124GR 9mm Rounds?

thinktwice · September 30, 2012, 07:05 PM

I am just curious if most of you guys use 124gr 9mm as your self defense rounds? I have been told by quite a few people that's the best self defense round to use? I have been using 115 gr. Thanks

PT-92 · September 30, 2012, 07:12 PM

I used to when Federal made a 124gr EFMJ load (now discontinued). I do still have around a box or so but they are roughly twenty years old. Point is I love that particular weight as it bridges that happy medium between the 155rg to the 147rg. However, I avoid 124gr in HP do to potential feeding issues in some of my guns (EFMJ has a filled in HP as does the new stuff I carry).

Now in FMJ I have too many to count as it's still the standard NATO issued 9mm ammo--I use this for target practice...

However and when it comes to CCW/HD, I have found one brand new release that I like even better. It's the 135gr load offered by Hornady:

http://www.hornady.com/store/9MM-135...Critical-DUTY/

6mm · September 30, 2012, 07:17 PM

I use both 115gr and 124gr. The 124 is usually a little more accurate in my Glock and Ruger. I have never had any luck with the 147gr, either won't expand or couldn't hit a broad side of the barn.

sparks701 · September 30, 2012, 09:11 PM

124 seems to work best in all my 9mm pistols.

carguychris · September 30, 2012, 09:15 PM

"Best" is a highly subjective term and is the topic of endless debate.

124gr ammo tends to perform better when fired through tough barriers such as auto glass, but it's dubious whether this is beneficial for civilian SD ammo, since the goal in most civilian SD scenarios is to escape and/or stop the attack rather than to take down a determined BG who is barricaded behind cover.

Recoil can be a factor. I find that 115gr loads tend to be more "snappy" while 124gr-147gr loads tend to be more "pushy".

There are excellent SD loadings available in both bullet weights. Pick the one that works for YOU and is accurate in YOUR gun.

sliptap · September 30, 2012, 09:22 PM

Funny you started this thread because I did some tests today with my carry ammo. I carry some home brewed 124 gr. Golden Sabers in my Kahr CW9. I was firing into water soaked phonebooks, as some say is comparable to a human body.

Anyway, recoil is manageable and penetration was roughly 2.5 phone books...that was on par on with the 165 grain Gold dots out of my Glock 27 i noticed. After seeing the damage and the mushroom of the Golden Saber, I'm a believer in 124 grain bullets. I'll try and post a picture later.

YMMV.

edit: It is worth mentioning that what Chris said is pretty much what I've read. From my readings and from all of the tests I ran today with various calibers, I've come to a broader conclusion: As long as you have decent JHP ammo of any brand, then shot placement will pretty much be the deciding factor

tekarra · October 1, 2012, 04:57 PM

My pistols prefer the 124 grain bullet, but 115 grain ammunition is more prevalent in my area. Maybe I need to order from the net.

481 · October 1, 2012, 05:09 PM

Although my preference is for JHPs with a high sectional density- that means 147 gr. JHPs in the 9mm- I have carried 124 gr. JHPs (Gold Dots) and felt just fine about it. If 124 gr. JHPs "do it" for you, carry 'em. Confidence in your ammo is part of the equation, so why not?

AK103K · October 1, 2012, 05:09 PM

I use 124's for practice. 127's in my carry guns.

Quote:

I used to when Federal made a 124gr EFMJ load (now discontinued).

How long ago did they discontinue them. I just bought a couple of boxes last month.

Ive also heard they have introduced a new and improved version of the EFMJ bullet under the "Guard Dog" banner.

marine6680 · October 1, 2012, 05:59 PM

I like the 124gr +P HP for defense work. Heavier bullets penetrate more and are more consistent performers in good/proper penetration.

I am not a fan of the 147gn HP... They do not work in some pistols do to their shape... the barrel needs throated to work well with them on some pistols... maybe many. The bullet engages the rifling too much while chambered.

AdamSean · October 1, 2012, 06:09 PM

There are a lot of opinions out there. I stick with the facts.

-Most 9mm pistols are designed for the 124gr ammunition.
-Most heavier loads get better penetration and expansion.

It really depends on your intended uses and choice of firearm. My Beretta Nano works better with 147gr standard pressure loads. With a Glock 19, I will be using a 124gr +P.

Technosavant · October 1, 2012, 07:44 PM

I tend to be partial to the bullets on the heavier side for the caliber rather than the lighter ones. In my little subcompact P250 it also feeds better with 124gr ammo (with 115gr, it will occasionally not feed the next to last round in the magazine... it's 100% with 124gr).

So 124gr is all I buy in 9mm.

PT-92 · October 2, 2012, 01:38 PM

Quote:

AK103K

I use 124's for practice. 127's in my carry guns.

Quote:
I used to when Federal made a 124gr EFMJ load (now discontinued).
How long ago did they discontinue them. I just bought a couple of boxes last month.

Ive also heard they have introduced a new and improved version of the EFMJ bullet under the "Guard Dog" banner.

AK,

As you mentioned, they no longer sell EFMJ (so if you found them it's the older stuff) and have replaced it with the The "Guard Dog" line. But it's offered only in 105gr and I like at least a 124gr=>.

I bought my last couple of boxes of Federal 124gr EFMJ many years ago...

-Cheers

AK103K · October 2, 2012, 03:08 PM

If you still want it, you can get it here, 50 round boxes, or 1000 round cases......

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/produc...m-hollow-point

Sgt.207 · October 2, 2012, 03:12 PM

I carry 124gr +p gold dots or the Federal 115gr +p+ BPLE.

PT-92 · October 2, 2012, 03:53 PM

AK,

Thanks a mil!

That's forever been one of my favorite CCW loads (I quit looking)! I'll take it out of that "emergency fund" we all maintain

.

-Cheers

checkmyswag · October 2, 2012, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sgt.207

I carry 124gr +p gold dots

Me too.

shep854 · October 2, 2012, 04:14 PM

I prefer 124gr Gold Dots. This is the original weight of the bullet, and IMO is a good mid-size load. They also run fine through all my 9mm's including Kel-Tecs.
115gr is, AIUI, a download to protect 'weaker' guns.
147gr is for greater penetration, but it's pushing the upper end of the cartridge envelope.

KyJim · October 2, 2012, 09:26 PM

I also like the 124 gr. Gold Dots in either standard or +P. I do have some 115 gr., though, and would not feel under armed with them.

RBid · October 2, 2012, 11:04 PM

Speer Gold Dot 9mm +P 124gr.

Great in gel tests, great vs real tissue (YouTube search: hog's head ballistics), proven effective by LE.

If you put this round on target, it will absolutely deliver on its end of the deal.

RC20 · October 3, 2012, 11:57 PM

I wold not use the Hornady Critical Duty, they are intended for LEO and barrier penetration.

Any of the SD hollow points rounds will do you fine. I have preference for the Remington Golden Sabers (+P) in 124. They are less expensive and I shoot a few periodically to confirm function.

They are also damned accurate (not likely to make an actual difference in a gunfight, but I always felt the more confident you are in the round the better you will shoot the gun)

I don't think 147 is a bad choice, I am a bit more partial to velocity over weight.

Realistically its a way to make a choice as it likely makes so little difference as to be a moot.

BigPoppa · October 4, 2012, 12:16 AM

I use Federal 124grain HST JHP for self defense period.

shep854 · October 4, 2012, 06:41 AM

I mentioned Gold Dots earlier, but I usually carry a range of good rounds; it actually depends on what's available when I'm ready to buy. They will all do the job, if I do my part.

KyJim · October 4, 2012, 05:43 PM

Quote:

I wold not use the Hornady Critical Duty, they are intended for LEO and barrier penetration.

Can't see excluding these just because they will penetrate a barrier. So do +P Gold Dots and others.

September 30, 2012, 07:05 PM	#1
thinktwice Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2007 Posts: 293	124GR 9mm Rounds? I am just curious if most of you guys use 124gr 9mm as your self defense rounds? I have been told by quite a few people that's the best self defense round to use? I have been using 115 gr. Thanks

September 30, 2012, 07:12 PM	#2
PT-92 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2007 Location: "Undisclosed Bunker" Posts: 1,464	I used to when Federal made a 124gr EFMJ load (now discontinued). I do still have around a box or so but they are roughly twenty years old. Point is I love that particular weight as it bridges that happy medium between the 155rg to the 147rg. However, I avoid 124gr in HP do to potential feeding issues in some of my guns (EFMJ has a filled in HP as does the new stuff I carry). Now in FMJ I have too many to count as it's still the standard NATO issued 9mm ammo--I use this for target practice... However and when it comes to CCW/HD, I have found one brand new release that I like even better. It's the 135gr load offered by Hornady: http://www.hornady.com/store/9MM-135...Critical-DUTY/ __________________ NRA Life Member “A free people ought...to be armed..." ―George Washington

September 30, 2012, 07:17 PM	#3
6mm Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2000 Location: Nebraska Posts: 198	I use both 115gr and 124gr. The 124 is usually a little more accurate in my Glock and Ruger. I have never had any luck with the 147gr, either won't expand or couldn't hit a broad side of the barn. __________________ You carry a Badge, You carry a Gun Sean Connery - The Untouchables Here endth the lesson

September 30, 2012, 09:11 PM	#4
sparks701 Junior Member Join Date: September 30, 2012 Location: Dupage county, IL Posts: 4	124 seems to work best in all my 9mm pistols. __________________ Doug

September 30, 2012, 09:15 PM	#5
carguychris Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2007 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 7,523	"Best" is a highly subjective term and is the topic of endless debate. 124gr ammo tends to perform better when fired through tough barriers such as auto glass, but it's dubious whether this is beneficial for civilian SD ammo, since the goal in most civilian SD scenarios is to escape and/or stop the attack rather than to take down a determined BG who is barricaded behind cover. Recoil can be a factor. I find that 115gr loads tend to be more "snappy" while 124gr-147gr loads tend to be more "pushy". There are excellent SD loadings available in both bullet weights. Pick the one that works for YOU and is accurate in YOUR gun. __________________ "Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules... MARK IT ZERO!!" - Walter Sobchak

September 30, 2012, 09:22 PM	#6
sliptap Member Join Date: August 22, 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 23	Funny you started this thread because I did some tests today with my carry ammo. I carry some home brewed 124 gr. Golden Sabers in my Kahr CW9. I was firing into water soaked phonebooks, as some say is comparable to a human body. Anyway, recoil is manageable and penetration was roughly 2.5 phone books...that was on par on with the 165 grain Gold dots out of my Glock 27 i noticed. After seeing the damage and the mushroom of the Golden Saber, I'm a believer in 124 grain bullets. I'll try and post a picture later. YMMV. edit: It is worth mentioning that what Chris said is pretty much what I've read. From my readings and from all of the tests I ran today with various calibers, I've come to a broader conclusion: As long as you have decent JHP ammo of any brand, then shot placement will pretty much be the deciding factor __________________ He’s the fellow to please-never mind all the rest, For he’s with you clear to the end. And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test If the man in the glass is your friend.

October 1, 2012, 04:57 PM	#7
tekarra Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2007 Posts: 1,164	My pistols prefer the 124 grain bullet, but 115 grain ammunition is more prevalent in my area. Maybe I need to order from the net.

October 1, 2012, 05:09 PM	#8
481 Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2011 Posts: 540	Although my preference is for JHPs with a high sectional density- that means 147 gr. JHPs in the 9mm- I have carried 124 gr. JHPs (Gold Dots) and felt just fine about it. If 124 gr. JHPs "do it" for you, carry 'em. Confidence in your ammo is part of the equation, so why not? __________________ QUANTITATIVE AMMUNITION SELECTION

October 1, 2012, 05:59 PM	#10
marine6680 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,594	I like the 124gr +P HP for defense work. Heavier bullets penetrate more and are more consistent performers in good/proper penetration. I am not a fan of the 147gn HP... They do not work in some pistols do to their shape... the barrel needs throated to work well with them on some pistols... maybe many. The bullet engages the rifling too much while chambered.

October 1, 2012, 06:09 PM	#11
AdamSean Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2007 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 479	There are a lot of opinions out there. I stick with the facts. -Most 9mm pistols are designed for the 124gr ammunition. -Most heavier loads get better penetration and expansion. It really depends on your intended uses and choice of firearm. My Beretta Nano works better with 147gr standard pressure loads. With a Glock 19, I will be using a 124gr +P.

October 1, 2012, 07:44 PM	#12
Technosavant Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO area Posts: 4,040	I tend to be partial to the bullets on the heavier side for the caliber rather than the lighter ones. In my little subcompact P250 it also feeds better with 124gr ammo (with 115gr, it will occasionally not feed the next to last round in the magazine... it's 100% with 124gr). So 124gr is all I buy in 9mm.

October 2, 2012, 03:08 PM	#14
AK103K Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2001 Posts: 10,223	If you still want it, you can get it here, 50 round boxes, or 1000 round cases...... http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/produc...m-hollow-point

October 2, 2012, 03:12 PM	#15
Sgt.207 Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: NY Posts: 25	I carry 124gr +p gold dots or the Federal 115gr +p+ BPLE.

October 2, 2012, 03:53 PM	#16
PT-92 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2007 Location: "Undisclosed Bunker" Posts: 1,464	AK, Thanks a mil! That's forever been one of my favorite CCW loads (I quit looking)! I'll take it out of that "emergency fund" we all maintain . -Cheers __________________ NRA Life Member “A free people ought...to be armed..." ―George Washington

October 2, 2012, 04:14 PM	#18
shep854 Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2004 Location: Birmingham AL Posts: 632	I prefer 124gr Gold Dots. This is the original weight of the bullet, and IMO is a good mid-size load. They also run fine through all my 9mm's including Kel-Tecs. 115gr is, AIUI, a download to protect 'weaker' guns. 147gr is for greater penetration, but it's pushing the upper end of the cartridge envelope. __________________ Powder smoke- The Smell of FREEDOM! I don't shoot to kill; I shoot to live. Registration? NEVER!!

October 2, 2012, 09:26 PM	#19
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	I also like the 124 gr. Gold Dots in either standard or +P. I do have some 115 gr., though, and would not feel under armed with them.

October 2, 2012, 11:04 PM	#20
RBid Senior Member Join Date: March 10, 2012 Posts: 1,059	Speer Gold Dot 9mm +P 124gr. Great in gel tests, great vs real tissue (YouTube search: hog's head ballistics), proven effective by LE. If you put this round on target, it will absolutely deliver on its end of the deal. __________________ Currently Own: Beretta PX4 9mm, Glock 23 (Gen 4), Glock 19 (Gen 4) x2

October 3, 2012, 11:57 PM	#21
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	I wold not use the Hornady Critical Duty, they are intended for LEO and barrier penetration. Any of the SD hollow points rounds will do you fine. I have preference for the Remington Golden Sabers (+P) in 124. They are less expensive and I shoot a few periodically to confirm function. They are also damned accurate (not likely to make an actual difference in a gunfight, but I always felt the more confident you are in the round the better you will shoot the gun) I don't think 147 is a bad choice, I am a bit more partial to velocity over weight. Realistically its a way to make a choice as it likely makes so little difference as to be a moot.

October 4, 2012, 12:16 AM	#22
BigPoppa Senior Member Join Date: May 21, 2008 Location: Eastern NC Posts: 166	I use Federal 124grain HST JHP for self defense period.

October 4, 2012, 06:41 AM	#23
shep854 Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2004 Location: Birmingham AL Posts: 632	I mentioned Gold Dots earlier, but I usually carry a range of good rounds; it actually depends on what's available when I'm ready to buy. They will all do the job, if I do my part. __________________ Powder smoke- The Smell of FREEDOM! I don't shoot to kill; I shoot to live. Registration? NEVER!!