Practice loads close to Critical Duty 9mm?

[RevolverRob]

Anyone out there using Critical Duty (135-grain +P specifically) have recommendations for a practice load that hits to the same POA/POI?

With recent lot variation in 147-grain HST. I’m thinking of switching and I’ve been a fan of Hornady Ammo for years.

[DocGKR]

The closest bulk supply will likely be +P 124 or NATO 124.

[RevolverRob]

The closest bulk supply will likely be +P 124 or NATO 124.

That’s kind of what I thought.

Doc, I see that Hornady has also developed a 124-grain +P Critical Duty. Have you guys has occasion to test that load, by chance?

[DocGKR]

Have not directly tested it, but friends report it works well.

You do know Hornady makes a 135 gr FMJ practice load?

[WDR]

You do know Hornady makes a 135 gr FMJ practice load?

They do, but it does not appear to be all that widely available, at least outside of LE channels.

[RevolverRob]

Have not directly tested it, but friends report it works well.

You do know Hornady makes a 135 gr FMJ practice load?

I did not.

As WDR notes it appears that isn't widely available outside of LE Channels. I'll have to keep an eye out for it.

[OlongJohnson]

This is the only place I've seen it. You can just go buy HST and practice with that for the same cost.

https://www.gtdist.com/hornady-9mm-50-bx-fmj-brass-135gr.html

[kjr_29]

Freedom munitions sells a 135gr flatpoint ball round.


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[HCM]

Freedom munitions sells a 135gr flatpoint ball round.


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The problem is “freedom munitions”

[Exiledviking]

Freedom munitions sells a 135gr flatpoint ball round.


Sent from my iPad using TapatalkI've run several hundred rounds of both 124 gr and 147 gr JHP from Freedom Munitions and they have just enough power to cycle the slide on most of my pistols. Not recommended unless you want something soft shooting. I won't buy any more ammo from that manufacturer.

[Lon]

The problem is “freedom munitions”

I’ve heard that before, but it doesn’t reflect my experience. I bought thousands of rounds from them a few years back. Reman 124gr. Worked great in any of my pistols. No problem making at least 130 power factor (@1050fps). Used that ammo in many matches and in my Rangemaster Instructor class. Not a single issue.

[HCM]

I’ve heard that before, but it doesn’t reflect my experience. I bought thousands of rounds from them a few years back. Reman 124gr. Worked great in any of my pistols. No problem making at least 130 power factor (@1050fps). Used that ammo in many matches and in my Rangemaster Instructor class. Not a single issue.

It reflects mine and that of other PF members local to me.

The last straw for me was a couple years back during a Bruce Gray / Op Sec training class - one shooter had two squibs within 200 rounds with FM and another shooter in the same class had a squib from a different lot of FM.

I’d rather just shoot steel case if price is that much of an issue.

[kjr_29]

I’ve heard that before, but it doesn’t reflect my experience. I bought thousands of rounds from them a few years back. Reman 124gr. Worked great in any of my pistols. No problem making at least 130 power factor (@1050fps). Used that ammo in many matches and in my Rangemaster Instructor class. Not a single issue.

Nor does it reflect mine, but I have not shot more than 1k of the 135s. Most of my comp Ammo was stuff I loaded. That being said, I never had an issue with the Freedom Ammo.

LAX makes 135gr as well for those opposed to Freedom.
https://www.laxammo.com/lax-ammunition-reloaded-9-mm-135-gr-rnfp-500-rds-w-ammo-can-detail


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[Exiledviking]

FWIW, both of my batches (124 gr and 147 gr) were purchased in 2016. Hopefully they've sorted out their ammo by now.

[LtDave]

Hornady makes/made a 135 grain fmj training load 90238, apparently for LE use. I currently only see it available at one online vendor, Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore. Just tried to buy some, apparently they only have 1 box on hand. :(

[Rick62]

Hornady makes/made a 135 grain fmj training load 90238, apparently for LE use. I currently only see it available at one online vendor, Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore. Just tried to buy some, apparently they only have 1 box on hand. :(

Bud’s and GT Distributors appear to have some in stock.

I’m not nearly particular enough to pay 30 or 40 cpr for range fodder. But I’m cheap...


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[rsa-otc]

We have used Freedom Munitions as training ammo to match the 135 Critical Defense for several years now. We have never had any issues with their re manufactured Ammo.

We DID have issue with the New 158 grain JFP 38spl a few years back. They made the situation right and credited us for the ammo and sent replacement stock free of charge.

My only issue with Freedom is that every time I go to order they are out of stock for most everything reman'ed.

[LtDave]

Shot some of the Hornady 90238 Training ammo I got from Bud's in my VP9 with RMR. 20 yards off the bench, 1.0":

44482

Now out of stock at Bud's :-(

[witchking777]

If you do get the Hornady training ammo get the brass cased stuff,the steel case ammo would jam up in the magazine and not feed correctly.

[HCM]

If you do get the Hornady training ammo get the brass cased stuff,the steel case ammo would jam up in the magazine and not feed correctly.

In what gun / magazine ?

Hornady’s steel case ammo is usually a bit better quality than others but some guns / mags will not tolerate steel or aluminum case ammo.

For example IME steel case is a no go in Magpul Glock mags but feeds fine in Glock OEM mags.

[LtDave]

In what gun / magazine ?

Hornady’s steel case ammo is usually a bit better quality than others but some guns / mags will not tolerate steel or aluminum case ammo.

For example IME steel case is a no go in Magpul Glock mags but feeds fine in Glock OEM mags.

I’ve not had good luck with steel cased ammo in my HK pistols. Aluminum Blazer has worked fine.

[OlongJohnson]

I have been using critical duty for about 7 years now, it's stupid accurate in every pistol I've shot with it.

I've both seen and heard about 165gr Critical Defense providing an impressive accuracy tuneup in multiple .40 S&W pistols.

[10mmfanboy]

I've both seen and heard about 165gr Critical Defense providing an impressive accuracy tuneup in multiple .40 S&W pistols.

I have noticed the same with critical duty 175 gn 40 s&w. I find those to be much softer subjectively in recoil as well, as compared to say 165 gn gold dots. Feels almost like I'm shooting a different caliber, actually.