Sidearms & Scatterguns Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

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Silver_Bullet_00

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Mar 15, 2010
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North Carolina
#1
I am doing a test on types of defensive ammo. My reason is, that I have seen plenty of review tests done for the 9mm ammo out of 4 and 5 inch barreled guns, but not many done with a true 3 inch subcompact, like most concealed carry citizens would carry. Also most shoot into water, I am going to shoot into heavy coats and pork ribs.

I will follow up soon with the video, and accuracy and function testing. I am also looking to do reliability of expansion testing in the future through the same medium used in this test on various ammo. I will continue with more tests on this thread.

The Test Gun is a Kahr PM9
IMG_0886.jpg


The ammo is Federal HST 124 GR +P HP & Magtech 115 GR +P HP
One is a common LE round which can be bought online by civilians and comes 50 to a box for 25 dollars plus shipping.
The Matech costed 18 dollars for a box of 20 at a local pawn shop.
Left is the Magtech. Right is the federal.
IMG_0927.jpg

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc381/silver_bullet_00/Ammo%20Test%201/IMG_0924.jpg

I wanted this to be close as I could get to real, so I used pork ribs and clothing.
I shot through a sweat shirt, a heavy hunting coat, and Pork Ribs which I placed on both sides of the water jug and then wrapped the sweat shirt and coat around it.

The test materiel pics.
IMG_0884.jpg

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc381/silver_bullet_00/Ammo%20Test%201/IMG_0885.jpg
IMG_0893.jpg

IMG_0924.jpg


I fired from 21 feet. Results Devastating as expected for both. Both managed to penetrate through the clothing and ribs. Both expanded nice with no core separation. Both hit bone on the ribs.

Result Pictures.

Exit holes.
HST Bottom - Magtech Top
IMG_0917.jpg

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc381/silver_bullet_00/Ammo%20Test%201/IMG_0897.jpg
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc381/silver_bullet_00/Ammo%20Test%201/IMG_0898.jpg
IMG_0918.jpg

This was the Federal it hit thick bone.


The Clothing


IMG_0912.jpg

IMG_0907.jpg

IMG_0909.jpg



Both bullets expanded nice. I used a penny for comparison.

The Top ones are the Federal HST (click link for picture)

url]


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That HST looks nasty! Remember it hit very solid bone.

The HST stopped in the second water jug after hitting the back of the second and making a slight hole.

The Magtech was found in the third water jug.

 
#2
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

Crono on the Federal HST 124 GR +P was 1180 from a 3 inch barrel. The box reads 1200 from a standard service length barrel. So we loss only 20fps from the sub compact.

Recoil from the +P in this PM9 was not a lot more than a standard round.

Accuracy and function was on par out of this PM9.
No Jams from Federal HST 124 GR +P

All the following was Federal HST 124 GR +P

25 Yard From a rest, to test accuracy of round and PM9
IMG_0919.jpg


25 Yards no rest Standing ( this is what it looked like when you factor me in LOL) Taking a little time to aim.
IMG_0922.jpg


25 Yards, two 7 round Mags of Rapid Fire. All hit the paper but one. Gun and ammo functioned perfect.

IMG_0920.jpg


I would say the federal HST is good in the PM9

Will follow up on Magtech 115 GR HP +P next.
 
#4
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nw1911guy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've been using HST in my 1911s for years. Never actually had to use it on anything, but when we tested it, it was found to be remarkably consistent velocity wise. </div></div>

The six shots from the rest I did the chrono test on. It was very consistent at 1180fps on all 6 shots.
 
#7
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MM1776</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the pics. I'm a HST fan also along with Win SXT and Corbon DPX </div></div>

It's unfortunate the 127gr +P+ SXT RAnger Talons were discontinued.
 
#8
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nw1911guy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MM1776</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the pics. I'm a HST fan also along with Win SXT and Corbon DPX </div></div>

It's unfortunate the 127gr +P+ SXT RAnger Talons were discontinued. </div></div>

Try These Here (9mm Winchester Ranger 127gr +P+ T-Series), 81 in stock http://www.sgammo.com/product/winchester/50rd-9mm-winchester-ranger-127gr-p-t-series-ra9ta
 
#9
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

I recommend Cor-Bon DPX 115gr +P for a 9mm defense cartridge. It has a solid copper projectile & will not fragment upon impact. Plus the lower grain cartridge will get a higher velocity from a short barreled weapon like the Kahr you have.

If you're on a budget you can't go wrong with the Federal 9BPLE 115gr +P+. It's around $30.00 for a box of 50 which is a great price for reliable self defense ammo.
 
#10
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Silver_Bullet_00</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nw1911guy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MM1776</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the pics. I'm a HST fan also along with Win SXT and Corbon DPX </div></div>

It's unfortunate the 127gr +P+ SXT RAnger Talons were discontinued. </div></div>

Try These Here (9mm Winchester Ranger 127gr +P+ T-Series), 81 in stock http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...fpart=1&q=1 </div></div>

silver bullet: check your link
 
#11
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MM1776</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Silver_Bullet_00</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nw1911guy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MM1776</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the pics. I'm a HST fan also along with Win SXT and Corbon DPX </div></div>

It's unfortunate the 127gr +P+ SXT RAnger Talons were discontinued. </div></div>

Try These Here (9mm Winchester Ranger 127gr +P+ T-Series), 81 in stock http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...fpart=1&q=1 </div></div>

silver bullet: check your link </div></div>

Thanks, must have copied another link by accident. Its fixed. Here it is a again. http://www.sgammo.com/product/winchester/50rd-9mm-winchester-ranger-127gr-p-t-series-ra9ta
 
#12
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Anti-Materiel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I recommend Cor-Bon DPX 115gr +P for a 9mm defense cartridge. It has a solid copper projectile & will not fragment upon impact. Plus the lower grain cartridge will get a higher velocity from a short barreled weapon like the Kahr you have.

If you're on a budget you can't go wrong with the Federal 9BPLE 115gr +P+. It's around $30.00 for a box of 50 which is a great price for reliable self defense ammo. </div></div>

Going to give that a try next week. I actually ran 2 mags of those through an LC9 about a month ago.
 
#14
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Anti-Materiel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I recommend Cor-Bon DPX 115gr +P for a 9mm defense cartridge. It has a solid copper projectile & will not fragment upon impact. Plus the lower grain cartridge will get a higher velocity from a short barreled weapon like the Kahr you have.

If you're on a budget you can't go wrong with the Federal 9BPLE 115gr +P+. It's around $30.00 for a box of 50 which is a great price for reliable self defense ammo. </div></div>

I also have a PM9, and I ran 115gr JHP corbons (advertised as 1350fps, 466 lb-ft) by my chrono, along with some walmart Winchester PDX1 124gr +p.

The corbon went ~1200fps, which is 365 ftlb

The winchester also went ~1200, which is 395 ftlb.

I carry the winchester, not that 25ftlb is such a big deal, but because it is easy/cheap to come by, and obviously works well.

I am really impressed by the velocities the PM9 can get...especially with such low percieved recoil! My buddies Keltec PF9 (yeah, he cheaped out) loses ~150fps in comparison to mine, yet has considerably more recoil.

With the modern propellants/technology, the 9mm comes REAL close to 357sig!
 
#16
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Anti-Materiel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I recommend Cor-Bon DPX 115gr +P for a 9mm defense cartridge. It has a solid copper projectile & will not fragment upon impact. Plus the lower grain cartridge will get a higher velocity from a short barreled weapon like the Kahr you have.

If you're on a budget you can't go wrong with the Federal 9BPLE 115gr +P+. It's around $30.00 for a box of 50 which is a great price for reliable self defense ammo. </div></div>

I also have a PM9, and I ran 115gr JHP corbons (advertised as 1350fps, 466 lb-ft) by my chrono, along with some walmart Winchester PDX1 124gr +p.

The corbon went ~1200fps, which is 365 ftlb

The winchester also went ~1200, which is 395 ftlb.

I carry the winchester, not that 25ftlb is such a big deal, but because it is easy/cheap to come by, and obviously works well.

I am really impressed by the velocities the PM9 can get...especially with such low percieved recoil! My buddies Keltec PF9 (yeah, he cheaped out) loses ~150fps in comparison to mine, yet has considerably more recoil.

With the modern propellants/technology, the 9mm comes REAL close to 357sig!
</div></div>

I'm not sure how they do it, but that PM9 is a world of difference in perceived recoil vs the Kel-tec or the Ruger LC9.

Which Winchester round are you referring to? I am going to try some Winchester Ranger T series.
 
#17
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">OP: thanks for spending the time and money to put this test together! Nicely done. </div></div>

Thanks, I will test some more on this thread in the future. HP ammo isn't cheap! I like to know it's going to work in my firearm though if I ever have to use it.
 
#20
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nw1911guy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's unfortunate the 127gr +P+ SXT RAnger Talons were discontinued. </div></div>


Where did you hear this?
Everywhere I go still has them. In stores, and online, with zero mention of it being discontinued.
Ranger Talon 127 +p+ is their best selling 9mm round.
 
#21
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Silver_Bullet_00</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Anti-Materiel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I recommend Cor-Bon DPX 115gr +P for a 9mm defense cartridge. It has a solid copper projectile & will not fragment upon impact. Plus the lower grain cartridge will get a higher velocity from a short barreled weapon like the Kahr you have.

If you're on a budget you can't go wrong with the Federal 9BPLE 115gr +P+. It's around $30.00 for a box of 50 which is a great price for reliable self defense ammo. </div></div>

I also have a PM9, and I ran 115gr JHP corbons (advertised as 1350fps, 466 lb-ft) by my chrono, along with some walmart Winchester PDX1 124gr +p.

The corbon went ~1200fps, which is 365 ftlb

The winchester also went ~1200, which is 395 ftlb.

I carry the winchester, not that 25ftlb is such a big deal, but because it is easy/cheap to come by, and obviously works well.

I am really impressed by the velocities the PM9 can get...especially with such low percieved recoil! My buddies Keltec PF9 (yeah, he cheaped out) loses ~150fps in comparison to mine, yet has considerably more recoil.

With the modern propellants/technology, the 9mm comes REAL close to 357sig!
</div></div>

I'm not sure how they do it, but that PM9 is a world of difference in perceived recoil vs the Kel-tec or the Ruger LC9.

Which Winchester round are you referring to? I am going to try some Winchester Ranger T series. </div></div>

I used Winchester PDX1 124gr +p
 
#22
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Megacab</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nw1911guy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's unfortunate the 127gr +P+ SXT RAnger Talons were discontinued. </div></div>


Where did you hear this?
Everywhere I go still has them. In stores, and online, with zero mention of it being discontinued.
Ranger Talon 127 +p+ is their best selling 9mm round.


</div></div>

I was told by Winchester's LE rep for my area. Try calling Winchester and asking. As much as I wish it weren't true, I haven't been able to find it here. And it isn't cataloged on their LE site anymore either.
 
#23
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

I run HST in my .45 and .40 and love it! I also hunt pest animals close in with the .45 HST loaded in my P220 with suppressor and it is VERY effective.
 
#24
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

Thanks for the review. Awesome work. I personally carry Gold Dot in my glock 19. I was having a conversation with an attorney who specializes in self defense cases and he recommended this round since the majority of LEO's carry this. It's the best "what kind of ammo are you carrying" defense he said. If it was a horrible round, I'd switch, but I have alot of confidence in its ability to get the job done.
 
#25
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nw1911guy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Megacab</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nw1911guy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's unfortunate the 127gr +P+ SXT RAnger Talons were discontinued. </div></div>


Where did you hear this?
Everywhere I go still has them. In stores, and online, with zero mention of it being discontinued.
Ranger Talon 127 +p+ is their best selling 9mm round.


</div></div>

I was told by Winchester's LE rep for my area. Try calling Winchester and asking. As much as I wish it weren't true, I haven't been able to find it here. And it isn't cataloged on their LE site anymore either. </div></div>

They don't have Talon ammo anymore becayse they don't call it "Talon" anymore. Talon is an evil word to the libs..... It's now Ranger-T, same stuff different name. Winchester Ammo
 
#26
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

Thanks for the thorough review. I usually carry gold dots, but will be looking into the Federal round you reviewed.
 
#27
Re: Defense Ammo for Concealed Carry Review

Thanks OP for this.

If you do continued testing, could I suggest Gold Dots in 3 flavors. Short barrel, std, and +P. Would be interesting to see if there is any actual performance differences.
 
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