Defensive Ammo Choice for Short Barrel 9mm (Glock 43/Sig P365)

[JCS]

What are the most recommended loads for these guns? Is it still Gold Dot or HST? In what weight? Is the Micro HST really better than regular?

[blues]

What are the most recommended loads for these guns? Is it still Gold Dot or HST? In what weight? Is the Micro HST really better than regular?

In my G26, essentially same length barrel as G43, I use HST 147 (standard pressure), or HST 124 +P, or Gold Dot 124 (standard pressure) all with good results. My preference is the 147 as I felt the gun gave slightly better accuracy in my hands.

[BehindBlueI's]

I know when I asked awhile back DocGKR said the 147gr HST tested to spec out of the Shield.

[tlong17]

In one of the longer threads on the topic, there are a few comments, one from DocGKR, about the 147 HST performing as well out of 3" barrels as it does 4".

[RJ]

Following.

Shootin’ Partners P365 is loaded with Speer Gold Dot 115 standard pressure at the moment for reasons I can’t recall right this second.

[olstyn]

My understanding from past reading is that loads with heavier bullets tend to lose less performance out of shorter barrels than loads with lighter bullets do.

I personally use Hornady Critical Duty 135 grain (standard pressure) as my carry load in my P99c (3.5" barrel). At one point, I even chronographed it, and even out of a 3.5" barrel, it was delivering slightly *higher* than advertised velocity on average, with a single digit standard deviation, so I'm quite confident that it will perform as designed out of that gun should the need ever arise. Given that a G43's barrel is only 0.11" shorter, it probably doesn't lose much velocity/performance there.

[ccmdfd]

Tagged for interest as I have heard everything from heavy 147s to Barnes 115s as being the best.

[DocGKR]

As noted previously:

What shoots accurately out of your handgun (ex. 25 yds slow fire on B8 with at least 90 pts, preferably above 95 pts)?

What shoots reliably out of your handgun (eg. no ammo related malfunctions over at least 2000 rds)?

What can you purchase in adequate quantity for your needs (like 1000-2500 round minimums)?

What offers adequate terminal performance for your needs (ie. meets FBI, IWBA, or equivalent testing)?

Then pick that load and stop worrying about ammo....

[DocGKR]

"Tagged for interest as I have heard everything from heavy 147s to Barnes 115s as being the best."

Yes--good 147 gr barrier blind loads to all copper 115's are the best 9 mm loads.

[PearTree]

A lot of discussion was had about ammo in these small pistols in another thread. With my 365 it doesn’t function reliably with 147 grain bullets so I switched to the Barnes 115 off of docs list. A lot of people were having issues with 147 grain being reliable, you can do a search and find the thread on it.

[JCS]

A lot of discussion was had about ammo in these small pistols in another thread. With my 365 it doesn’t function reliably with 147 grain bullets so I switched to the Barnes 115 off of docs list. A lot of people were having issues with 147 grain being reliable, you can do a search and find the thread on it.

Is this the ammo you are referring to? https://www.luckygunner.com/9mm-luger-p-115gr-barnes-tac-xpd-hp-20

[JCS]

As noted previously:

What shoots accurately out of your handgun (ex. 25 yds slow fire on B8 with at least 90 pts, preferably above 95 pts)?

What shoots reliably out of your handgun (eg. no ammo related malfunctions over at least 2000 rds)?

What can you purchase in adequate quantity for your needs (like 1000-2500 round minimums)?

What offers adequate terminal performance for your needs (ie. meets FBI, IWBA, or equivalent testing)?

Then pick that load and stop worrying about ammo....

Thanks Doc. I’d say I’m just trying to avoid wasting money on expensive ammo if it’s not a good recommendation for these types of guns. FWIW it’ll be out of a sig365 so I just want to make sure it’s a vetted round before I start testing reliability. Your recommendation is much appreciated.

[ccmdfd]

Is this the ammo you are referring to? https://www.luckygunner.com/9mm-luger-p-115gr-barnes-tac-xpd-hp-20

That, or it's also loaded by Black Hills, and ASYM (maybe others).

https://asymammo.com/shop-ammo/handgun-ammunition/9mm-match-ammo/solid-defense-x-115-grain-barnes/

http://www.black-hills.com/shop/new-pistol-ammo/9mm-luger/ (bottom one)

https://www.brownells.com/ammunition/handgun-ammo/9mm-luger-p-115gr-tac-xp-ammo-prod102726.aspx

I have not chronographed it, but I feel like the Black Hills runs a little hotter.

[DocGKR]

Most duty ammo loaded by vendors with a history of successful large USG contracts and good QC, like Black Hills, Federal/Speer, Hornady, will work well.

[Up1911Fan]

I carry 147gr Ranger Bonded in mine as I still have quite a bit. My order sone 147gr HST or GD next.

[PearTree]

Is this the ammo you are referring to? https://www.luckygunner.com/9mm-luger-p-115gr-barnes-tac-xpd-hp-20

Yes but I prefer the black hills version.

[hufnagel]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc5n_JsY3aw

And the answer is...
















































Sorry... no spoilers! :D

[MGWS]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc5n_JsY3aw

And the answer is...











































Sorry... no spoilers! :D

You beat me to it, haha. That's how I found my shield ammo.

[ST911]

Is this the ammo you are referring to? https://www.luckygunner.com/9mm-luger-p-115gr-barnes-tac-xpd-hp-20


Yes but I prefer the black hills version.

That 115 Barnes TAC XP is a great bullet. It may be helpful to note that Barnes loading is rather light and can be near the functional threshold of some guns. Quite accurate though. The BHA loading has the next most "oomph", and is the the most accurate. When Corbon loaded the actual Barnes bullet in its DPX line, they had the most oomph and least (but acceptable) accuracy of the three.

[hufnagel]

You beat me to it, haha. That's how I found my shield ammo.

I think the most important part about the series is, there's a LOT of viable choices, so if one isn't as reliable in your poison pill dispenser of choice, you have options.

Now I just wish he'd get back to making content.

[ccmdfd]

That 115 Barnes TAC XP is a great bullet. It may be helpful to note that Barnes loading is rather light and can be near the functional threshold of some guns. Quite accurate though. The BHA loading has the next most "oomph", and is the the most accurate. When Corbon loaded the actual Barnes bullet in its DPX line, they had the most oomph and least (but acceptable) accuracy of the three.

Yeah when I shoot the Barnes loading out of a full sized 1911, it feels like you could take a sip of coffee while waiting for the slide to cycle. Ok, i exaggerate a bit, but it's noticeably slower cycling. Never had a stoppage though.

Black Hills and ASYM, are significantly faster. Never tried any other companies' loadings.

I'd love to see someone perform ballistic testing on all of the makes and compare.

[SAWBONES]

Another duffer's $.02:

Since consistent accuracy and adequate precision are of paramount importance to me in a round employed for CCW, my choice is Federal HST 124gr (not the +P type) in my all-day, every day CCW gen 5 G26.

Data for penetration and expansion seem to be good too, but remain of more theoretic concern to me.
I want to be certain my bullets go where I mean them to go, and the HST 124gr meets that standard, in my hands.

(And since, as a result, I bought a case of it, I'm not changing to something else, no matter what any YouTube vid says. :cool:)

[JCS]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc5n_JsY3aw

And the answer is..Sorry... no spoilers! :D

Thanks for sharing. Good info in there.

[DocGKR]

"I'm not changing to something else, no matter what any YouTube vid says."

There is NO reason to change to something else (see post #8 above), nor does the specific YouTube video in question suggest a person to change.

[rca90gsx]

Just a data point...tried the 365 today with standard pressure HST 147, avg velocity of 10 rounds was 967. Interesting that the first shot out of a cold bore was the fastest at 987. That was testing with a prochrono at 10'. I will update this with a slightly longer barrel(threaded muzzle only) to see the difference.

[Dcowboyscr]

So standard pressure 124 HST out of a P365 is good to go?

[blues]

So standard pressure 124 HST out of a P365 is good to go?

Go back and review the comments in this thread by DocGKR

Absent evidence to the contrary in "your" gun, it's a fine round that performs adequately. (I have discussed this very round in years past with the good doctor, in regard to Glocks, the smallest of which I own is a G26)

[Dcowboyscr]

Go back and review the comments in this thread by DocGKR

Absent evidence to the contrary in "your" gun, it's a fine round that performs adequately. (I have discussed this very round in years past with the good doctor, in regard to Glocks, the smallest of which I own is a G26) Yes, I read DOCGKR’s comments thanks. What I’m asking is from a performance standard in a short barreled gun like my P365 do they perform adequately. I’m currently in the process of verifying reliability in my particular sample of P365. I know they are a recomended load, in full size and compact pistols. I’m asking specifically about velocity, penetration and expansion performance from a P365 length barrel. And would there be any practical performance difference between a G26 3.5 barrel and a P365 conventionally rifled 3.1 inch barrel. I’d imagine not but I
Just wanted to be sure.

[olstyn]

would there be any practical performance difference between a G26 3.5 barrel and a P365 conventionally rifled 3.1 inch barrel. I’d imagine not but I Just wanted to be sure.

Powder choice will affect this (slower-burning powders will gain and lose more velocity based on barrel length changes than faster ones), so it's REALLY hard to make very accurate predictions, but I can say that using VV N320 to push a 124 grain JHP, I saw an increase of 40-50 FPS going from a 3.5" barrel to a 4.0" barrel. That makes me think that unless the 3.5" gun was already on the ragged edge of producing just barely enough velocity for the bullet to perform properly, then the load you use in your G26 is probably also going to work fine out of the P365, as you're probably not losing much more than 50 FPS. I suppose the only way to be 100% completely certain would be to mix up some gel, set up a chronograph, and do your own testing, but my non-expert opinion is that you're likely fine.

[JBP55]

Yes, I read DOCGKR’s comments thanks. What I’m asking is from a performance standard in a short barreled gun like my P365 do they perform adequately. I’m currently in the process of verifying reliability in my particular sample of P365. I know they are a recomended load, in full size and compact pistols. I’m asking specifically about velocity, penetration and expansion performance from a P365 length barrel. And would there be any practical performance difference between a G26 3.5 barrel and a P365 conventionally rifled 3.1 inch barrel. I’d imagine not but I
Just wanted to be sure.

I would not be overly concerned about a .33" difference in barrel length between a G26 and a P365.

[0ddl0t]

Seemingly good ammo to avoid in a 3" pistol:

Hornady Critical Duty 135
Speer Gold Dot G2 147
Federal HST micro 150


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s8I353H4mo


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeVtwmHeRZQ


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LFFqHR62TE


I would not be overly concerned about a .33" difference in barrel length between a G26 and a P365.

The 0.43" difference between a G26 and a Sig 938 is enough to make Critical Duty expand after passing through denim

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoG0v-znj80

[jd950]

It is entirely personal and not intended to denigrate anyone else's choice, but leaving aside the ever-popular bear ammo question, or when performance after penetrating auto glass is important, my answer to just about any 9mm ammo choice question in any pistol barrel length is standard velocity 147 gr HST, Gold Dot or Ranger, depending on price, availability, performance/accuracy in a particular gun. I guess G2 is in that group, too.

I enjoy playing around with other brands, weights, etc., but the ones above are what I rely on if I have any choice in the matter. Okay, I admit that had a brief affair with some 135 gr +p, and still think about it from time to time.

[RJ]

Following.

Shootin’ Partners P365 is loaded with Speer Gold Dot 115 standard pressure at the moment for reasons I can’t recall right this second.

It took me a second to find it, but this thread below is how I came onto selecting the GD115s for the P365:

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?37625-Two-years-with-G43-six-months-with-a-G48

I'm starting to shoot through my new P365XL and have only a very minor sample of ammo through it so far (140 rounds, no issues. Mixed ammo, including some 147 HST). If the 147 HST runs in the P365XL, I will be happy because I have a few boxes put by.

[revolvergeek]

In my G26, essentially same length barrel as G43, I use HST 147 (standard pressure), or HST 124 +P, or Gold Dot 124 (standard pressure) all with good results. My preference is the 147 as I felt the gun gave slightly better accuracy in my hands.

Pretty much the same for me; 147 HST shoots very well in pretty much ever 9mm that I own. For the ones that it doesn't love it, I either use the 124 HST or the 124 +P Gold Dot. Whatever each guns likes best. Can't go wrong with any of those loads.

A big agency here had several very unsatisfactory results with 147 Gold Dot (ETA: the ORIGINAL Gold Dot, not the G2 version. No info on that load.) out of the 26/43 platform, so I would stay away from that combo. They switched to the 127 +P+ Ranger and have been much happier with that.

[tlong17]

Pretty much the same for me; 147 HST shoots very well in pretty much ever 9mm that I own. For the ones that it doesn't love it, I either use the 124 HST or the 124 +P Gold Dot. Whatever each guns likes best. Can't go wrong with any of those loads.

A big agency here had several very unsatisfactory results with 147 Gold Dot (ETA: the ORIGINAL Gold Dot, not the G2 version. No info on that load.) out of the 26/43 platform, so I would stay away from that combo. They switched to the 127 +P+ Ranger and have been much happier with that.

Unsatisfactory based on feeding and reliability or based on measured terminal ballistics?

[blues]

Pretty much the same for me; 147 HST shoots very well in pretty much ever 9mm that I own. For the ones that it doesn't love it, I either use the 124 HST or the 124 +P Gold Dot. Whatever each guns likes best. Can't go wrong with any of those loads.


My trio is 147 HST standard, 124 Gold Dot standard, and 124 +P HST. I've got much more of the 147 HST than the others, but I'd feel okay with any of the three in my G26, 19 or 17.

[revolvergeek]

Unsatisfactory based on feeding and reliability or based on measured terminal ballistics?

Terminal ballistics in real world applications a couple years back; one of their instructors told me they were not happy with lack of expansion after heavy clothing (as expected) but also had instances of significant under-penetration after heavy clothing (not expected). Also not happy with performance against cars (they shoot up a lot of junkers testing ammo a the range). They had been satisfied with it out off full sized guns, but didn't want to have to keep up with different loads based on different barrel lengths.

[tlong17]

Terminal ballistics in real world applications a couple years back; one of their instructors told me they were not happy with lack of expansion after heavy clothing (as expected) but also had instances of significant under-penetration after heavy clothing (not expected). Also not happy with performance against cars (they shoot up a lot of junkers testing ammo a the range). They had been satisfied with it out off full sized guns, but didn't want to have to keep up with different loads based on different barrel lengths.

Gotcha, thanks for the reply. It will be interesting to see if more scientific and proper testing will be done out of shorter barrels with the 147 HST. Although, I'm certainly not holding by breath since 4" barrels are more the norm for duty pistols and thus are the ones tested.

[1Rangemaster]

Yes--good 147 gr barrier blind loads to all copper 115's are the best 9 mm loads.

I’ve read DocGKR posts for years, and he has done the work/research, has the experience and is also a shooting practitioner.
I am compelled to note that another component (and there are many) is how competently one can shoot whatever load one is carrying. There is a “bit” of difference between a 115 gr. “practice” load and heavier bullets, +P, +P+, etc. It’s one redone why many(majority?) LE agencies “qualify” w/a duty load or equivalent. I do my best to verify what load(s) I am carrying, on accuracy and time evaluations. The practice loads help, as does dry fire also.
I don’t believe you have to shoot 1000 rounds to verify-our Fed LE has done that in almost every case(our tax dollars at work).
Get some ammo delineated by DocGKR and run a few Drill(s)of the week. I’d suggest include some one handed shooting and a bit of distance with time pressure. I like the Wizard, Givens/Farnam “3M” and the Super Test; but even a local PD/State Qual or current FBI would be good. It won’t matter too much if one can’t adequately “service the target(s)”.
FWIW, I currently have +P 125 9x19 Hornady in the G26 on my ankle, 135+P in Gen519MOS in the holster. I’m comfortable w/147 loads also...

[Navin Johnson]

Pretty much the same for me; 147 HST shoots very well in pretty much ever 9mm that I own. For the ones that it doesn't love it, I either use the 124 HST or the 124 +P Gold Dot. Whatever each guns likes best. Can't go wrong with any of those loads.

A big agency here had several very unsatisfactory results with 147 Gold Dot (ETA: the ORIGINAL Gold Dot, not the G2 version. No info on that load.) out of the 26/43 platform, so I would stay away from that combo. They switched to the 127 +P+ Ranger and have been much happier with that.

As a data point how many unsatisfactory shootings versus satisfactory shootings....... and what is the definition of a satisfactory shooting?

And when they switched to the 127 how many satisfactory shootings did they have?

[revolvergeek]

As a data point how many unsatisfactory shootings versus satisfactory shootings....... and what is the definition of a satisfactory shooting?

And when they switched to the 127 how many satisfactory shootings did they have?

I think that it was three unsatisfactory that he mentioned at that time. It was part of a long informal discussion that we had with them during an Active Shooter preparation assessment they did for us here following the protests and sniper shootings back in 2016. As I recall it was a combination of insufficient expansion and / or penetration from the small pistols after going through very heavy clothing, which did not solicit the expected/desired response from the target. I work with them, but not for them, so I am sorry but really don't think that I should put up here the exact specifics of what I was told.

From what I have heard since then they are pleased with the 127 Ranger and are still using it, but we have not discussed any shootings with it. I think that a lot of their ammunition selection process tends to be weighted heavily in favor of good performers against vehicles. All the discussions we have had about ammunition since then referenced performance against auto glass, doors, hoods, etc. For example I have been told that they don't like low recoil (velocity) buckshot because of poor vehicle penetration. I need to try to get them to let me shoot some Flight Control #1 at some junkers up there one day just to see how that super tight shot column hitting together offsets lower per pellet energy.

[JBP55]

A big agency here had several very unsatisfactory results with 147 Gold Dot (ETA: the ORIGINAL Gold Dot, not the G2 version. No info on that load.) out of the 26/43 platform, so I would stay away from that combo. They switched to the 127 +P+ Ranger and have been much happier with that.

Why not just go with 124+P Gold Dot?

[revolvergeek]

You would have to ask them that, but I think that the idea was that the 127 +p+ was the fastest load commonly available.

ETA: good to see you on here James.

[spence]

I'm no expert on the matter, just a hillbilly who likes numbers. When I started back to carrying full time, I was behind the 8 ball on ammo, so the 9mm Ammo Quest was handy, especially since I was carrying small guns at the time. I loaded up on some of the Train and Defend because it was available at WM. I have moved on from that for my EDC, especially since I now carry a full size gun, but Doc's comments ring vastly true because unless you've chronographed your specific gun, some of these discussions seems redundant, at best.

I chronoed the Train and Defend from my PX4 compact, as the last of it is in that gun in my headboad pistol box. It was running a whopping 850 fps. Not very impressive. If I remember right, every other load I ran across the chrono in the PF9 and PX4 compact, the 3" barrel had significantly greater velocity than the 3.3". Same rings for every Beretta barrel I've shot compared to anything else similar. They just run slow in comparison. Point being velocity and barrel length are vastly relative, so I'm just sticking with what I can get ahold of for a price I don't mind paying and shoots well in my pistols.

[rca90gsx]

Picked up a True Precision threaded barrel for the 365. I thought this would be a great way to get a little more velocity with 147's. Going to test it this weekend, fit perfect in a JMCK Wing Claw also.

[Nephrology]

FWIW I've personally only bought 147 Federal HSTs for the last ~ 5 years but recently placed an order for about 250rds of the 124gr standard pressure Gold Dot. Based on what I've read from some posters here, it seems like they may be a little more reliable in my G43s.

[Eric_L]

FWIW I've personally only bought 147 Federal HSTs for the last ~ 5 years but recently placed an order for about 250rds of the 124gr standard pressure Gold Dot. Based on what I've read from some posters here, it seems like they may be a little more reliable in my G43s.


Are you having reliability problems with 147 HST in them?

[revchuck38]

Just FYI - chrono data from my P99C (3.5" barrel):

Standard pressure 147-grain HST: 1008 fps/SD 6 (8 shots, had some duplicates I thought didn't read)
124-grain +P HST (new box, blue sealant): 1171 fps/SD 5 (five shots)

[olstyn]

Just FYI - chrono data from my P99C (3.5" barrel):

Standard pressure 147-grain HST: 1008 fps/SD 6 (8 shots, had some duplicates I thought didn't read)

Does this load pass the plunk test in your P99c? I just bought some of it, as I was stocking up and SGAmmo was out of what has been my preferred load (Hornady Critical Duty 135 grain), and while it drops all the way into the chamber and drops out smoothly, it will not spin. This is true in both my P99c and my full size P99.

[revchuck38]

Does this load pass the plunk test in your P99c? I just bought some of it, as I was stocking up and SGAmmo was out of what has been my preferred load (Hornady Critical Duty 135 grain), and while it drops all the way into the chamber and drops out smoothly, it will not spin. This is true in both my P99c and my full size P99.

I tried it in my two P99Cs and had the same result. The 124-grain HST spun freely.

I wouldn't get too spun up about this. :D As long as it runs in your carry gun, it should be good to go.

[olstyn]

I tried it in my two P99Cs and had the same result. The 124-grain HST spun freely.

I wouldn't get too spun up about this. :D As long as it runs in your carry gun, it should be good to go.

Thanks for the reply.

I'm not super worried about it since it drops all the way in and out without a problem. I'm just used to sending handloads back through the seat/crimp die if they won't spin, and then putting them in the reject pile if they still won't spin after that, so I was curious to hear your experience. Given that it would seem that your P99cs behave basically the same way with 147 HST and runs it fine in them, I'll at least run a few mags through the 'c' and the full size and expect it to be fine. Trust but verify and all that. :)

[Nephrology]

Are you having reliability problems with 147 HST in them?

Personally? No. I have had a couple issues in the G43s with aftermarket base plates, but no issues with ball or JHP with stock magazines.

[CarloMNL]

Apologies for resurrecting this thread.

I have 124 grain HST (standard pressure) and 135 Critical Duty +P on hand as that's what I've loaded in my Glocks. With a SIG P365's 3.1" barrel, is either load likely to still expand even just a little?

My thinking is that the short tube might not provide enough velocity for either load to expand. I'm ok with carrying FMJ if a JHP won't expand out of such a short barrel.

[GAP]

Apologies for resurrecting this thread.

I have 124 grain HST (standard pressure) and 135 Critical Duty +P on hand as that's what I've loaded in my Glocks. With a SIG P365's 3.1" barrel, is either load likely to still expand even just a little?

My thinking is that the short tube might not provide enough velocity for either load to expand. I'm ok with carrying FMJ if a JHP won't expand out of such a short barrel.

Yes. I’d rock the 124gr HST without hesitation.

[CarloMNL]

Yes. I’d rock the 124gr HST without hesitation.

Thanks GAP. I should have my P365 in hand by Friday. I'll be sure to run a few rounds of HST when I shoot it over the weekend.

[Detmongo]

The NYPD has used the 124+p GD in the Sig 365 and the S$W shield the round has worked as advertised in numerous shooting. I have done a ton of shooting reviews in which the GD was used never seen one not work as advertised.

[WobblyPossum]

The NYPD has used the 124+p GD in the Sig 365 and the S$W shield the round has worked as advertised in numerous shooting. I have done a ton of shooting reviews in which the GD was used never seen one not work as advertised.

ICE is also using 124 +p GD. The P365 is one of the more popular approved personally owned guns and all approved guns had to pass testing with the duty ammo. Obviously a much smaller agency that gets into fewer shootings than NYPD, but it’s still a lot of guns in the field.

[HeavyDuty]

Timely bump. I recently changed to 124gr standard pressure HST for defensive use in all of my 9s including short barrels, it seems to be the most available option for me now that I can afford. Changes cost a *lot* in reliability testing, so I avoid them.

[BBMW]

You might want go through the play list linked below. It's a series of 9mm ammo tests done with a SIG P938. I think that gun has the same 3.1" barrel. It's surprising how well a lot of the loadings tested did with it.

I don't know if the testing rises to the level of scientific rigorousness that DocGKR would approve of. But sometimes you need to work with what's available.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA7FTjmLiQQ&list=PLgNSGOEQko_M90AMdRCDMgd-w4Yozc27i


Apologies for resurrecting this thread.

I have 124 grain HST (standard pressure) and 135 Critical Duty +P on hand as that's what I've loaded in my Glocks. With a SIG P365's 3.1" barrel, is either load likely to still expand even just a little?

My thinking is that the short tube might not provide enough velocity for either load to expand. I'm ok with carrying FMJ if a JHP won't expand out of such a short barrel.

[Fsumach]

A large federal agency that allows the Glock 43 as a personally owned weapon specifically recommends the Hornady Critical Duty 135+P for that firearm and notes it provides the best terminal ballistics available from the short barrel. If you have that on hand it may be worth considering that.

[CarloMNL]

A large federal agency that allows the Glock 43 as a personally owned weapon specifically recommends the Hornady Critical Duty 135+P for that firearm and notes it provides the best terminal ballistics available from the short barrel. If you have that on hand it may be worth considering that.

I do, and in a Glock (26, 19, 17) it is what I load. I'll run a few through the P365 and see how the gun likes the load.

One thing I worry about in very small pistols and heavier than normal bullets is reliability over the long term. The gun itself should be fine but how the magazine springs cope with the heavier stack is something I'll have to vet over the coming year. I'll refrain from putting the pistol on my carry permit until then.

[revchuck38]

I do, and in a Glock (26, 19, 17) it is what I load. I'll run a few through the P365 and see how the gun likes the load.

One thing I worry about in very small pistols and heavier than normal bullets is reliability over the long term. The gun itself should be fine but how the magazine springs cope with the heavier stack is something I'll have to vet over the coming year. I'll refrain from putting the pistol on my carry permit until then.

Since they’re within the range of standard bullet weights (115-147 grains), I doubt you’ll have any problems.

[GAP]

Timely bump. I recently changed to 124gr standard pressure HST for defensive use in all of my 9s including short barrels, it seems to be the most available option for me now that I can afford. Changes cost a *lot* in reliability testing, so I avoid them.

Do you personally notice any difference in recoil between the standard pressure 124gr HST and 147gr HST from a P365XL?

[HeavyDuty]

Do you personally notice any difference in recoil between the standard pressure 124gr HST and 147gr HST from a P365XL?

I’ve never tried 147s beyond a few sampling episodes.

[D-der]

Do you personally notice any difference in recoil between the standard pressure 124gr HST and 147gr HST from a P365XL?

To me, the 147gr HST's seem to have a softer shot cycle.
In my 3 365 / XL barrel's the 147's poi is little higher
than 124's but there's very little poi difference between
124's and 147's with the PMM barrel in my XL carry gun.
Maybe just a fluke ?

[G19Fan]

To me, the 147gr HST's seem to have a softer shot cycle.
In my 3 365 / XL barrel's the 147's poi is little higher
than 124's but there's very little poi difference between
124's and 147's with the PMM barrel in my XL carry gun.
Maybe just a fluke ?

Bringing this back to life. This tracks with my experience.

3.1 barrel bigger poa/poi impact at 25 yards. 147 grain printing higher

Xl barrel 124 and 147 around the same at 25 yards