Why are all the top 9mm HP loads now in 147gr loadings?

RedsoxFan4Lyfe · 07-25-2011, 21:57

It seems everyone is proclaiming that the new generation of 9mm 147gr. loadings are the best 9mm loads ever. I notice that Remington GoldenSaber, Winchester PDX, Federal HST etc. are all in 147gr loadings.

I know you can get them in different weights, but these seem to be the ones everyone wants today.

I remember when that was not true. I like the 124gr+P Remington GS and I keep them in my Glock 19 as my carry load. They even feed in my old Browning Hi Powers that wont feed other brands of hollow point ammo.

Im looking to get some newer loads for the 9mm guns I own and the 147gr seems the way to go these days.

AWESOMO 4000 · 07-25-2011, 22:06

The Winchester 127gr +P+ Ranger T, Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P, CorBon 115gr+P and Federal 9BPLE 115gr +P+ have been working exceptionally well in the real world for over two decades; 30 years+ in the Federal example. The 147gr are significantly better than they were in the late 80's-early 1990s, but the mid-weight 9mm's at +P or +P+ velocity still do the trick. Never really saw the need for a 147gr 9mm. If you want something slow, get a .45 or a .40 with 180grs. 9mm was designed with velocity in mind to make it work, and it still works with fps. Just like a .45 works because its big, fat, heavy, and doesn't need to move fast to work.

RyanBDawg · 07-25-2011, 23:30

The Winchester PDX1s 124 Gr +P is my carry round..

cole · 07-26-2011, 00:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedsoxFan4Lyfe

It seems everyone is proclaiming that the new generation of 9mm 147gr. loadings are the best 9mm loads ever. I notice that Remington GoldenSaber, Winchester PDX, Federal HST etc. are all in 147gr loadings.

I know you can get them in different weights, but these seem to be the ones everyone wants today.

I remember when that was not true. I like the 124gr+P Remington GS and I keep them in my Glock 19 as my carry load. They even feed in my old Browning Hi Powers that wont feed other brands of hollow point ammo.

Im looking to get some newer loads for the 9mm guns I own and the 147gr seems the way to go these days.

The gripe about 147gr was never penetration; it was expansion. Just check the FBI data. Some of that day thought the 147gr over-penetrated and they wanted more expanded diameter from 9mm (IMO due to 45acp envy). Belief that "over-penetration" is a problem in service calibers is less in favor today. The modern 147gr expands more reliably regardless and delivers reliable penetration. So, problem, if there ever was one, solved. The 124gr +p loads work fine, too. I prefer 147gr and have for many years.

HotRoderX · 07-26-2011, 01:00

I like the energy the 147gr puts out and the fact it feels softer shooting it.

TommyV · 07-26-2011, 01:54

That is the great thing about 9mm. You can get high velocity light weight rounds all the way top heavy rounds and many in between. Even up to 158 gr. 147 and up work great with suppressors.

Chuck54 · 07-26-2011, 08:40

I remember when the 147's first came out..........they had a bad rep.

I still prefer the 124's

I'm old and set in my ways.

GunFighter45ACP · 07-26-2011, 09:45

I have no issues w/the modern 147s, but I also have no use for them, either. In my hands & guns, I do the best w/115s & the various loading in the 120s, so I just stick w/them. YMMV

alwaysshootin · 07-26-2011, 09:48

Why are all the top 9mm HP loads now in 147gr loadings?

Simply, an attempt, to make the (9), into something it's not! Have you ever asked yourself, why did all the police agencies switch from the .357 magnum, to the 9, and then go with the .40 almost in unison, faster, than they switched away from a 6 shot revolver? Think about it.

DEADEYEGUY · 07-26-2011, 10:12

I like the mid-range +P and +P+ rounds myself. But the new 147gr. versions are doing very well from what I'm reading. I guess the best thing about them is you can shoot a subsonic, supressed round and still get good expansion and penetration. With the heavier bullet you can usually get good penetration without high velocity. So they've always had deep penetration and the new ones expand. Good for those who like the heaviest bullet in the caliber doctrine. I wouldn't feel undergunned with them. In fact I have some Ranger T's in 147 that seem to work very well in my guns.

**kirgi08** · 07-26-2011, 10:45

I run 147sxts in all my 9mm pistols.I'm prefer the "weight" advantage.180sxts in my .40sw and 230grn sxts or hydra-shoks in my .45acp pistols.Bug meets wind screen ect.'08.

PAPACHUCK · 07-26-2011, 17:23

124 or 147 in 9mm, 165 or 180 in .40, and 230 in .45. That is how I roll.

JBP55 · 07-26-2011, 17:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by PAPACHUCK

124 or 147 in 9mm, 165 or 180 in .40, and 230 in .45. That is how I roll.

Same here in one of these Gold Dot, HST, Ranger T.

packinaglock · 07-26-2011, 18:49

I like 124g in 9mm and 165 in .40 middle of the road guy I guess.

glock20c10mm · 07-26-2011, 19:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWESOMO 4000

The Winchester 127gr +P+ Ranger T, Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P, CorBon 115gr+P and Federal 9BPLE 115gr +P+ have been working exceptionally well in the real world for over two decades; 30 years+ in the Federal example. The 147gr are significantly better than they were in the late 80's-early 1990s, but the mid-weight 9mm's at +P or +P+ velocity still do the trick. Never really saw the need for a 147gr 9mm. If you want something slow, get a .45 or a .40 with 180grs. 9mm was designed with velocity in mind to make it work, and it still works with fps. Just like a .45 works because its big, fat, heavy, and doesn't need to move fast to work.

***redbaron007*** · 07-26-2011, 20:16

I like the mid-grades...124gr +P.....haven't cared for the 147....however, if they have improved, then I'm open for change.

red

unit1069 · 07-26-2011, 20:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedsoxFan4Lyfe

It seems everyone is proclaiming that the new generation of 9mm 147gr. loadings are the best 9mm loads ever. I notice that Remington GoldenSaber, Winchester PDX, Federal HST etc. are all in 147gr loadings.

I suppose it's because some ammo manufacturers and 9mm shooters want to mimic the .45ACP. I'm not being a smart alec, I'm just stating my confusion on why a caliber designed for a 124-grain bullet needs a heavier bullet to fulfill the mission the original bullet is designed for. I'd just buy a .45ACP and be done with it, myself.

From what little I know I believe if someone wants to throw a heavy 9mm bullet at a target or bad guy the better calibers are .357sig, .38 Super, or even .40S&W. At sub-sonic speed the 147-grain 9mm bullet is only a stand-in for .45ACP; but that's just my uneducated opinion for what it's worth.

cowboy1964 · 07-26-2011, 21:13

I've always preferred the 1250-1300 fps mid-weights like the Gold Dot +P and Ranger +P+. I understand the allure of "heavy for caliber" though. And 147's do shoot softly.

But overall I don't think gaining 23 grains of weight is worth losing 250-300 fps. A "big and heavy" 9mm is an oxymoron.

9mm +p+ · 07-26-2011, 21:15

I run Fed 9BPLE and have complete faith in it, I have no use for 147's no matter the fancy bullet.

paragon1 · 07-26-2011, 21:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by alwaysshootin

Why are all the top 9mm HP loads now in 147gr loadings?

Simply, an attempt, to make the (9), into something it's not! Have you ever asked yourself, why did all the police agencies switch from the .357 magnum, to the 9, and then go with the .40 almost in unison, faster, than they switched away from a 6 shot revolver? Think about it.

Uh no.

zigzagg321 · 07-26-2011, 21:29

I go as heavy as possible for whatever caliber. I carry 147+p HSTs.

augie7 · 07-26-2011, 21:32

simple two word answer.....

KNOCK DOWN!

MrTuna · 07-26-2011, 21:34

I am carrying Federal HST 147 +p. The velocity is 1050. The days of 147 grain being too slow to expand are over. Why not maximize your bullet weight? You still get the high capacity 9mm affords. When I can carry concealed a handgun with a 17+1 capacity of 45 ACP and with manageable recoil I'm all for it.

JBP55 · 07-26-2011, 22:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by unit1069

I suppose it's because some ammo manufacturers and 9mm shooters want to mimic the .45ACP. I'm not being a smart alec, I'm just stating my confusion on why a caliber designed for a 124-grain bullet needs a heavier bullet to fulfill the mission the original bullet is designed for. I'd just buy a .45ACP and be done with it, myself.

If I am not mistaken the .45 was originally designed for a 200gr. projectile.
Most people now use a 230gr. projectile.

unit1069 · 07-26-2011, 22:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBP55

If I am not mistaken the .45 was originally designed for a 200gr. projectile.
Most people now use a 230gr. projectile.

I don't know what the original round was for .45ACP but I do know the 200-grain "flying ashtray" is still regarded by many .45ACP advocates as a formidable round in that caliber.