The usual bullet weights for 9mm Luger range from 115 to 147 grains. Lighter and heavier bullets can be had, but they are not common for factory loads. The heavy bullets are generally 158-grains, but 165-grain bullets can also be had.
Is higher grain better for 9mm?
As far as calibers larger than 9mm, you can actually decrease wear and tear on your pistol and curb felt recoil a bit (though not recoil energy) by switching to a heavier grain weight. Huh?! So, to explain that, the faster a bullet leaves the barrel the faster the slide is sent traveling back.
Is a higher grain bullet better?
Conclusion: Bullet Grain
Lighter weight generally means more speed and distance, but also more recoil and less power at the target. Lighter bullets are good for competition and long-range shooting. Heavier weight generally means more effectiveness, making them excellent for defense, large game and combat.
Which is better 115 or 124 grain 9mm ammo?
What Is the Difference Between 115-grain and 124-grain 9mm Ammo? The difference is that 124 grain is heavier. That’s it, that’s the end of the blog post.
What grain 9mm Do police use?
The 2014 FBI Training Division Report stated that the FBI had chosen the 9mm bullet (147 grain Speer Gold Dot G2) for FBI agents to carry because, “The 9mm provides struggling shooters the best chance of success while improving the speed and accuracy of the most skilled shooters.”
What grain 9mm does the military use?
Federal® 9mm NATO features military-quality 124-grain FMJ bullets loaded to more powerful, higher-velocity specifications than rounds typically offered for the consumer market.
Is 124-grain 9mm good for self-defense?
The 9mm is a powerful number well-suited to personal defense. The 9mm easily jolts 115 to 124-grain bullets to well over 1100 fps. +P or higher-pressure loadings may reach 1300 fps. The 9mm is not quite as good as some of its fans think, but it is a better cartridge than most of its detractors would have you believe.
Is 115 grain ammo good for self-defense?
While this particular cartridge is offered in various configurations, the most common is the 115 gr. full metal jacket (FMJ). This is an excellent round for practice, matches and informal “plinking.” However, it is a terrible choice for self-defense because of its penetration capability.
What 9mm ammo does the FBI use?
Federal Premium LE HST
A common choice for law enforcement agencies, this 9mm ammo has scored well in FBI and independent ballistic tests. The Federal HST LE bullet is designed to expand to create a large wound cavity.
Is 100 grain 9mm ammo good?
These 100-grain 9mm loads are well suited for Steel Challenge. The low recoil means speedy recovery to get the sights on target quickly. Accuracy was good enough for Steel Challenge plates—though you’ll need to test that in your gun. The low recoil will be welcomed by non-competitors as well.
Do different grain bullets shoot different?
Bullets with different grain weights might feel different as you shoot them. Typically, those who shoot lighter-weight bullets find that the recoil feels snappier. Conversely, heavier rounds have a sort of pushing recoil.
Are heavier grain bullets more accurate?
For long range rifle shooting, the tie between bullet weight and accuracy is less mysterious, but still potentially confusing. Heavier bullets are less susceptible to being blown off course by the wind, but if the bullet is too heavy, it might not have enough velocity to remain stable at the desired distances.
Is 95 grain 9mm good?
It is intended for the 380 ACP but is an excellent choice for all 9 mm/. 355″ diameter auto-loaders where a light FMJ is desired. These bullets will give exceptional reliability and outstanding accuracy, and have been chosen by champion shooters of 9mm handguns worldwide.
What’s the difference between 124 grain and 115 grain?
If you take a look at the bullet description, you will know that there is no difference in the bullet’s size. The shot with 115 grains and 124 grains has an equal bullet size and shell shape. There is nothing to do with the gun powder.
What is the best 9mm weight for self-defense?
For self-defense, shoot your specific 9mm handgun with 115 grain and with 147 grain bullets at 25 yards and less to see if you find, like I did, that the heavier 147 grain bullet hits the target higher almost every time.
What pistol do FBI agents carry?
Their primary weapon, their sidearm, is a Glock 19M; it’s a brand new weapon—that’s predominantly what we’re going to teach them with.
What 9mm ammo has the best stopping power?
The best performing 9mm load was a +P+ 9mm 115-grain JHP. Ironically, it was a 115-grain 9mm hollow-point that failed the FBI in 1986 and launched their search for handgun stopping power Shangri-La.
Do police use FMJ or hollow point?
Hollow point bullets are too brutal for warfare, yet U.S. police use them. The amount of different kinds of bullets available for both civilian and professional use is immense but can mostly be put into one of two categories: full metal jacket or hollow point.
