Putting 9mm Personal Defense Ammo to the Test: Results and Recommendations

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Putting 9mm Personal Defense Ammo to the Test: Results and Recommendations

As a responsible gun owner, you want to choose the best ammunition for your self-defense needs. The 9mm caliber is a popular choice for concealed carry handguns, but not all 9mm ammo is created equal. To help you make an informed decision, we conducted a series of tests with different brands and types of 9mm personal defense ammunition, and compared their performance in three main categories: accuracy, reliability, and terminal ballistics.

Accuracy

We used a Glock 19, a widely used and reliable pistol, with a standard 4-inch barrel, to shoot each type of ammunition at a distance of 15 yards, from a standing position. We took three shots per brand, and recorded the group diameter (center to center) and the average velocity (measured with a chronograph). We also evaluated the feel and recoil of each round, as subjective factors that can affect the shooter’s ability to aim and shoot accurately.

The results showed that some brands and types of ammo were consistently more accurate than others. For example, the Hornady Critical Defense scored the best group diameter of 1.20 inches, followed closely by the Federal HST and the Speer Gold Dot, both at 1.25 inches. The Remington Golden Saber and the Winchester Defender had wider groups, around 2 inches, but still within an acceptable range for defensive purposes. The Fiocchi Extrema was the least accurate, with a group diameter of 3.60 inches, indicating a less consistent performance.

Reliability

In addition to accuracy, we also tested the reliability of each round, by firing 50 rounds per brand, alternating between shooting and re-loading, using different magazines and shooters. We counted any malfunctions, such as failure to feed, failure to eject, or misfire, that occurred during the test, and calculated the percentage of rounds that were fired without any problems. We also observed the condition of the spent casings and the gun after shooting, to check for signs of wear, damage, or residue.

The reliability results were more balanced among the different brands and types of ammo, with no major failures or jams recorded. However, some rounds were slightly more prone to minor malfunctions, such as feeding issues or stovepiping. Specifically, the Fiocchi Extrema showed the highest malfunction rate, with 4 out of 50 rounds failed to fire or eject, while the Remington Golden Saber and the Speer Gold Dot had no malfunctions at all. The Federal HST and the Winchester Defender had one or two malfunctions each, but still within an acceptable range for defensive use.

Terminal Ballistics

The most important aspect of any personal defense ammunition is its ability to stop a threat effectively and efficiently. To assess the terminal ballistics of each round, we used a ballistics gelatin block, which simulates the human body tissue and bones, and measured the depth of penetration and the expansion of the bullets after striking the gel. We also observed the wound channels and the fragments of the bullets, as well as the energy transfer and the recoil felt by the shooter.

The terminal ballistics results varied significantly among the different brands and types of ammo, with some rounds showing more penetration and less expansion, while others showing more expansion and less penetration. In general, the Hornady Critical Defense, the Federal HST, and the Speer Gold Dot performed well in both categories, with decent penetration (around 12-14 inches) and good expansion (around 0.60-0.70 inches). The Winchester Defender had less penetration but more expansion, while the Remington Golden Saber had more penetration but less expansion. The Fiocchi Extrema showed the least penetration and expansion, indicating a lower effectiveness in stopping a threat.

Recommendations

Based on our tests and observations, we recommend the following brands and types of 9mm personal defense ammo, in order of preference:

1. Hornady Critical Defense
2. Federal HST
3. Speer Gold Dot
4. Remington Golden Saber
5. Winchester Defender
6. Fiocchi Extrema

Of course, your own experience and preference may differ, as every gun and shooter combination is unique. We encourage you to try out different brands and types of ammo, and to seek professional training and guidance, to improve your skills and knowledge on self-defense. Remember, choosing the right ammunition is a critical part of being a responsible gun owner and protecting yourself and your loved ones from harm.