9 mm Bullet Weight Preference

[Liggett]

I use 147gr. RNFP Hi-Tec coated for competition because they're accurate and softer recoil with the right powder. For carry, I use 124gr. Gold Dots because all my pistols run it dependably.

 

[CECannonJr]

Great information from everyone. Thanks!

 

[Ohrings]

What it all boils down to is your own choice.

 

[JC54]

In chrono tests I've seen comparing a 4" G19 to a 3.43" G26 a lot of velocity was lost with 115 gr for the barrel difference.
Less so with 124 gr.
With 147 gr the difference in velocity was negligible.
The only 9mm's I own are a G26 & a Shield so for the short barrels I decided to go with 147 gr to keep velocity close to the 4" barrel.

 

[Ohrings]

I have a Sig P365 and a P365XL with a red dot. I went through the bullet and powder tests with both. I do use a Hi-Tek bullets. My choice was the 147 also.

 

[Rooster]

124 and 147 seem to run best for me. Some claim the higher velocity of the 124 is needed for adequate expansion in self defense scenarios. I have a LEO friend who likes 147. I lean to what he suggests cause he is more familiar with actual experiences.

 

[Liggett]

In chrono tests I've seen comparing a 4" G19 to a 3.43" G26 a lot of velocity was lost with 115 gr for the barrel difference.
Less so with 124 gr.
With 147 gr the difference in velocity was negligible.
The only 9mm's I own are a G26 & a Shield so for the short barrels I decided to go with 147 gr to keep velocity close to the 4" barrel.

My Wife runs a Walther Q4SF and I run the Q5SF. At a recent tier 4 IDPA regional, the chrono was a Lab Radar. Her gun ran 908,911,906 (134PF) mine ran 945,944,944 (142PF)

This is consistent with the variation I've seen in our other 4" vs. 5" 9mm 1911 pistols shooting exactly the same 147gr. Hi-Tec handloads.