photos posted by John Wayne. Federal follows the same protocol as well (various loadings that I have are marked with the +P or +P+). I suspect that is more for liability reasons than anything else.
SkiDevil