Best defensive ammo for G17

[Buckshot Barry]

I shoot Winchester USA white box in my G17 for IPSC.

What would you suggest for a good defensive load for the G17. Please take +P+ out of the running, as I want easily to obtain over the counter ammo.

This is G17 specific. Take in to account muzzle flash (or lack of), reliability (both bullet performance and pistol functioning), and recoil (although I don't think the USA ammo is bad at all. A 150 round IPSC match causes no flinching for me).

Thanks

[vafish]

When I carry my G17 it's loaded with Federal 9BPLE 115 gr +P+.

Functions perfectly, has a good track record, and is very accurate in my gun.

You'll get a lot of arguments on what's the best some folks like the light fast (115 gr +P+), some like the slow and heavy (147 gr). There are some pretty decent 124-127 gr loads in the middle both standard pressure and +P.

Broken Arrow posted some comparisons of the Speer Gold Dots in 115, 124 and 147 a while back. All penetrated about the same and expanded about the same. The bullet manufactures have really created some great designs in the last 5-10 years. While I lean towards lighter and faster bullets, I really wouldn't feel that put out with any of the major manufacturers premium JHP's in the 9mm right now.

[Buckshot Barry]

After doing a little research, I think I'm going to try a box of Speer Gold Dot +P 124 Grain Jacketed Hollow Points, Manufacturer #: 23617 in my M17. Seems to be a very popular round.

[Turbo Terry]

Try some 124 grain DT in your G 17. My 2nd gen loves them.

[BigTex171]

My personal carry ammo is the 147gr Ranger-T from Winchester. They are a fantastic, well-performing bullet. That said, I would load my G-17 up with Gold Dots without batting an eyelash. They are great, too. I am considering the Federal HSTs in the near future.

[raptor3]

I guess I'm the only one who carries WWB 115gr FMJ. I carried some Remington 115gr JHP but I prefer penetration more than expansion.

It's a trade off. Get whatever you're comfortable with that works in your gun and that you can afford to practice with.

[Randy Dandy]

I carry either Ranger T or Golden Saber, both in the 124gr. +P variety.

[mike23]

I was just reading another post about the Gold Dot 124 & 147. The tests looked good for expansion and penetration. Caliber Corner has some good info.

BTW, I just happen to pick up some Win Ranger SXT +P+ at a local store I rarely frequent; the 17 handled 'em fine.

[gary newport]

There are a lot of good choices these days. For 9mm, I lean toward Federal HST in 124 or 147 grain loadings. There is also a new 124 +p Hst loading for those who think they need the extra velocity.

[A_Swede_17_1911]

I have a couple boxs of Ranger T in the 147 grain offerings, and the 127+p+ as well and a box of the Remington Golden Sabers in 124 grain, thats what I have loaded in the mags right now since I live in an apartment.

I would even suggest the Federal Classic in the 9BP, its a standard 115 grain thats has a good record as well.
Even the Winchester Personal Defense White Box would work well.

I bought the Remington Golden Sabers at Gander Mountain, in case you have one in your neck of the woods. The Gold Dots would be great as well. I think as long as you get something from one of the major manufactures even the Hornady XTP by blackhills is a good bullet.

[mike23]

Picked up some GD 124 +P today. The 26 ate 'em just fine!

[Dobber]

I keep my loaded with GD 124 gr.

[raptor3]

Just keep your Glock loaded with 9mm ammo (not snap caps) and you're good to go. :)

One important thing to keep in mind... inspect your ammo. I found a WWB 9mm that has a huge dent in the side of the casing. I felt it with my fingers when I was loading my mag. This is the first defective WWB ammo I've ever come across so far out of more than a thousand rounds but be careful.

[Aus]

Double Taps 115g offering cooks at 1410fps and is worth lookng at.

[bruce21b]

cor-bon 115 grain DPX...:)

[Aus]

sorry about that. you asked for standard loadings.
post what you decide on.!

[GroovedG19]

Currently loaded with CCI Gold Dot.

[big68]

Your best bet is to try several different types and grains. Just because Hornady works best in mine does not mean that you will get the same result. It can get pretty expensive trying out different HP ammo but I think in the long run, it will be worth the expense. Hornady TAP uses special powder for less muzzle falsh for night time shooting and Corbon's DPX is some good stuff. Magtech has had some good reviews. Buy what you can afford and shoot each brand for accuracy, muzzle flash and reliability #1.

[cowboywannabe]

i like anything in 147gr.........but the Sheriff will start issuing ammo to us reserves, so it will most likely be a 124gr HST. when im on patrol, and 147gr. something or other when im on my time.

[big68]

I just had to have my name at the end of all posts! ;f

[buddyRoland]

I use WWB 147 JHPs is all of my 9mms. I feel safe.

[rgregoryb]

Winchester ranger 115+p+

[big68]

Most havenow agreed that the ideal weight is a 124grn.

[gary newport]

Originally posted by big68
Most havenow agreed that the ideal weight is a 124grn.

Got numbers for "most"? How was the survey conducted?

[cowboywannabe]

well, i cant argue that a 125ish grain 9mm traveling @ 1300 f.p.s. is a bad load. its near the much respected .357 top load.....but how many 125ish grain 9mm go that fast from a duty sized pistol?


i realize the 147gr. is down the food chain, but what MODERN 147gr. h.p. is a poor performer on the street in police document shootings? (as in police using the rounds)....

the heavy weights penetrate well, expand well, and due to the lower recoil, i can shoot them faster and more accurately.


but i wouldnt feel under guned with a 125ish gr. bullet if it was going fast enough and held together after going through a laminated front windshield.

[big68]

Looks like the stuff from Double Tap is the stuff to have now. Specs out of the 17 are VERY impressive.