124 grain vs 135 grain 9mm. 147-grain 9mm ammunition for self-defense.
124 grain vs 135 grain 9mm 147-grain 9mm ammunition for self-defense. Apr 16, 2022 · This may be a stupid question, but why does 115 grain exist? It is my understanding that the original design was a 124 grain bullet. I’m a Hornaday guy so Critical Defense in my Shield and Critical Duty 135 gr . The 147’s were slightly more accurate and maybe a tad softer. 357 Magnum, . The difference between these loads is the weight of the bullet. From full metal jackets to advanced self-defense expanding loads, roughly two-thirds of 9mm ammo is one of these two Apr 12, 2013 · For plinking and competition, I use what ever 115 or 124 gr FMJ is available and affordable. 308 WCF, . 135 gr +P Oct 23, 2008 · The owner and instructor at TDI here in Ohio has stated that 124 grain and 124 +P are the most common SD loads he sees at the school. Mar 28, 2025 · Backed by FBI data, real-world testing, and 15+ years of ammo expertise, this guide will help you choose the right 9mm ammo for defensive situations and give you a comprehensive understanding of what matters and what’s just noise. Does the choice between 115 grain and 124 grain affect cycling in semi-automatic firearms? In most cases, both 115 grain and 124 grain ammunition cycle reliably in semi-automatic firearms designed for 9mm. We explain the differences in recoil, accuracy, and see what's better for self defense. (subsonic?) 9mm factory Dec 11, 2017 · Hornady Manufacturing recently announced an expansion to its Critical Duty line with a new 9mm load. Whichever one you’re the most comfortable and accurate with. I prefer carrying 135 grain 9mm bullets for self-defense because they’re accurate, dependable, and pack a punch. Hornady Critical Defense and Critical Duty loads are among the most proven on the planet. 40 a 175-grain bullet. Feb 28, 2003 · The well known Federal 9BPLE 9mm 115 grain +P+ is one example. The 115 Grain 365 (short Barrel V-Crown) Impact Velocity (1,060 FPS) Penetration was Good on average 13”-16. Apr 14, 2018 · The 124 gr is an excellent middle weight for an "all around" self defense carry/use. So a heavier grain bullet with a good powder load should be dumping more energy into whatever you're shooting at, which is good. Our Hornady Critical Duty 9mm Ammo Review When I am ready to load up some JHPs in my carry gun, Hornady is always in my magazine rotations. For defensive ammo in 9mm I use the Winchester Ranger 127 gr +P+ round. Dec 19, 2009 · I carry 124 grain in my 9mm guns, both revolver and semi-auto. I'm looking at +P loadings. Jan 31, 2024 · What 9mm Grain is Best for Self-Defense? For self-defense, a 124-grain jacketed hollow point (JHP) is widely considered the optimal 9mm bullet weight. Hopefully this time instead of blaming the 9mm perhaps they will get better ammo for it. Expansion was modest. The more grains in a bullet (like the 147gr) the harder it will hit. What's your take and why? 9mm Grain Weights: 115 grain is light and fast, 124 grain is balanced, 147 grain is heavy and slow—each fits different shooting needs. Mail order averaging around 17 cents a round and free shipping. Dec 26, 2023 · For optimal performance, test both weights and choose the one that matches your needs. Mar 8, 2016 · On a side note, I put 25 rounds down range of the 135 grain +p stuff yesterday along with 124 grain Blazer Brass out of my 26. 147 gr were horrible, 135 gr we acceptable, but 124/5 gr were noticeably more accurate. My question, Is there a noticeable difference in the heavier grain? I was running a 3rd gen glock 19. The 9mm 135 grain Critical Duty is probably the worst in the whole line up. The new load uses a 124 gr FlexLock bullet that is lighter than the previous 135 grain offerings in this line. Feb 22, 2024 · What is the best brand for 124 or 147 grain 9mm for self-defense? There are several reliable brands available such as Federal Premium, Hornady, and Speer that offer good 9mm ammo for self-defense in 124 or 147 grain. A new choice is the 135-grain bullet weight. Dec 23, 2023 · I use critical defense ( shouldn't say use I should say what I was given at my local gunshop when I asked for ammo for my two new first gun purchases ) for the 380lcp max was suggested critical defense 90 grain ftx by hornady fro the p365 was suggested critical duty 9mm+p 124grain flex lock im not allowed these at range I go to just full metal jackets my buddies store by him has the 380 like Dec 20, 2022 · James Tarr puts Hornady's Critical Duty 9mm 135-grain JHP +P load to the test in 10% Ordnance gelatin and through barriers to review its performance! Dec 29, 2018 · Currently running your typical 115 gr FMJ looks like I can get 124 gr for the same cost ( sorry if I'm off on weight). 5” of penetration and Decent expansion . I suspect it won't take a whole lot of FBI shootings before they are looking for something else. Dec 25, 2024 · A detailed comparison of 124-grain vs. To be fair to the Critical Defense load, I selected the standard pressure 135-grain load to compare against it. The Walther PDP and CZ-75B sit ready for testing. Gel Test Results for Nov 11, 2024 · I'm looking at both Speer Gold Dot and Federal HST loads to carry for self-defense, and I've got three 9mm guns to use: CZ P10F, Glock 45, and a Glock 26. Compared to 147 grain, 124 grain rounds typically have a flatter trajectory and higher velocity, but also slightly more recoil. Interestingly, if you go to Hornady's website, they specifically Jan 16, 2011 · For 9mm I load Federal's 9mm +P 124 gr HST ammo, which is rated at an even 1,200 fps, which is only 20 fps more than your Golden Saber +P load. The majority, however, are either 115 or 124 grains. Don't know much about the 135 critical defense. The 9mm Luger, being the most popular handgun cartridge in the country, comes in a vast variety. 3% difference and people still argue which is a better caliber so carry what you can shoot good Check out this ballistics chart of 9mm handgun ammo. Lighter bullets like the 115 grain will fly faster and have a flatter trajectory. In the 9mm category, I’ve tested all three V-Crown loads extensively, and while the 115-grain and 147-grain 9mm choices perform just fine, the 124-grain tends to stand out. Nov 8, 2023 · Firearm Discussion and Resources from AR-15, AK-47, Handguns and more! Buy, Sell, and Trade your Firearms and Gear. I am planning on getting 124 grain +P Dold Dots when i can get them. 257 Roberts, 6. Mar 12, 2016 · Seeing quite a disparity in bullet grain differences. Jun 21, 2024 · 115, 124, and 147 grain 9mm ammunition are common loads to find on the shelves. May 17, 2017 · Rather than go with heaver 147 grain or lighter 115 grain bullets, Hornady split the difference and designed a truncated cone, 135 grain, elastomer Flex Tip, FlexLock Bullet. From a distance of 10 yards, we registered five shots into the gelatin through a 4-layer fabric barrier. The 115 grain Bullets I load have been JHP's, with the exception of some Remington surplus FMJ's. I practice and carry for my edc Shield 9mm, 124gr +P. 5 Creedmoor, . I carry 135 grain Critical defense in my 9mm because I like the way it performs through barriers and penetrates deep. This includes bullets of numerous weights, from loads packing 43 grains of birdshot to rounds loaded with a 165-grain bullet. Aug 1, 2017 · Hi, I've read a lot of threads and other material, but I'm still confused about the pros and cons of 115 gr. Sep 22, 2023 · Mostly, I shoot the 124 grain Bullet weight in 9mm and have found it to be more accurate. Reply reply akmjolnir • Jul 25, 2020 · I did some pretty extensive testing in regards groups from the bench with 124/5, 135, and 147 gr bullets. Oct 19, 2015 · Reading your post reminded me that I also have some standard pressure 124-grain Federal Tactical Bonded as well as 135-grain Tactical Bonded +P that I bought quite some time ago. More punch than the 115 and still plenty of velocity in the 1100-1200 fps range. 30 WCF, . When I carried my Glock 22, I always Apr 28, 2021 · Dependable, accurate, gets the job done - typically from a 2" barrel. Jun 8, 2018 · Probably already more than one thread on this. This weight directly impacts the bullet’s velocity, recoil, and intended purpose, with lighter bullets generally offering higher velocities and flatter trajectories, while heavier bullets often provide better penetration and energy Sep 1, 2022 · A look at 115 grain vs. . I prefer the Speer Gold Dot 124 grain Short Barrel +P; it has a great track record, particularly with NYPD. I generally stick with GD's and (i know I'll get flack for this one) Hydra Shoks. Uses average muzzle velocity for 115, 124, and 147 grain projectiles for comparison. The 147-grain load originally was designed to meet FBI requirements for deep penetration and barrier penetration. The Walther PDP-F test gun provided good accuracy and faultless reliability. 9mm Luger Personal Defense Ammunition Testing The FBI noted that bonded bullets had a slight advantage for auto glass penetration but that the 135-grain load was the most accurate 9mm they had ever shot. Jan 8, 2022 · I can’t speak for 124’s, but I’ve always run 135’s or 147’s and Vitavhouri (sp) N320 powder. So would the 135 gr be a good compromise or what do people generally think about 135 gr bullets? Also, do c May 7, 2025 · For me, 124 gr is a solid carry option. Oct 31, 2018 · The 147-grain 9mm has been criticized by some for lacking expansion potential. , 124 gr. For range 124 gr only use 9mm Some people say the 124gr is easier to shoot imo the difference is negligible. The 124 grain GD's are solid performers. Also use +p 124 gr. , and 147 gr. This weight offers a balance between manageable recoil, adequate penetration, and reliable expansion, factors crucial for stopping a threat effectively. For shooters comparing performance across different bullet weights, you can also review our guide on the best grain for 9mm to see how each option performs in practice. Overpressure rounds like Federal HST 9mm +P 124 grain have about 400 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, whereas a standard pressure 9mm 115 grain FMJ load has about 335 ft-lbs of energy. Learn about the impact of bullet weight on velocity, trajectory, and recoil to make an informed choice. Which one is the best choice? Heavy clothing ballistic gel test using a Glock 19!Join this channel to become a memb May 6, 2024 · Q9: How does 147 grain 9mm compare to 124 grain 9mm? 124 grain 9mm is often considered a ‘middle-ground’ option, offering a balance between velocity and recoil. 32 Auto, . If you like 124 gr in 9mm - then carry it. But speaking of which, where do you find 135? Here in Canuckistan we have 115, 124 and 147. Apr 13, 2023 · Left to right, if were carrying the Federal 124-grain Hydra-Shok, the Federal 124-grain HST, or Speer 124 grain Gold Dot, we would feel well protected. I actually did some head to head testing today using Sport Pistol powder, 135 TC Blues and 147 FP Black bullets. Mar 15, 2019 · The bullet weights are non traditional, with the first issue 9mm, a 135-grain bullet, and the . Sep 20, 2020 · From both a standard barrel and shorter barreled semi auto pistol, the Speer 124 grain +p has proven to be a very capable performer even though it was designed developed a real street track record long before the FBI decided to return to the 9mm. I am talking of 125 to 130 PF loads. Jun 13, 2023 · For our testing we used Hornady 115 Grain Critical Duty ammo and stacked it up to the best-selling Federal 9mm 124 grain HST. 1” barrel…. Any reason why you want to stay away Dec 8, 2024 · 124 grain 9mm ammunition is considered a step up from 115 grain in terms of power and potential for self-defense. There’s a 124 grain version that I expect functions about the same but I haven’t seen it tested so I stick to the 135 grain. as a side note fed 9mm 124gr hst 396ftlbs vs fed 45acp 230gr hst 405 ftlbs at muzzle a 2. For me it’s 135 gr +P hornady critical duty in my Glock and 124gr federal premium punch in my P365 Reply reply Buhda_Dev • Speer Gold Dot 124 grain +p Jul 16, 2018 · The Sig Sauer 124-grain V-Crown bullets all expanded perfectly after passing through four fabric layers. May 21, 2018 · Having read that the FBI had recently adopted the Hornady 135gr 9mm +P Critical Duty as their service round of choice, I decided to buy some and compare against the various editions of Federal HST that I currently have been using. The Critical Defense 9mm load is available only with a 115-grain bullet. Apr 16, 2021 · See the chart below of the different typical grain weights of various 9mm JHP rounds, their expected muzzle velocities, and energies, as compared to a common Frangible round. Understanding the 9mm Cartridge for Self The grain doesn’t matter. Peace. I choose 124 gr because you get more bullets for the same amount of money. Now running a sig 320 x5 and the sig 365 with Syntech. This is similar to what the Federal Bureau of Investigation does to evaluate its ammunition. Pros: Improved penetration compared to 115 grain, moderate recoil, a good compromise between velocity and mass. Not to say 115 won't do the job too, just 124/147 do better in certain areas that self defense cares about. Sep 18, 2023 · Both loads were tested in my M&P shield9 3. (I rely on CorBon). Aug 5, 2022 · SIG SAUER 124 gr Vs HORNADY 135 gr PERSONNAL PROTECTION 9MM AMMO Enigma & Sunshine 973 subscribers Subscribed Jun 4, 2025 · My understanding is the Hornady Critical Defense 9mm Luger 115 Grain Handgun Ammo is a better choice for shorter barreled pistols. Many 147-grain loads still meet this criteria, while others demonstrate greater expansion. Jul 30, 2012 · Like you, I too am a fan of standard pressure loads for 9mm, only recently having started to switch over to +P for defensive purposes. Have never considered carrying 115 grain defensive loads but what difference does 9 grains really make? I carry 124 gr gold dot should I go +p? Should I go 135 gr +p? 147 gr being at the high end seems like there'd be the most to lose there Dec 18, 2014 · I read where some believe the 147 gr is the softest shooting in terms of recoil while other competition shooters like snappy feel of the 124 gr bullets. I staggered the rounds and honestly couldn't feel a difference in recoil? Critical Duty 9mm: 124 gr +P vs. 38 Special, 9X19, . It gives you a little more punch than 115 gr without going overboard. I noticed Hornady reduced the velocity spec on the 135 gr +P from 1110 ft/s to 1070 ft/s, while the standard pressure 135 is still spec’d at 1010 ft/s. I'm wondering which of those two bullet weights you prefer, and why. +P in my full size SA XDM home defense gun. Is there anyone out there that shoots the Hornady Critical DUTY Tactical 9mm Luger 135 Grain or the Hornady Critical Defense 9mm Luger 115 Grain in their XD subcompact? If please share your thoughts and recommendations. At some point the 115 grain was introduced, but when you look at the ballistics charts for most 115 grain cartridges, they are typically loaded to give slightly. You can buy hotter +P ammo if you want more power. 124 grain 9mm ammo. Note the grains vary from 65, 115, 124, 124+P, 135, and 147 grains in most 9mm ammo. The 124 grain Critical Duty load is loaded to “+P” pressures. 147 Grain 9mm Now we’re talking about the heaviest of the common 9mm bullets. 380 Auto, . Currently casting and loading: . Comparing two different Gold Dot weights. I imagine the terminal performance between the two is nearly identical. Federal Premium HST vs Speer Gold Dot! These are two of the best options in 9mm self-defense ammo, but which one is truly the BEST? Heavy clothing ballistic Sep 24, 2021 · For self defense I use Federal HST 124 Gr. Simply know, that IF hydrostatic shock maximization is something you are looking for in a defensive cartridge, then in 9mm - that round is the 115 grain JHP +P. Learn about the impact, recoil, penetration, and the advantages of both types for personal protection. 45-70. Not to say 135 wouldn't work but it might be a bit off. 50 caliber on average…The 124 Grain Standard pressure (Elite defense) V-Crown impact Apr 14, 2024 · The 9mm loadings are numerous for the Critical Duty, including a 124-grain +P, 135-grain, and 135-grain +P load. Know the difference between 115 grain Vs. Jun 22, 2014 · Every 9mm I have ever owned was pretty much dead on with 120-125 grain slugs. If you like 147 grain in 9mm than carry it. Sep 25, 2024 · What’s the Difference in Grain for 9mm Ammo? The grain weight of 9mm ammunition refers to the weight of the projectile (the bullet) itself, measured in grains. Most 9mm concealed carry enthusiasts recommend a 124 to 147 grain bullet for self-defense. Oct 3, 2022 · I have used numerous different loads for numerous different pistols and do not notice the difference on the clock between 124, 135, or 147 gr bullets. I’ve found that in many of my carry guns, especially striker-fired pistols, 124 gr tends to cycle very smoothly and hits close to my point of aim. Sep 8, 2025 · From higher bullet velocity to more energy, get the most from your 9mm ammunition and learn about the differences when comparing 9mm 115 grain vs 124 grain. I am waiting for a holster to start using my CZ, but I doubt I will notice a difference on the clock there. zlpsdnhwjpovrofkopvolhtevwvbrpajgavgznxsavwhocehsrntjtstadtsqxdxwalajsdtrlbbtpscg