Best Ammo

[Groundhog34]

I have had my R9 for a number of years and carry it occasionally. In my experience Winchester Silvertips 115 were the most reliable and accurate ammo. It was unavailable for a couple of years by lately I have found a few boxes. What bullet do those wiser than I recommend? What bullets should be avoided?

[tracker]

I recommend Federal HST 124 gr. or Speer Gold Dot--both have been extolled on the forum as excellent R9 ammo choices. I would avoid Remington or any other cheap ammo choices. Basically, just stick with what works. Speer Lawman is an excellent range ammo with similar ballistics to Gold Dot. Also, stay away from any ammo with hard primers such as Hornaday or foreign ammo. Winchester, Speer, and Federal all make their own primers that work well in small striker fired pistols. Hard primers can cause light strikes or misfires in the R9.

[backupr9]

What Tracker says! 

[Douglas]

I'm a 147g guy. Have been for years. Federal Hydra Shok and now HST. Gold Dots always worked too, but not what I carry.

[tracker]

Take your choice on 115gr--124gr--147gr. Here is a lot of discussion relevant to this thread. I recall that Eric used 115 gr Silvertip in his R9 and probably recorded a velocity with it. Just guessing but I wouldn't think that there would be acceptable velocity with the 147gr in the short barreled R9.
https://www.defensivecarry.com/threads/124gr-vs-147gr-9mm.358746/

[backupr9]

Acceptable velocity=acceptable penetration….any data on this as a comparison of close (3-5 yards) effects on tissue, or even gel?

[tracker]

Here is another recent 9mm option: Norma MHP 108gr and 1312 fps muzzle velocity in a 6 inch barrel; penetration of 10.5"-12" in gel.
https://www.shootingillustrated.com/content/review-norma-mhp-defensive-handgun-ammo/

[tracker]

Below is a review of some recommended 9mm ammo; not surprisingly, Gold Dot and HST head the list of one person's opinion.
https://libertyammunition.com/best-9mm-ammo/