Yea, I.m with MikeG and Jim: do not spare the money when it comes to you and yours protection.

I saw someone else mention the Speer GoldDot HPs. I've been a big fan of the GDHPs 124gr+P for many years in my Glocks.
It's not a question of a magic bullet in a small caliber, it's more like being more responsible if your defensive choice happens to be a 9mm. Guys also need to realize that more and more women are considering carry. If they can't handle the recoil of the larger calibers.....then they need the better choice. IMO........I practice with 147gr FMJ and carry the 124gr+P when going 9mm simply because the recoil is about the same. If you consider it for home defense, figure out which loading will be less likely to over-penetrate. Bullet diameter, magazine capacity, and most of that nonsense don't make a hill of beans if you don't survive a threat on your life. It's not about a caliber war.......it's about going to war against your enemy.

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sans remords

I am a believer in Gold dot ammo

look at the:
me: 364ftlb
mv: 1150fps

Not too shabby for a 'puny nine'

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Chris in NH.

"some days, I wish my dogs could talk"

There’s no free lunch. I believe the 9 is effective. I am a 45 guy, but with the current ruckus over the Connecticut shooting, I’m spending my money on bulk 7.62X39 and 9mm steel cased ammo these days – I have plenty of high capacity magazines already. I would like to buy a quality 1911 (not a Glock man) but money is better spent hunkering down right now. So, my Ruger P89DC will do just fine.
I carry Buffalo Bore 115 grain +Ps. They ARE expensive, but what price do you put on your life? I know the steel cased ball is far less effective, but if ammo supply dries up, they’re better than defending yourself with a sharp stick.
I also handload, and do not believe in or subscribe to the “factory loads for defense only” mantra. I have a +P level load using the Hornady XTP 115 grain that I’ve chronographed and accuracy tested that I would not hesitate to carry and use.

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- A Man Without A Cross -

Gents,

I shoot whatever shoots best, and feel no remorse for doing so. The Kahr PM9 on my ankle is loaded with 147 Fed Hydras, because that bullet shoots so well, pretty much with everything. The Glock only could stomach 115 grain plain HP remingtons, The Beretta prefers 124s, of which I like the Speers or Wins, and the Walther shoots everything, so I don't worry about it. I actually ahve no idea what its loaded with.

Like my brother stated, above, I have never paid any attention to the no reloads for defense "rule". I figure a shooting is justified or its not, and I could never see that being a difference. I don't do this with 9s, though- as there is such variety, but I do for rounds like 38 Super, and I have this dandy little number in 40 with the 155 Gold Dot. Dandy...

Best to you fellows.

Steve

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Experience is a hard teacher, because she gives the test first, and the lesson afterwards.

Thanks, brother. I know the thread was about the 9, (which I believe is adaquate). If I am ever forced to use one of the ball, AKA FMJ, loads, multiple hits become VERY necessary, IMO.
Having a real bent toward the "old school", I have great comfort in a +P (FBI load) stoked 38 Special J-Frame, and also a 125 grain SJHP 357 Magnum. In cool weather, I may even carry my M29 in a shoulder rig.
But, the thread IS about the 9.
Have a great New Year's Eve - Airborne, All The Way & Then Some....

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- A Man Without A Cross -