Retired LEO here. For what it’s worth I’ve come to rely on the following ; Federal HST 124 g Federal Punch 124g Gold Dot 124g Critical Defense 115g. These days ammo can be scarce so it’s good to have options you trust to protect the ones you love. Stay safe brothers.
Yeah, my EDC has 9mm Speer Gold Dot 124 grain JHP +P. Can’t go wrong with them. Also for what it’s worth my AR runs Speer Gold Dots as well. Highly recommend for anyone who’s reading this.
I run the same Gold Dot in my 9x19 carry. I practice with 124 grain NATO. Keeps the level of recoil and point of impact more consistent with the +P 124 grain God Dots.
@@nathanlambshead4778 I run 124 grain for range of course but I honestly never thought about running 9mm nato for the higher pressure to be more like my +p rounds. That’s great advice, thank you.
Yep! All my mags are loaded with either Speer Gold Dot 124 +p or Federal HST 124 +p. Thank God I’ve never had to use them in a life or death self defense situation, but every single test I’ve seen of both of these rounds I have no desire to change to anything else. I do spend quite a bit more because every 2 or 3 months, I’ll take a break from my practice FMJ’s and I’ll go through a box of 50 each of my Gold Dots and HST’s to practice with my carry rounds and to check zero on my red dot. Plus it keeps my carry ammo rotated and fresh. My life and families life is worth the expense.
I just brought my first gun and happened to get gold dot for personal protection. It does say it's used or endorsed by law enforcement, good to know it's also endorsed by this channel.
When I was a L.E.O I carried 124gr.+P Speer Gold Dot(53617)in my duty Glock 19 and in my backup a Glock 26 in a vest holster. Now I'm retired I carry a Glock 43 as my EDC with two extra mags with round extensions all loaded with the same 124gr+P Speer Gold Dot I carried when I was on the job because I know it is continuously effective at eliminating the threat. My wife carries the same load in her EDC Glock 26 with two Glock 19 mags as backup . We both carry a good blade, specifically the SOG Spec Elite 1 Auto .
That's a good set up ✔. I too prefer the 124gr 9mm in +P. I had some Ranger T 127 gr +P+ JHP but that load is not as popular or really as vogue in 2021 as other 👮🏻♂️ brands. I go with Critical Duty 124gr +P or Federal HST. In .40, I use the Speer Gold Dot 165gr JHP or Silver Tip 155gr round.
@@DavidLLambertmobile ,Thanks for the comment.. I was a firearms instructor and ballistic tech in my department. So firearms are my thing. When I started LE we carried wheel guns BUT we didn't ride a horse. My duty weapon was a S&W 681 .357 Magnum but our duty load was the Winchester 158gr. LSWCHP .38Spl., +P the old FBI load.👍 When we went to semi automatics I carried a SIG P226,we carried the 147gr.Non+P Federal Hydra-shok.,Which at the time was the thing.🤮👎 Then I went to Glock instructor and armor school.I've been a Glock man ever since. Like I stated I carried G19. At first we carried the Winchester Ranger 127gr.+P+ because at the time it was the cats meow in LE circles.But after doing research on then available 9mm HP's the 124gr.+P Speer Gold Dot (NYPD load)was at the time the most widely used 9mm load and it had the best results on the street.So that's what we went too and I still carry. Now since then a lot of 9mm HP's have hit the market.I like the Federal HST,It preforms like the Gold Dot. The Hornady CD is good for penetration which is what the FBI likes,ever since the Miami shootout in 86 when using the Winchester 115gr.Non+P Silvertip. But in the end practice and shot placement counts.So please stay safe and watch your six.
@@DavidLLambertmobile I carry the Winchester Ranger T-Series in 165 grain in my Glock 23 as well as the 165 grain Federal HST. In my 5th Gen G22 I carry the 180 grain HST. You can't go wrong with any of those rounds they are simply the best.
@@daddybeagleaz907 ,No I haven't.. Have they any actual street shootings with that round .. I say that because besides being one of my departments firearms instructors I was a ballistic tech and had access to shooting reports as well as autopsy reports from LE and civilian shootings. I am also a studier of Dr. Vincent Di Maio work in the field pathology.. he is a expert on the subject of gunshot wounds. And in my research has found that in 9mm the 124gr.projectile is the best weight. Also at the time the Gold Dot was the best bullet design . My research was conducted when I was a L.E.O... My research was based on these 9mm loads.The 115gr.Silvertip non +P, 147gr.Hydra Shok non +P, Remington Golden Saber 124gr.,and 115gr.JHP Winchester white box non +P,Federal Hi-Shok 115gr non +P and Fiocchi 115gr.and 147gr.JHP Non +P. Now I know there have been advancements in 9mm bullet design since my research and If I decided to switch I would probably go with Federal HST in 124gr.+P.. I will also add shot placement is key but a lot of times the suspect or suspects are not standing still like a target,That's when bullet design comes in.. which causes the most internal damage. Stay safe my friend and watch your six.🇺🇲
@@thewolfhunter wow, you've definitely done your leg work, many thanks for the info. I study the works of Massad Ayoob and Evan Marshall but am loosely familiar with Dr. de Mayo as well. Accordingly, I try to go with what these guys report and with input from people like yourself who have also been out there as have I. The FBI Massacre is perhaps the most studied gun battle of our time, survivor Ed Mireles has written an excellent book for us which I recommend. Regarding the Underwood rounds, they are said to be loaded much hotter than the Speer offerings, so I was just looking for some street input if possible. Thank you my brother.
Out of many gel tests I've watched, the Hornady is the only one that has ever failed to expand when clothing is involved. It seems to rarely happen, but I've never seen a Gold Dot or a HST fail to expand. I'm glad it worked for you, but out of the three it would be my 3rd choice.
In 9mm parabellum, The HST and Golds are Excellent Choices, I don't have any experience, with the Hornady rounds, When I was a LEO, 40 years ago, I carried a .357 Magnum W/Remington 125gr SJHP, There weren't many effective 9mm parabellum rounds at that time, Thanks for posting. 🇺🇸
In my view, 2023 the top brands to go with are bonded or +P styles. Federal HST, Winchester Defender/PDX1, Speer Gold Dot, Hornady Critical Duty +P, Remington Golden Saber. Remington GS rounds in the 2020s do offer improved QC & good ballistics. There are other brands but these are the 🚔 designs I'd carry. Stay safe!
@@kevinli9035 Some gun owners, ccw users say 147gr is better for 9mm in shorter barrels, Glock 26 19, M&P Shields etc. I prefer 124gr +P. Most gun makers 🏭 use 124gr bullets to R&D 9mm guns.
@@kevinli9035 The 147gr seems to better suited for barrels under 4”. I use HST 147gr for EDC in my S&W 2.0 compact 3.6” barrel. Performance is fantastic, even though heavy clothing. They expand 100% of the time. Anything less than 100% is a failure in my opinion. Check out “tools and targets”. He has a great UA-cam channel and tests a ton of ammunition and firearms performance.
I have the Federal 124 grain HST + P because it exceeded the FBI Ballestic Test, and so did the Federal 124 grain HST. I also like the Hornady 135 grain Critical Duty + P, which the FBI carry for their dedense ammos. 💯💯💯🙂🙂🙂
Cept ull never practice heavy enough since it cost is ridiculous, 30+ bucks for 20 rounds which is not worth the price at all as there are many options just as good for cheaper
@@xxdizannyxx EXCEPT... smart/knowledged shooters are using 115gr fmj ($20 for box of 50) for "practice/range" and ammo illustrated here are "self defense" ($80+ for box of 100)
The FBI standard is never the best ammo. It's normally a sponsorship. Just like the gold dot ammo saying law enforcement choice. Many police officers buy their own ammo and shoot the HST or ranger bonded hp. The military uses fmj ammo but that doesn't mean I want to use it in a self defense situation
If you are shooting a shorter barrel like on a Sig P365 or Glack 43 instead of Critical Duty consider Critical Defense as it has been optimized for the shorter barrel length.
I carry Critical Duty, I saw some tests where the hollow points (any brand) get clogged with some clotting and dont expand acting as FMJ, the critical duty is technically already clogged with the polymer plug called "flex lock" control the expansion, it dont going to expand whole a lot but 100% sure it will expand and penetrate deep enough for stop the threat.
Federal HST 147gr. Deep Lehigh defense maximum expansion 105gr. Hornady critical duty 124gr. Speargold dot 124gr. Winchester Ranger T 124gr. Sig Sauer V-Crown 147gr. S&B HP 147gr It all depends on what I'm doing for the day. Depends on what I pull from the safe, But normally it my 9mm with HST an my .357 snub with Speer gold +P.
I currently use 147gr HSTs in my S&W shield 9mm, and 180gr Gold dots in my glock 27. With my experience with Hornady critical duty. for a few years now. and after looking up plenty of gel tests. that use the IWBA/FBI 12 to 18in of 10% gel with heavy clothing. Its definitely not for sub-compact, or micro pistols. They are intended for compact to full size pistols. like what Hornady recommended. I have carried the 135gr FTX 9mm+p until a month a go. I do still have some 175gr FTX.40cal left. still being used in a limited roll in home defense with in my glock 23 currently. But, i say after around or after new year's. It will be rotated out with 180gr gold dots.
I have 20rd of .40 Speer Gold Dot 165gr. I carry it in a spare mag for my Glock 22 Gen 5 MOS. I use 155gr Winchester Silver Tip brand in the gun. I can use .40 on security posts but I mainly use 9mm; M&P 2.0 or my smaller Glock 26 gen 5. Both have night sights. 🌃
From all the ballistics testing I’ve seen comparing most of the defense carry rounds, every single time the HST’s from Federal 124g, it comes out on top in performance. It is the round that expands fully most consistently, and it was the only round that actually started expanding right after hitting the gel, all the others expanded already 8+ inches into the gel and traveled 15+ inches, the HST’s spiral expanded wound channel started right at impact and stoped 10-14 inches into the gel so minimizing risk of over penetration compared to the other rounds. Most of the other rounds had maybe 2-3 petals expand and the rest of the round stayed shut or clogged up and didn’t expand at all. When it comes to the best and most consistent hollow point I’m going Federal HST’s every single time in 124g, almost 1100fps and great consistent expansion shot for shot.
My personal defense ammo is definitely the Federal LE HST 9mm 124 gr. And Federal LE HST 9mm 124 +P. The reason I have the plus +P is the last time I added to to my stock, I was able to get the Federal LE HST 9mm 124gr +p for 32.99 for a box of 50. Usually it runs about $39.00 a box. I also believe in the Speer Gold Dot LE 9mm 124 gr. and have also used these in the past. Another bullet that I keep a few boxes in is Hornady Critical Duty 9mm 135 gr. All 3 of these rounds seem to consistently perform very well in the FBI Gelatin Balistics tests.
HST man myself, but equally I love the pdx1 round too. The Ranger bonded line is an amazing round too. Black talons make a gnarly flower 🌺 so many good choices. I love Underwood loaded gold dots in my 10mm
@@brianc1481 Interesting you question whether Winchester still produces the PDX round. They do. It's just that the FBI uses the round and the product is gone as soon as it is stocked in stores. I just purchased 5 boxes of 147gr 9mm (lucky). Great ammunition.
@@dionjohnson7881 I use 124gr +P PDX1 bonded. It's a good defense, ccw, duty 9mm round. I also use 124gr Critical Duty +P. Hornady put a lot of T&E into the police ammunition. They held the FBI 9mm duty contract but I heard Speer G2 9mm & .40 Gold Dots are now used by DEA FBI.
Yeah the pdx1 is a bit of a unicorn. They really sell out fast. I have them in 38special/9mm/10mm. Depending on the barrel length I like the standard pressure 147 grain and the +p 124 grain
I’ve always liked the Speer Gold Dot. Just came back from the gun store and couldn’t even find any decent 9MM defense ammo. Ended up with 1 box of Double Tap .357 though 😊
There's probably half a dozen great rounds to choose from but I stick with hst and gold dot. HST 124 9mm right now can be ordered for a bout 30 bucks for a box of 50 so I'm stocking up on that.
I carry 124gr +p HST (P9HST3) in most of my 9mm weapons, Winchester Ranger T-Series/Ranger Bonded (RA9T, RA9B) in a few others. I'm definitely a HST fan.
@@CourierSix2077 Or in any caliber for that matter. I carry 165 grain HST in my compact G23 .40 caliber, and 180 grain in my G22. For my Sig P220 in .45 ACP its the 230 grain +P.
Currently I'm using The Sig V crown but the other two are of course good choices.When I need more I will probably go with which one is cheaper.Probably go with 124 grain also.
Used to run fmj .40 back in my days as a officer and I can confirm that fmj also provide a ticket for the next live if you hit the target but if you can get hollow points they’ll do it fine too at the end of the day it’s all about hit the target
funny, from my research These are the 3 brands that I would consider using as well. They are the ones that stood out from all the research I have done and have other people with more experiences have referred me to. However, with the Hornandy I use Critical Defense and not DUTY. I like the Federal HST because I can use their Match Training Syntech ammo to see how they fly and function in a gun, and it is cheaper to shoot than the actual HST round itself. I wish all Defense ammo would have a training match round.
Federal Premium also sells markets 🛒 ammunition online directly which is a smart business move 🏭. I ordered a few boxes of handgun calibers in 2020, 2021. No mark up, no funny business.
Hornady is too iffy. Gold dot and HST far more reliable for civilian carry. Look up meat and gel tests. If you are planning to shoot through hard barriers Underwood Extreme Defense. Test with gel behind barriers and you decide. JMHO
FMJ is not designed to poke holes into people? It's poked more holes into people than any other type. Yes, there are more optimal options. But saying FMJ was just designed for target practice is asinine.
... Agree ,, the 1911 and most all semi auto's were designed with and for FMJ RN .... the study of penetration came later ... and most rimmed cartridges came out as LRN for years until SWC came into the arena ... other than dyi knife cuts ,,hollow points are relatively recent based on police and civilian stats on penetration .. and collteral damage ..
He's talking about specific Target ammo. Yes we all know from history that a lot of people have been killed in wars from FMJ but those were specifically designed rounds for military use. He's talking about the target ammo you pick up from the store. She's in rice this world is doomed if we all know from history that a lot of people have been killed in wars from FMJ but those were specifically designed rounds for military use. He's talking about the target ammo you pick up from the store. The fact that you don't understand that and you can't pick up on that is scary. Dummy.
Right? Take a look at the ammo gang bangers use, 99% use ball ammo. Seems to work for them! Really it all comes to shot placement. That being said, I'll still use good defensive ammo AND good shot placement.
That Critical Duty is my jam. I carry that in almost every EDC I have. I also like the Sig V-Crowns, but for a 2nd, I'd go HST. They're fantastic SDR's.
Gold Dot 124 gr +P or HST 124gr +P are my preference. Critical Duty for some reason Falls short of +P expectations in both Muzzle velocity and Muzzle energy.
I can vouch for the 9mm Gold Dots, never dispatched a human but going by my observations of other animals I have taken with them Gold Dots really shine, my 2nd favorite is the HST followed by some of the loadings from Underwood, Buffalo Bore, Sig V-Crown, Black Hills.
For all of you cowboy/quick to pull the trigger types saying that the exotic ammo (Xtreme Defender/Penetrator, RIP etc) is the best carry ammunition, that's easy to say...until you end up in court and they articulate that the ammo you used is indicative of your desire to kill rather than defend yourself. Think it won't happen? Do research. It has happened many times. My EDC is Speer Gold Dot LE 9mm. My societal collapse (the end of the legal system) is Underwood Xtreme Defender 9mm. Food for thought
Based on all data I've looked over, Speer Gold Dot and Federal HST are the most commonly available and affordable quality defensive rounds. There are better performing rounds, technically, but they are often a combination of 1) much more expensive 2) harder to find/stock 3) don't feed reliably in so many guns. I'm issued Gold Dot 124gr +P for work and personally purchase HST 124gr for all my family's EDC handguns. Both seem to work every time and are plenty accurate (1.5in group at 25 yards). I will continue to use and recommend both.
@@TheRealZJE313 Winchester Ranger T ammo is good to go. The problem with it is cost and supply. Though it performs similarly to the rounds mentioned above and in the video, it costs more and is harder to supply. HST and Gold Dot are easier to find and generally cost less both retail and online from my experience.
I'm a revolver guy so for my EDC. I have a s&w 340pd j frame although I've been looking all over for some golddot 135 g short barrel 357 put can't find the stuff anywhere. So I just load it up with the golddot 38+p 135 g short barrel form what I'm hearing from people who have the 357 it's not that big of difference saying the golddot 357 135g is just a 38+p+ but. I have put some 357s through it to see how a 11oz gun would handle and it kicks like a bitch but that's to be expected. So honestly I think I'm happy with just the 38+p golddots at this point it's probably easier to control as well. I also have a 686 plus I keep at the house and I put 357 critical duty 135g in it and this is a very good round as soon as the stuff hits anything its gonna expand but I've always been a golddot guy when it comes to defensive rounds so I'm kinda new to the Hornady rounds myself but i like what i see with how the 357 critical duty preforms hell it might even be better than the golddot tbh but. For target loads I usually just use the pmc bronze 132g 38 special standard pressure fmj but that's only for planking and having fun. This video is very accurate about the choices of rounds I don't have experience with the federal HST ammo though but for 38/357 I'm sure that's just as hard to find right now as ANY 357 golddot I've been looking for since I got that 340pd. I'm sure which ever one of the 3 rounds in this video you go with it will work just fine for defending yourself.
It's worth mentioning here that you should do your research on +P/+P+ ammo and whether or not your firearm is compatible with them, before you go out a spend a premium on this ammo.
Should I be practicing with my defensive ammo instead of target ammo? After all, if target ammo isn't as accurate, how can practice with it be effective?
Many will not agree with me, but I use FMJ to practice with and carry in my autos and LRN in my revolvers. It is much cheaper than Hollow points. I'm not spending all that extra $ for the "hollow point" of the week. I practice with what I carry for defense. I have no problem using my practice ammo for my carry ammo. I prefer penetration over maybe expansion. And FMJ is More reliable in auto's. Hard ball is very underrated. It did just fine for many years.
You don’t have to practice with your defensive ammo, but it certainly helps to make sure your gun like the ammo you are shooting. I typically run a few rounds of my carry ammo through the gun before carrying it so I know I can trust it to function without failures. Outside of my initial testing, I shoot fmj for normal range trips, fmj is more affordable and it’s because it is a much more simple round to load. Don’t listen to the gentleman above who said that carrying ball fmj ammo for defensive purposes is a good idea. The guy in this video literally discussed how cartridges meant for defensive purposes statistically do a better job to stop threats. Not only this but you have to worry about overpenetration in defensive purposes. FMJ is highly likely to go straight through a subject, whereas the mushroom effect seen on defensive ammo means a lot more of the rounds energy is dumped into a subject and if the round makes it through it’s far less likely to injure unintended targets. As always, practice makes perfect. In an ideal world, we’d all train with what we carry but that’s not possible unless you’re loaded for cash. Shooting a few carry rounds to check function is good, but carrying target rounds is ill advised by anyone who actually knows how defensive ammo works when used correctly.
@@shadowwolf2524 With all due respect, you’re wrong. In civilian scenarios over penetration is deadly and the legal hurdles that can ensue if your snag another target are life changing. Yes defensive ammo is expensive, but that’s for a purpose Defensive ammo is much more likely to ensure a subject falls after less shots. I understand that in a wrol or at war scenario a lot of the things that matter in the civilian world don’t, but the reality is that defensive ammo (although more expensive) is a much safer bet
@@CrazyUncleDom 1st, thank you for being respectful. That is becoming very rare on here. I've been threatened a few times. One guy even told me he was going to put a bomb in my car! I have hollow points for all my guns. And I've tested several. I'm just not impressed with them. Most either under penetrate or act like ball. I want the penetration fmj or LRN offers. I think over penetration is not the problem some think it is. Missing your target and hitting an innocent is more likely than a round going through your target and hitting someone else. And I do believe ball is more reliable than the hollow point of the week. Many people don't have the money to buy enough expensive HP ammo to insure their gun feeds it. For instance, before this ammo shortage, I was getting my favorite 9nm, Winchester 124gr NATO, for $10 abox of 50. I can afford to practice more with that It than the $1 or more HP rounds. And I can stock up on it at that price. I'm not pushing my idea on anyone. If someone wants to spend their $ on HP ammo and train and carry it, I'm fine with their decision. I'm like most gun people. I like to watch ammo test and try to decide which bullet is the best. But I honestly think we all kinda over think this subject. Shot placement is much more important than caliber or bullet type. I can practice more with ball ammo which makes me a better shot. All that practice makes me a better shot. Which means I'm less likely to miss my target and hit an innocent bystander, which I think is more of a danger than over penetration. But that is just my opinion. Thanks again-for the respect. I wish more people had that now a days.
Hornady is a very good ammo company. Their Critical Duty ammo performs very well in full size pistols and is currently one of the FBI's two approved duty ammo choices. Hornady's Critical Defense has become very popular in short barreled concealed carry pistols as well.
Critical Duty isn't what u want for home defense.. Critical defense is the way to go.. Critical Duty penetrates and doesn't expand as much.. If you're trying to shoot through a car door, then that's what u want, but in your house, Critical Duty is probably going to go through the perps body and through a wall and possibly hit someone u don't intend it to.. Critical Defense is less likely to do that..
In the Army we carried fmj in war. that was for personal protection. I know what you mean though by not using fmj in edc main thing is over penetration. I tote HPs in my edc.
No doubt about it , the three ammo choices u all had is the best on the market in my opinion, I would be confident in anyone of these rounds, I’m carrying the critical duty +p 135 gr and 124 gr in my two carry guns now,
Currently HST 147 grain in 9mm, have no problem with Gold Dots in 147 grain, either. Carried that for years. In .40, it's Gold Dot in 165 or 180 grain, partly because it's what I have and HST is hard to come by.
Bingo! That's what I carry in my P365. I carry 147 grain HST in my full size 4.7 inch Sig P320 most of the time but sometimes I rotate it out and use the 124 grain +P HST.
I had issues with that HORNADY ammo with rubber type plug. F plugs fell out while in the clip probably from temperature getting hot. It can jam u up good if you carry it without checking it.
@@theoriginaljohngalt2450 He did say "clip" so how reliable is the source? I have carried it for years without issue and never heard another story of that happening.
James Yeager of TN did a video saying 🏥 ERs showed JHPs failed, did not expand(perform) about 30% of the time in gun shot incidents. There are a number of reasons why. In short, buy a 9mm or .40 load that does very well on FBI protocol tests. Denim fabric, plywood, auto glass, etc. Popular brands like HST, Speer Gold Dot, Ranger T/T series, PDX1, XTP can do well. I'm not a fan of Remington lines; Golden Saber or 🥋 Black Belt. 🤦♂️
Whatever the choice one makes, make sure they are tested in your EDC or defensive firearm. Just because one type works with one particular gun for one person doesn't mean it will work for someone else, even in the same gun. Try various makes and lines to find out what works best in your gun. Lots of variables here including what type of magazine as well that is used. Lots of people recommend HSTs, but HSTs run horribly with feed issues in my FX9 carbine. Out of my FPC, it runs perfectly. Yet others have no issues with running HSTs on their FX9 carbines. Until I tested it myself, I just presumed it would work without issue. Glad I put it through its paces.
Speer gold dot or federal hst, regardless of projectile weight or caliber, are THE only two choices currently and have been for a decade. No other load is more accurate and reliable in the short barrels we carry.
There are many good rounds to use. Hornady xtp, Federal hst, Speer golddot, Cor bon, Buffalo bore and Underwood will all get the job done! Don't forget Winchester, always reliable and inexpensive. Sig elite v crown is very good also.
Great serlection for the topic and well presented! A heartfelt attaboy and i now subcribed and will watch your content. I do concur on your recomendations. I like HST but in summer Sig has been rotated in a couple years ago. Winchester Talons are the best but hard to come by lately unless your LEO.
I just bought a 92x and a ppq for home defense and fun and I am a new gun owner and I have a lot of magazines loaded with hollow points for range because I have to practice with hollow points and different brands each firearms. My son said he uses only federal I think he uses HST in his shield, he carries that.
In the 1990s, 2000s; home defense 🏘 ammunition was often a "exotic" or pre fragmented round like Glaser Safety Slug silver or MagSafe SWAT. Magsafe was manufactured in Casselberry FL. Those 9mm, .380, .45acp, 10mm loads were 💥 but not cheap! The ballistics and designs never held up either. I used Liberty brand in my Glock 21 gen 4 & my Shield 9mm briefly but now go with +P type 🚔 brands. Speer Gold Dot, HST, Ranger T, Critical Duty. Magsafe is no longer produced, 2021. Gimmicks and fads do not last.
@@DavidLLambertmobile I have two boxes of gold dot 124 +p and have two boxes of HST 124 +p (50 count each) my 92x is loaded with gold dot and I sleep next to it but we live in a small town and no major crimes but I imagine someone would kick the door in but I'm ready to defend our home.
Many Law Enforcement Agencies use the FBI or get a rep from the Ammunition company to have a work shop on typical performance of the service ammunition performance . Our agency switched from the Federal Hydrashok 9mm +P+ 124 grain to the Winchester SXT +P 124 grain ammunition. The talons are very sharp and cause a huge wound channel. Not every encounter in an OIS Officer Involved Shooting has the one shot stop. The 9mm has replaced many .40 S&W and .45 A.C.P. Service weapons because of the newer ammunition on the market. The 147 grain loads are very popular and seem to get good results. I prefer a larger caliber pistol but these new ballistic tests prove that the 9mm is just as effective. The best shooting story was from a Skokie Illinois Police Sergeant who detailed the events that led to him switching to a Glock 17 9mm after his Glock 21 loaded with Speer 230 grain Gold Dot failed to stop a bank robber with well placed hits. The final three shots was to the head which ended the fight.
Yes good read.... I believe he is carrying the 124gr. +P Speer Gold Dot in his Glock 17.. I don't think the fault was with the ammunition as it was more about the amount of ammunition.I think he was left with one or two rounds of .45ACP GD's after the shootout.
That shooting that you're referring to was an anomaly. The subject in that case was able to take multiple hits with the .45 but refused to go down, and was under the influence of illegal substances. The average human would have succumbed quickly had they been shot that many times. Not to mention that the subject did not take any hits to any vital organs. The New York State Police switched to the Glock 21 .45 ACP four years ago and have had very good results in OIS shootings so far. Their duty ammo happens to be that same Speer 230 grain Gold Dot. The Glock 17 9mm was actually their duty weapon for 22 years from 1986 to 2018, and to a man and woman they universally hated it because of its puny stopping power. Their ammo of choice varied throughout the years, so it wasn't like they stuck to one particular load that repeatedly failed. So in conclusion ONE incident such as the one in Skokie should not be used as proof that the .45 isn't a very capable round, and neither should the 9mm be elevated to lofty heights just because the ammo for it has improved. After all the major ammo brands such as Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, Remington Golden Sabre, and Winchester PDX or Ranger T-series didn't just make improvements for the 9mm, they improved their ammo across the board for ALL calibers.
@@Gsmooth10455 Actually that incident in Skokie Illinois is very well documented, you should listen to the interview with Mas Ayoob and hear it from the Sergeant who detailed exactly what happened. The bank robbery suspect was not on Drugs! The NYSP issued the Glock 37 .45 GAP. Research the NYSP firearm history. The NYSP issue ammunition which was used in the Glock 37 and 39 model was the 200 grain Speer Gold. The push for a more powerful caliber resulted from an OIS with the standard pressure 124 grain Gold Dot. The Glock rep was giving my agency back in 2005 new Glock 38 pistols to replace our G19 service pistols. The administration decided against it because of cost of replacement holsters and ammunition.
@@boostimalaka1 I know all about the Glock 37 .45 GAP as my agency switched to it in 2007 along with the NYSP. It was our duty weapon for 12 years from 2007 to 2019. We carried the same 200 grain Speer Gold Dots that the Troopers carried. The Troopers switched to the Glock 21 .45 ACP a few months ahead of us, we followed in early 2019, and we carry the 230 grain Speer Gold Dot as well. As you mentioned the 9mm was a feeble performer which is why no one in our agency wanted anything to do with them. A very good friend of mine is a firearms instructor with the NYSP, and he told me that when the time came to make the switch from the G37 that all of the other instructors overwhelming rejected going back to the G17, improved ammo or not. In my agency's case we switched to the G22 .40 S&W in 1992 and then to the G37 in 2007 before transitioning to the G21 in 2019. We also overwhelmingly rejected switching to the G17.
FMJ is most definitely designed for poking holes in people, and it does it very well. The problem is it pokes holes in more than just the person you want to poke holes in.
Would of been nice to discuss the ballistics of these various ammo’s through standard size pistols like the G17 vs subcompact pistols like the G43X or G26
I understand the thinking regarding hollow points for self-defense but make no mistake a FMJ will kill just like a hollow point. The military uses what kind of ammo? One major advantage of a hollow point is not over penetrating. A full metal jacket in many cases will.
Those federal law enforcement rounds are super accurate with the blue tips I punched a 100m bullseye the size of a 5 cent piece, blew the bullseye completely out and was just a 1/2 inch hole of the grouping. After 2 consecutive 2 of that accuracy i went and got 100s of them and threw my 14ich #coldhammerforged 1;8 twist heavy barrel it has no troubles carrying the energy to 500m/600m having the kinetic energy to make a kill with a well placed shot
I recently shot about 350 rounds of gold dot. As soon as I shot my first round I was like 😮 definitely high quality ammunition. I will now be carrying 9mm Gold Dot 124gr for self defense.
Retired LEO here.
For what it’s worth I’ve come to rely on the following ;
Federal HST 124 g
Federal Punch 124g
Gold Dot 124g
Critical Defense 115g.
These days ammo can be scarce so it’s good to have options you trust to protect the ones you love.
Stay safe brothers.
Yeah, my EDC has 9mm Speer Gold Dot 124 grain JHP +P. Can’t go wrong with them. Also for what it’s worth my AR runs Speer Gold Dots as well. Highly recommend for anyone who’s reading this.
I run the same Gold Dot in my 9x19 carry. I practice with 124 grain NATO. Keeps the level of recoil and point of impact more consistent with the +P 124 grain God Dots.
My 92x is loaded with gold dot 124+p and the pistol next to me in bed and I don't sleep deep at all.
@@nathanlambshead4778 I run 124 grain for range of course but I honestly never thought about running 9mm nato for the higher pressure to be more like my +p rounds. That’s great advice, thank you.
@@andrewbrumagen3479 wooow what a badass.
@@q93p28 you won the interweb today!
Yep! All my mags are loaded with either Speer Gold Dot 124 +p or Federal HST 124 +p. Thank God I’ve never had to use them in a life or death self defense situation, but every single test I’ve seen of both of these rounds I have no desire to change to anything else. I do spend quite a bit more because every 2 or 3 months, I’ll take a break from my practice FMJ’s and I’ll go through a box of 50 each of my Gold Dots and HST’s to practice with my carry rounds and to check zero on my red dot. Plus it keeps my carry ammo rotated and fresh. My life and families life is worth the expense.
CRITICAL DUTY 135 +p is what I EDC & ABSOLUTELY love it
I just brought my first gun and happened to get gold dot for personal protection. It does say it's used or endorsed by law enforcement, good to know it's also endorsed by this channel.
Hey could your guns handled 147 gr xtp Underwood ammo?
When I was a L.E.O I carried 124gr.+P Speer Gold Dot(53617)in my duty Glock 19 and in my backup a Glock 26 in a vest holster.
Now I'm retired I carry a Glock 43 as my EDC with two extra mags with round extensions all loaded with the same 124gr+P Speer Gold Dot I carried when I was on the job because I know it is continuously effective at eliminating the threat.
My wife carries the same load in her EDC Glock 26 with two Glock 19 mags as backup .
We both carry a good blade, specifically the SOG Spec Elite 1 Auto .
That's a good set up ✔. I too prefer the 124gr 9mm in +P. I had some Ranger T 127 gr +P+ JHP but that load is not as popular or really as vogue in 2021 as other 👮🏻♂️ brands. I go with Critical Duty 124gr +P or Federal HST. In .40, I use the Speer Gold Dot 165gr JHP or Silver Tip 155gr round.
@@DavidLLambertmobile ,Thanks for the comment..
I was a firearms instructor and ballistic tech in my department.
So firearms are my thing.
When I started LE we carried wheel guns BUT we didn't ride a horse.
My duty weapon was a S&W 681 .357 Magnum but our duty load was the Winchester 158gr. LSWCHP .38Spl., +P the old FBI load.👍
When we went to semi automatics I carried a SIG P226,we carried the 147gr.Non+P Federal Hydra-shok.,Which at the time was the thing.🤮👎
Then I went to Glock instructor and armor school.I've been a Glock man ever since.
Like I stated I carried G19. At first we carried the Winchester Ranger 127gr.+P+ because at the time it was the cats meow in LE circles.But after doing research on then available 9mm HP's the 124gr.+P Speer Gold Dot (NYPD load)was at the time the most widely used 9mm load and it had the best results on the street.So that's what we went too and I still carry.
Now since then a lot of 9mm HP's have hit the market.I like the Federal HST,It preforms like the Gold Dot.
The Hornady CD is good for penetration which is what the FBI likes,ever since the Miami shootout in 86 when using the Winchester 115gr.Non+P Silvertip.
But in the end practice and shot placement counts.So please stay safe and watch your six.
@@DavidLLambertmobile I carry the Winchester Ranger T-Series in 165 grain in my Glock 23 as well as the 165 grain Federal HST. In my 5th Gen G22 I carry the 180 grain HST. You can't go wrong with any of those rounds they are simply the best.
SOE makes great belts and under belts for carrying. Written on them, "Made in the motherfucking USA". Minimalist and reliable.
HST +P 124 grain. You need all the velocities in your carry gun for it to expand properly. I found 147 grain moved a little too slow to be effective.
I second the Speer Gold Dot ammo. Excellent quality and dependability IMO.
Me too.
Same here can't go wrong with something that maybe old school but you can't beat its street proven record.
@@thewolfhunter have you tried the Underwood versions?
@@daddybeagleaz907 ,No I haven't..
Have they any actual street shootings with that round ..
I say that because besides being one of my departments firearms instructors I was a ballistic tech and had access to shooting reports as well as autopsy reports from LE and civilian shootings.
I am also a studier of Dr. Vincent Di Maio work in the field pathology.. he is a expert on the subject of gunshot wounds.
And in my research has found that in 9mm the 124gr.projectile is the best weight.
Also at the time the Gold Dot was the best bullet design .
My research was conducted when I was a L.E.O... My research was based on these 9mm loads.The 115gr.Silvertip non +P, 147gr.Hydra Shok non +P, Remington Golden Saber 124gr.,and 115gr.JHP Winchester white box non +P,Federal Hi-Shok 115gr non +P and Fiocchi 115gr.and 147gr.JHP Non +P.
Now I know there have been advancements in 9mm bullet design since my research and If I decided to switch I would probably go with Federal HST in 124gr.+P..
I will also add shot placement is key but a lot of times the suspect or suspects are not standing still like a target,That's when bullet design comes in.. which causes the most internal damage.
Stay safe my friend and watch your six.🇺🇲
@@thewolfhunter wow, you've definitely done your leg work, many thanks for the info. I study the works of Massad Ayoob and Evan Marshall but am loosely familiar with Dr. de Mayo as well. Accordingly, I try to go with what these guys report and with input from people like yourself who have also been out there as have I. The FBI Massacre is perhaps the most studied gun battle of our time, survivor Ed Mireles has written an excellent book for us which I recommend.
Regarding the Underwood rounds, they are said to be loaded much hotter than the Speer offerings, so I was just looking for some street input if possible. Thank you my brother.
I can personally vouch for the Hornady critical defense in 45 acp, saved my life at 6-8 ft
Oh nice... Tell more? Did the assailant stop fighting, and how quickly was he unable to fight?
Glad you're OK.
@@peadookie thanks
@@FormerVicePresidentDickVeiny bruh why ask tbh. You don’t know if that was traumatic for this person.
Out of many gel tests I've watched, the Hornady is the only one that has ever failed to expand when clothing is involved. It seems to rarely happen, but I've never seen a Gold Dot or a HST fail to expand. I'm glad it worked for you, but out of the three it would be my 3rd choice.
In 9mm parabellum, The HST and Golds are Excellent Choices, I don't have any experience, with the Hornady rounds, When I was a LEO, 40 years ago, I carried a .357 Magnum W/Remington 125gr SJHP, There weren't many effective 9mm parabellum rounds at that time, Thanks for posting. 🇺🇸
In my view, 2023 the top brands to go with are bonded or +P styles. Federal HST, Winchester Defender/PDX1, Speer Gold Dot, Hornady Critical Duty +P, Remington Golden Saber. Remington GS rounds in the 2020s do offer improved QC & good ballistics. There are other brands but these are the 🚔 designs I'd carry. Stay safe!
124 grain Federal HST’s do it for me.
Thanks for the video! I run HSTs (124gr,) through my G26 and P365. Never had any problems. 👍
Is there a difference between 124gr and 147gr?
@@kevinli9035 Mainly weight of bullet and velocity. I would imagine one hurts just as much as the other.
@@zackiinu7194 Great thx
@@kevinli9035 Some gun owners, ccw users say 147gr is better for 9mm in shorter barrels, Glock 26 19, M&P Shields etc. I prefer 124gr +P. Most gun makers 🏭 use 124gr bullets to R&D 9mm guns.
@@kevinli9035
The 147gr seems to better suited for barrels under 4”. I use HST 147gr for EDC in my S&W 2.0 compact 3.6” barrel. Performance is fantastic, even though heavy clothing. They expand 100% of the time. Anything less than 100% is a failure in my opinion. Check out “tools and targets”. He has a great UA-cam channel and tests a ton of ammunition and firearms performance.
I have the Federal 124 grain HST + P because it exceeded the FBI Ballestic Test, and so did the Federal 124 grain HST. I also like the Hornady 135 grain Critical Duty + P, which the FBI carry for their dedense ammos. 💯💯💯🙂🙂🙂
Cept ull never practice heavy enough since it cost is ridiculous, 30+ bucks for 20 rounds which is not worth the price at all as there are many options just as good for cheaper
@@xxdizannyxx
EXCEPT... smart/knowledged shooters are using 115gr fmj ($20 for box of 50) for "practice/range" and ammo illustrated here are "self defense" ($80+ for box of 100)
@@xxdizannyxx that's why fmj is around
I carry HST 124gr, and I practice with CCI 124gr FMJ. Great combination. My runner-up carry is Sig VCROWN 124gr, also highly rated and less expensive.
The FBI standard is never the best ammo. It's normally a sponsorship. Just like the gold dot ammo saying law enforcement choice. Many police officers buy their own ammo and shoot the HST or ranger bonded hp. The military uses fmj ammo but that doesn't mean I want to use it in a self defense situation
Currently using the HST but love how the Hornady shoots too
Clear, concise and complete. I like the way professionals get right to the point w/o wasting a word. Good presentation!
If you are shooting a shorter barrel like on a Sig P365 or Glack 43 instead of Critical Duty consider Critical Defense as it has been optimized for the shorter barrel length.
FEDERAL HST 147GR PERIOD RESEARCH EXTENSIVELY
I carry Critical Duty, I saw some tests where the hollow points (any brand) get clogged with some clotting and dont expand acting as FMJ, the critical duty is technically already clogged with the polymer plug called "flex lock" control the expansion, it dont going to expand whole a lot but 100% sure it will expand and penetrate deep enough for stop the threat.
I Carry Hornaday critical duty. I want to get a couple more boxes but everybody’s wiped out of 9 mm ammo.
@@danr5239 Academy is back in stock, some areas sale more ammunition than others if your local Academy is sold out try another one.
Federal HST 147gr. Deep
Lehigh defense maximum expansion 105gr.
Hornady critical duty 124gr.
Speargold dot 124gr.
Winchester Ranger T 124gr.
Sig Sauer V-Crown 147gr.
S&B HP 147gr
It all depends on what I'm doing for the day.
Depends on what I pull from the safe,
But normally it my 9mm with HST an my .357 snub with Speer gold +P.
Great review. (You didn't drag this out for 20 minutes.) All three brands are excellent for EDC/self-defense.
I currently use 147gr HSTs in my S&W shield 9mm, and 180gr Gold dots in my glock 27. With my experience with Hornady critical duty. for a few years now. and after looking up plenty of gel tests. that use the IWBA/FBI 12 to 18in of 10% gel with heavy clothing. Its definitely not for sub-compact, or micro pistols. They are intended for compact to full size pistols. like what Hornady recommended. I have carried the 135gr FTX 9mm+p until a month a go. I do still have some 175gr FTX.40cal left. still being used in a limited roll in home defense with in my glock 23 currently. But, i say after around or after new year's. It will be rotated out with 180gr gold dots.
I have 20rd of .40 Speer Gold Dot 165gr. I carry it in a spare mag for my Glock 22 Gen 5 MOS. I use 155gr Winchester Silver Tip brand in the gun. I can use .40 on security posts but I mainly use 9mm; M&P 2.0 or my smaller Glock 26 gen 5. Both have night sights. 🌃
From all the ballistics testing I’ve seen comparing most of the defense carry rounds, every single time the HST’s from Federal 124g, it comes out on top in performance. It is the round that expands fully most consistently, and it was the only round that actually started expanding right after hitting the gel, all the others expanded already 8+ inches into the gel and traveled 15+ inches, the HST’s spiral expanded wound channel started right at impact and stoped 10-14 inches into the gel so minimizing risk of over penetration compared to the other rounds. Most of the other rounds had maybe 2-3 petals expand and the rest of the round stayed shut or clogged up and didn’t expand at all. When it comes to the best and most consistent hollow point I’m going Federal HST’s every single time in 124g, almost 1100fps and great consistent expansion shot for shot.
My personal defense ammo is definitely the Federal LE HST 9mm 124 gr. And Federal LE HST 9mm 124 +P. The reason I have the plus +P is the last time I added to to my stock, I was able to get the Federal LE HST 9mm 124gr +p for 32.99 for a box of 50. Usually it runs about $39.00 a box.
I also believe in the Speer Gold Dot LE 9mm 124 gr. and have also used these in the past.
Another bullet that I keep a few boxes in is Hornady Critical Duty 9mm 135 gr.
All 3 of these rounds seem to consistently perform very well in the FBI Gelatin Balistics tests.
For carrying my mags are loaded with Federal HST 165 grain, .40 cal HP's. For practice I use Federal American Eagle 165 grain, .40 cal FMJ.
Been using HST for years, love it.
Liberty Civil Defense 50 grain +P
Wow. Thats a small bullet
@@danieloneill-wc4rk Yes but moving FAST at 2000+ fps
Vs 125g or 147g at a slower 1000 fps
I use those with all the confidence. I’ve tested it and it’s phenomenal. Remember personal defense is different than our duty use
HST man myself, but equally I love the pdx1 round too. The Ranger bonded line is an amazing round too. Black talons make a gnarly flower 🌺 so many good choices. I love Underwood loaded gold dots in my 10mm
Does Winchester still produce the PDX1? I haven't seen it in any caliber the last few years.
@@brianc1481 Interesting you question whether Winchester still produces the PDX round. They do. It's just that the FBI uses the round and the product is gone as soon as it is stocked in stores. I just purchased 5 boxes of 147gr 9mm (lucky). Great ammunition.
@@dionjohnson7881 I use 124gr +P PDX1 bonded. It's a good defense, ccw, duty 9mm round. I also use 124gr Critical Duty +P. Hornady put a lot of T&E into the police ammunition. They held the FBI 9mm duty contract but I heard Speer G2 9mm & .40 Gold Dots are now used by DEA FBI.
Yeah the pdx1 is a bit of a unicorn. They really sell out fast. I have them in 38special/9mm/10mm. Depending on the barrel length I like the standard pressure 147 grain and the +p 124 grain
YEP Black Talons. I acquired some AMMO. And in the bottom of a 50cal can was 10 boxes of 40S&W Black Talons. Like new boxes. 😊
I’ve always liked the Speer Gold Dot.
Just came back from the gun store and couldn’t even find any decent 9MM defense ammo.
Ended up with 1 box of Double Tap .357 though 😊
There's probably half a dozen great rounds to choose from but I stick with hst and gold dot. HST 124 9mm right now can be ordered for a bout 30 bucks for a box of 50 so I'm stocking up on that.
I did the same 👍
My agency issues 9mm HST 147 gr ammo. They also issue HST 230 gr ammo who wants to carry a 45 Auto caliber pistol.
I carry 124gr +p HST (P9HST3) in most of my 9mm weapons, Winchester Ranger T-Series/Ranger Bonded (RA9T, RA9B) in a few others. I'm definitely a HST fan.
You have good taste in ammo because that's exactly what I use. 😀
@@Gsmooth10455 You really can never go wrong with HST in any weight. I reserve the Winchester 147gr RA9B/RA9T for my 4.9" M9A1 mostly.
@@CourierSix2077 Or in any caliber for that matter. I carry 165 grain HST in my compact G23 .40 caliber, and 180 grain in my G22. For my Sig P220 in .45 ACP its the 230 grain +P.
Same HST in my 9mm, and Ranger 165gr RA40BB in my Glock 22
Super info! Started using Federal 124gr.
SIG Sauer Vcrown, Hornady Critical defense/duty and Speer gold dot. My top 3 choices for self defense.
Currently I'm using The Sig V crown but the other two are of course good choices.When I need more I will probably go with which one is cheaper.Probably go with 124 grain also.
I just bout the hornady critical defense so glad it’s too 3
Used to run fmj .40 back in my days as a officer and I can confirm that fmj also provide a ticket for the next live if you hit the target but if you can get hollow points they’ll do it fine too at the end of the day it’s all about hit the target
I used to lived in Brazil at that time
funny, from my research These are the 3 brands that I would consider using as well. They are the ones that stood out from all the research I have done and have other people with more experiences have referred me to. However, with the Hornandy I use Critical Defense and not DUTY. I like the Federal HST because I can use their Match Training Syntech ammo to see how they fly and function in a gun, and it is cheaper to shoot than the actual HST round itself. I wish all Defense ammo would have a training match round.
Federal Premium also sells markets 🛒 ammunition online directly which is a smart business move 🏭. I ordered a few boxes of handgun calibers in 2020, 2021. No mark up, no funny business.
Hornady is too iffy. Gold dot and HST far more reliable for civilian carry. Look up meat and gel tests.
If you are planning to shoot through hard barriers Underwood Extreme Defense. Test with gel behind barriers and you decide. JMHO
I've always used the critical defense rather than critical duty
Same.. duty works best in full size pistols with longer barrels, defense for subs and micros
FMJ is not designed to poke holes into people? It's poked more holes into people than any other type. Yes, there are more optimal options. But saying FMJ was just designed for target practice is asinine.
... Agree ,, the 1911 and most all semi auto's were designed with and for FMJ RN .... the study of penetration came later ... and most rimmed cartridges came out as LRN for years until SWC came into the arena ... other than dyi knife cuts ,,hollow points are relatively recent based on police and civilian stats on penetration .. and collteral damage ..
He's talking about specific Target ammo. Yes we all know from history that a lot of people have been killed in wars from FMJ but those were specifically designed rounds for military use. He's talking about the target ammo you pick up from the store. She's in rice this world is doomed if we all know from history that a lot of people have been killed in wars from FMJ but those were specifically designed rounds for military use. He's talking about the target ammo you pick up from the store. The fact that you don't understand that and you can't pick up on that is scary. Dummy.
Right? Take a look at the ammo gang bangers use, 99% use ball ammo. Seems to work for them! Really it all comes to shot placement. That being said, I'll still use good defensive ammo AND good shot placement.
Military uses FMJ.
That Critical Duty is my jam. I carry that in almost every EDC I have. I also like the Sig V-Crowns, but for a 2nd, I'd go HST. They're fantastic SDR's.
Gold Dot 124 gr +P or HST 124gr +P are my preference. Critical Duty for some reason Falls short of +P expectations in both Muzzle velocity and Muzzle energy.
I can vouch for the 9mm Gold Dots, never dispatched a human but going by my observations of other animals I have taken with them Gold Dots really shine, my 2nd favorite is the HST followed by some of the loadings from Underwood, Buffalo Bore, Sig V-Crown, Black Hills.
They are all good rounds. I even have Winchester 9mm hollow point +p.
Great rounds all around! I go with Hst and Hornady in my Glock 17.
What gr hst
I’m going for the 147 gr hst law enforcement.
For all of you cowboy/quick to pull the trigger types saying that the exotic ammo (Xtreme Defender/Penetrator, RIP etc) is the best carry ammunition, that's easy to say...until you end up in court and they articulate that the ammo you used is indicative of your desire to kill rather than defend yourself. Think it won't happen? Do research. It has happened many times. My EDC is Speer Gold Dot LE 9mm. My societal collapse (the end of the legal system) is Underwood Xtreme Defender 9mm.
Food for thought
If possible I always GET THE HELL OUTTA THERE. Results may vary. Stay DANGEROUS
I truly appreciate the good advice from both you guys well done I’m getting my ammo at cabelas tomorrow buddy
I like Black Talons/ or PDX1, Golden Sabre, and Hornady critical defence or critical duty.
LOL @ Critical Defense. Doesn't really expand and underpenetrates. Good luck.
@@ruel1072 I take it you used it in your last self defense shooting ? Works perfectly in my hellcat
Hell yeah the BLACK TALONS/RANGER is the best
@@TheRealZJE313 Not anymore. Got some Defenders I. The 124 grain variety and they are horrible.
Based on all data I've looked over, Speer Gold Dot and Federal HST are the most commonly available and affordable quality defensive rounds. There are better performing rounds, technically, but they are often a combination of 1) much more expensive 2) harder to find/stock 3) don't feed reliably in so many guns. I'm issued Gold Dot 124gr +P for work and personally purchase HST 124gr for all my family's EDC handguns. Both seem to work every time and are plenty accurate (1.5in group at 25 yards). I will continue to use and recommend both.
What!!!that data didn't say anything about the Winchester Ranger t series formerly known as the BLACK TALONS?
@@TheRealZJE313 Winchester Ranger T ammo is good to go. The problem with it is cost and supply. Though it performs similarly to the rounds mentioned above and in the video, it costs more and is harder to supply. HST and Gold Dot are easier to find and generally cost less both retail and online from my experience.
@@freneticfanatic O OK
I use the Critical Duty ammo for my self defense in my 9mm.
I'm a revolver guy so for my EDC. I have a s&w 340pd j frame although I've been looking all over for some golddot 135 g short barrel 357 put can't find the stuff anywhere. So I just load it up with the golddot 38+p 135 g short barrel form what I'm hearing from people who have the 357 it's not that big of difference saying the golddot 357 135g is just a 38+p+ but. I have put some 357s through it to see how a 11oz gun would handle and it kicks like a bitch but that's to be expected. So honestly I think I'm happy with just the 38+p golddots at this point it's probably easier to control as well. I also have a 686 plus I keep at the house and I put 357 critical duty 135g in it and this is a very good round as soon as the stuff hits anything its gonna expand but I've always been a golddot guy when it comes to defensive rounds so I'm kinda new to the Hornady rounds myself but i like what i see with how the 357 critical duty preforms hell it might even be better than the golddot tbh but. For target loads I usually just use the pmc bronze 132g 38 special standard pressure fmj but that's only for planking and having fun. This video is very accurate about the choices of rounds I don't have experience with the federal HST ammo though but for 38/357 I'm sure that's just as hard to find right now as ANY 357 golddot I've been looking for since I got that 340pd. I'm sure which ever one of the 3 rounds in this video you go with it will work just fine for defending yourself.
The moment he said target ammo is less consistent then self defense ammo, you know he is speaking out of his ass.
Ammo is cheap at pjj armory in pompano fl
Thxs Bro I’ll give them a try
It's worth mentioning here that you should do your research on +P/+P+ ammo and whether or not your firearm is compatible with them, before you go out a spend a premium on this ammo.
I’m an armed security officer in SLC, I’ve been carrying the Federal 124 grain HSTs
Currently running Winchester pdx1 124+p through all my glocks
Should I be practicing with my defensive ammo instead of target ammo? After all, if target ammo isn't as accurate, how can practice with it be effective?
Ive always thought about this...but defensive ammo is freaking expensive when compared to range ammo.
Many will not agree with me, but I use FMJ to practice with and carry in my autos and LRN in my revolvers. It is much cheaper than Hollow points. I'm not spending all that extra $ for the "hollow point" of the week. I practice with what I carry for defense. I have no problem using my practice ammo for my carry ammo. I prefer penetration over maybe expansion. And FMJ is More reliable in auto's. Hard ball is very underrated. It did just fine for many years.
You don’t have to practice with your defensive ammo, but it certainly helps to make sure your gun like the ammo you are shooting. I typically run a few rounds of my carry ammo through the gun before carrying it so I know I can trust it to function without failures.
Outside of my initial testing, I shoot fmj for normal range trips, fmj is more affordable and it’s because it is a much more simple round to load.
Don’t listen to the gentleman above who said that carrying ball fmj ammo for defensive purposes is a good idea.
The guy in this video literally discussed how cartridges meant for defensive purposes statistically do a better job to stop threats. Not only this but you have to worry about overpenetration in defensive purposes. FMJ is highly likely to go straight through a subject, whereas the mushroom effect seen on defensive ammo means a lot more of the rounds energy is dumped into a subject and if the round makes it through it’s far less likely to injure unintended targets.
As always, practice makes perfect.
In an ideal world, we’d all train with what we carry but that’s not possible unless you’re loaded for cash.
Shooting a few carry rounds to check function is good, but carrying target rounds is ill advised by anyone who actually knows how defensive ammo works when used correctly.
@@shadowwolf2524
With all due respect, you’re wrong.
In civilian scenarios over penetration is deadly and the legal hurdles that can ensue if your snag another target are life changing. Yes defensive ammo is expensive, but that’s for a purpose
Defensive ammo is much more likely to ensure a subject falls after less shots.
I understand that in a wrol or at war scenario a lot of the things that matter in the civilian world don’t, but the reality is that defensive ammo (although more expensive) is a much safer bet
@@CrazyUncleDom 1st, thank you for being respectful. That is becoming very rare on here. I've been threatened a few times. One guy even told me he was going to put a bomb in my car! I have hollow points for all my guns. And I've tested several. I'm just not impressed with them. Most either under penetrate or act like ball. I want the penetration fmj or LRN offers. I think over penetration is not the problem some think it is. Missing your target and hitting an innocent is more likely than a round going through your target and hitting someone else. And I do believe ball is more reliable than the hollow point of the week. Many people don't have the money to buy enough expensive HP ammo to insure their gun feeds it. For instance, before this ammo shortage, I was getting my favorite 9nm, Winchester 124gr NATO, for $10 abox of 50. I can afford to practice more with that It than the $1 or more HP rounds. And I can stock up on it at that price. I'm not pushing my idea on anyone. If someone wants to spend their $ on HP ammo and train and carry it, I'm fine with their decision. I'm like most gun people. I like to watch ammo test and try to decide which bullet is the best. But I honestly think we all kinda over think this subject. Shot placement is much more important than caliber or bullet type. I can practice more with ball ammo which makes me a better shot. All that practice makes me a better shot. Which means I'm less likely to miss my target and hit an innocent bystander, which I think is more of a danger than over penetration. But that is just my opinion. Thanks again-for the respect. I wish more people had that now a days.
Gold Dot and HST, yes. Hornady???
Hornady is a very good ammo company. Their Critical Duty ammo performs very well in full size pistols and is currently one of the FBI's two approved duty ammo choices. Hornady's Critical Defense has become very popular in short barreled concealed carry pistols as well.
Yes, it's good stuff
That's what I carry. I've watched many videos on testing these rounds and it's performed great. I'll use any of these 3.
@@jeff92k7 I carry the 115 XTP.
I think the hollow point rounds do cause much more damage, but I think the intent is to slow the rounds down so you don’t have over penetration
All good points which is why I hand load my conceal carry.
Critical Duty isn't what u want for home defense.. Critical defense is the way to go.. Critical Duty penetrates and doesn't expand as much.. If you're trying to shoot through a car door, then that's what u want, but in your house, Critical Duty is probably going to go through the perps body and through a wall and possibly hit someone u don't intend it to.. Critical Defense is less likely to do that..
In the Army we carried fmj in war. that was for personal protection. I know what you mean though by not using fmj in edc main thing is over penetration. I tote HPs in my edc.
No doubt about it , the three ammo choices u all had is the best on the market in my opinion, I would be confident in anyone of these rounds, I’m carrying the critical duty +p 135 gr and 124 gr in my two carry guns now,
Currently HST 147 grain in 9mm, have no problem with Gold Dots in 147 grain, either. Carried that for years. In .40, it's Gold Dot in 165 or 180 grain, partly because it's what I have and HST is hard to come by.
Im currently using Normas MHP Hollow points 108gr round out of my Sig 226 16+1 or 20+1 cap mags.
My EDC rounds are 147 Grain HST for the 9mm and 155 Grain XTP in the 10mm.
* SIG P239 .40 S&W (current EDC): Federal 135gr Low Recoil Hydra-Shoks
* Walther PPQ M2 (primary house handgun): 9mm SinterFire Special Duty
* SIG SP2022 (truck gun): 9mm Hornady 124gr +P XTP
*S&W 3914 (future EDC): 9mm Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P
Federal 124 Grain “PUNCH” 💥 124 Grain ball ammo for stockpile
124gr HST for me. P365, Gen5 19 and 43x.
Bingo! That's what I carry in my P365. I carry 147 grain HST in my full size 4.7 inch Sig P320 most of the time but sometimes I rotate it out and use the 124 grain +P HST.
Remington golden sabers are pretty good too😏
The bonded versions, non-bonded almost always suffer core-jacket separation, which is why Remington now only makes the bonded version.
I had issues with that HORNADY ammo with rubber type plug. F plugs fell out while in the clip probably from temperature getting hot. It can jam u up good if you carry it without checking it.
I can’t say I’ve heard of that happening but that worries me.
@@theoriginaljohngalt2450 He did say "clip" so how reliable is the source? I have carried it for years without issue and never heard another story of that happening.
@@Balticblue93 Fair point!
@@Balticblue93 zero chance I’ll take advice from somebody who said clip
Underwood extreme defender. I've seen too many hollow points not expand.
Depends on why you're shooting
James Yeager of TN did a video saying 🏥 ERs showed JHPs failed, did not expand(perform) about 30% of the time in gun shot incidents. There are a number of reasons why. In short, buy a 9mm or .40 load that does very well on FBI protocol tests. Denim fabric, plywood, auto glass, etc. Popular brands like HST, Speer Gold Dot, Ranger T/T series, PDX1, XTP can do well. I'm not a fan of Remington lines; Golden Saber or 🥋 Black Belt. 🤦♂️
That's right I carry Underwood Xtreme penetrator in my 1911 in 45
I for sure always keep black hills xtp & xtp plus 9 in my mags. 4:37
Handgun bullets just punch holes. Hollow points make a slightly bigger holes. Shot placement is what counts, not the bullet.
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I agree. And FMJ is cheaper and more reliable. I carry the rounds I practice with.
That's what I've learned in 35 years as a medic in a busy system. 357 Magnum impresses me the most.
@@shadowwolf2524dont accidentally murder someone
@@shadowwolf2524 spoken like someone who knows nothing about firearms
Whatever the choice one makes, make sure they are tested in your EDC or defensive firearm. Just because one type works with one particular gun for one person doesn't mean it will work for someone else, even in the same gun. Try various makes and lines to find out what works best in your gun. Lots of variables here including what type of magazine as well that is used. Lots of people recommend HSTs, but HSTs run horribly with feed issues in my FX9 carbine. Out of my FPC, it runs perfectly. Yet others have no issues with running HSTs on their FX9 carbines. Until I tested it myself, I just presumed it would work without issue. Glad I put it through its paces.
That's EXACTLY why i only keep pointy DUTY135+P in my ar9s, i'm so anal i only practice w carry ammo, weekly 🙄
Amen! Thank you for accurate, on point information!
Thank you for your assessment on these brands. And which brand you chose to carry is very important.
What are your thoughts on Sig Sauer? It’s the cheapest per round?
Speer gold dot or federal hst, regardless of projectile weight or caliber, are THE only two choices currently and have been for a decade. No other load is more accurate and reliable in the short barrels we carry.
Nice short, and to the point.👍👍
I like the winchester defenders
There are many good rounds to use. Hornady xtp, Federal hst, Speer golddot, Cor bon, Buffalo bore and Underwood will all get the job done! Don't forget Winchester, always reliable and inexpensive. Sig elite v crown is very good also.
While I do not disagree, I’ve yet to see anyone volunteer to get hit with target loads.
For real.
Great serlection for the topic and well presented! A heartfelt attaboy and i now subcribed and will watch your content. I do concur on your recomendations. I like HST but in summer Sig has been rotated in a couple years ago. Winchester Talons are the best but hard to come by lately unless your LEO.
135 grain Hornady critical duty here.
FMJ is better for bears than HP
Speer gold dot, HST (hydro shock) and Remington Golden Saber is nice !!!
I just bought a 92x and a ppq for home defense and fun and I am a new gun owner and I have a lot of magazines loaded with hollow points for range because I have to practice with hollow points and different brands each firearms. My son said he uses only federal I think he uses HST in his shield, he carries that.
In the 1990s, 2000s; home defense 🏘 ammunition was often a "exotic" or pre fragmented round like Glaser Safety Slug silver or MagSafe SWAT. Magsafe was manufactured in Casselberry FL. Those 9mm, .380, .45acp, 10mm loads were 💥 but not cheap! The ballistics and designs never held up either. I used Liberty brand in my Glock 21 gen 4 & my Shield 9mm briefly but now go with +P type 🚔 brands. Speer Gold Dot, HST, Ranger T, Critical Duty. Magsafe is no longer produced, 2021. Gimmicks and fads do not last.
@@DavidLLambertmobile I have two boxes of gold dot 124 +p and have two boxes of HST 124 +p (50 count each) my 92x is loaded with gold dot and I sleep next to it but we live in a small town and no major crimes but I imagine someone would kick the door in but I'm ready to defend our home.
Many Law Enforcement Agencies use the FBI or get a rep from the Ammunition company to have a work shop on typical performance of the service ammunition performance . Our agency switched from the Federal Hydrashok 9mm +P+ 124 grain to the Winchester SXT +P 124 grain ammunition. The talons are very sharp and cause a huge wound channel. Not every encounter in an OIS Officer Involved Shooting has the one shot stop. The 9mm has replaced many .40 S&W and .45 A.C.P. Service weapons because of the newer ammunition on the market. The 147 grain loads are very popular and seem to get good results. I prefer a larger caliber pistol but these new ballistic tests prove that the 9mm is just as effective. The best shooting story was from a Skokie Illinois Police Sergeant who detailed the events that led to him switching to a Glock 17 9mm after his Glock 21 loaded with Speer 230 grain Gold Dot failed to stop a bank robber with well placed hits. The final three shots was to the head which ended the fight.
Yes good read....
I believe he is carrying the 124gr. +P Speer Gold Dot in his Glock 17..
I don't think the fault was with the ammunition as it was more about the amount of ammunition.I think he was left with one or two rounds of .45ACP GD's after the shootout.
That shooting that you're referring to was an anomaly. The subject in that case was able to take multiple hits with the .45 but refused to go down, and was under the influence of illegal substances. The average human would have succumbed quickly had they been shot that many times. Not to mention that the subject did not take any hits to any vital organs. The New York State Police switched to the Glock 21 .45 ACP four years ago and have had very good results in OIS shootings so far. Their duty ammo happens to be that same Speer 230 grain Gold Dot. The Glock 17 9mm was actually their duty weapon for 22 years from 1986 to 2018, and to a man and woman they universally hated it because of its puny stopping power. Their ammo of choice varied throughout the years, so it wasn't like they stuck to one particular load that repeatedly failed. So in conclusion ONE incident such as the one in Skokie should not be used as proof that the .45 isn't a very capable round, and neither should the 9mm be elevated to lofty heights just because the ammo for it has improved. After all the major ammo brands such as Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, Remington Golden Sabre, and Winchester PDX or Ranger T-series didn't just make improvements for the 9mm, they improved their ammo across the board for ALL calibers.
@@Gsmooth10455 Actually that incident in Skokie Illinois is very well documented, you should listen to the interview with Mas Ayoob and hear it from the Sergeant who detailed exactly what happened. The bank robbery suspect was not on Drugs! The NYSP issued the Glock 37 .45 GAP. Research the NYSP firearm history. The NYSP issue ammunition which was used in the Glock 37 and 39 model was the 200 grain Speer Gold. The push for a more powerful caliber resulted from an OIS with the standard pressure 124 grain Gold Dot. The Glock rep was giving my agency back in 2005 new Glock 38 pistols to replace our G19 service pistols. The administration decided against it because of cost of replacement holsters and ammunition.
@@boostimalaka1 I know all about the Glock 37 .45 GAP as my agency switched to it in 2007 along with the NYSP. It was our duty weapon for 12 years from 2007 to 2019. We carried the same 200 grain Speer Gold Dots that the Troopers carried. The Troopers switched to the Glock 21 .45 ACP a few months ahead of us, we followed in early 2019, and we carry the 230 grain Speer Gold Dot as well. As you mentioned the 9mm was a feeble performer which is why no one in our agency wanted anything to do with them. A very good friend of mine is a firearms instructor with the NYSP, and he told me that when the time came to make the switch from the G37 that all of the other instructors overwhelming rejected going back to the G17, improved ammo or not. In my agency's case we switched to the G22 .40 S&W in 1992 and then to the G37 in 2007 before transitioning to the G21 in 2019. We also overwhelmingly rejected switching to the G17.
FMJ is most definitely designed for poking holes in people, and it does it very well. The problem is it pokes holes in more than just the person you want to poke holes in.
Would of been nice to discuss the ballistics of these various ammo’s through standard size pistols like the G17 vs subcompact pistols like the G43X or G26
I pick them up for 24.99 LE Prices
I love the HST . Thanks
I carry Hornady critical duty in my full size 9 mm.😊😊😊
What’s the best to carry in a Glock 43x
Speer gold dots or federal HST’s 124 grain.. you don’t need all that +P stuff or a heavier 147 grain round in a subcompact
I understand the thinking regarding hollow points for self-defense but make no mistake a FMJ will kill just like a hollow point. The military uses what kind of ammo? One major advantage of a hollow point is not over penetrating. A full metal jacket in many cases will.
Those federal law enforcement rounds are super accurate with the blue tips I punched a 100m bullseye the size of a 5 cent piece, blew the bullseye completely out and was just a 1/2 inch hole of the grouping. After 2 consecutive 2 of that accuracy i went and got 100s of them and threw my 14ich #coldhammerforged 1;8 twist heavy barrel it has no troubles carrying the energy to 500m/600m having the kinetic energy to make a kill with a well placed shot
Trump will be needing some new SS come Jan... Can u handle the STEEP flat White House roof detail? 🕴
HST, any weight, any caliber.
I don't understand the use of critical duty in a EDC sized, CCW choice. They just don't perform properly in a shorter barrel.
I recently shot about 350 rounds of gold dot. As soon as I shot my first round I was like 😮 definitely high quality ammunition. I will now be carrying 9mm Gold Dot 124gr for self defense.
I'm really fond of Sellier & Bellot
What round did you carry in combat in the Corps? I didn't carry hollow points in my M9. Did you rate to carry the pistol in the Corps?
The ammo companies are gouging Americans bigtime on ammo prices!!!
I carry Winchester Ranger T-series or Sig Vcrowns. No other HP has changed my mind.