Ammo Choice for Sig P239 in 9mm

nagantfan · August 18, 2004, 11:29 AM

Recently got a Sig P239 in 9mm. I chose it over a bunch of really fine weapons (H&K USP-C, Kahr P9, Glock 19). Choices like that make shopping hard, but a pleasure.

My hands aren't particularly big, so it fit my hand better than some of the others (though, for some reason, despite its reputation to the contrary, the Glock fit REAL well...go figure), it had marginally better accuracy than the others (except maybe the HK), it was simpler to figure out how to operate (except maybe the Glock), had great reputation for reliability, concealed a little better than the others (smoother, rounder edges, not as wide as some of the others, a lot less clunky) and I like the da/sa trigger set up. (the Glock was the second choice, but it had a really, really LIGHT trigger pull- scared me to death, you either like the da/sa trigger or you don't). It is a little heavier, but given my size, shape and mode of carrying, I didn't care.

Anyway, it shoots really, really well, too. With lots of different ammo.

My question, though is this: What recommendations do you folks have regarding personl defense carry ammo?

I'm thinking some 115 gr. +P+ JHP, on the theory that I need a light bullet with as much power behind as possible to ensure that it expands out of the short barrel.

What information do you all have out there?

I'd appreciate any observations, reasonings and opinions you've got to share...

LAK · August 19, 2004, 03:55 AM

I lean towards heavier hollowpoints from 127 to the 147 grains. Two loads I like are the Winchester Ranger T 127 grain +P+ and the 147 grain load. The latter is standard pressure.

I traded it off a long time ago, but the 9mm 239 I had fed anything I could find with no problems. With an aluminum-framed pistol I would not make a habit of firing +P or +P+ ammo except to check for function and to establish zero for a defensive load.

juliet charley · August 19, 2004, 07:16 AM

Winchester 147-grain Ranger T (RA9T)
Speer 147-grain Gold Dot

You actually lose more performance with the light/fast +P+ loads out of short barrels than you do the heavier loads, besides the 147-grain loads are the best performing and most consistent 9x19 loads available.

45 Fu · August 19, 2004, 11:15 AM

When I carried a 9mm it was stoked with lods in the lighter weights, from 115 to 124 gr. in the +P and +P+ range. I'm not knocking the 9mm, but it has a smaller diameter (I'm partial to pistol calibers that start with a "4") so I figured the extra velocity would come in handy. Not scientific, but good enough for me.

Really, any modern JHP will do. If you put the shot where it needs to go you will cause damage. Just make sure whatever you choose works 100% in your particular weapon. Do this regardless of brand, make, weight, velocity or any other factor. If there is more than one them chosse the most accurate. A working and accurate weapon is better than something loaded with concentrated death that refuses to function.

singlestack9 · August 19, 2004, 01:03 PM

juliet charley wrote:

Quote:

You actually lose more performance with the light/fast +P+ loads out of short barrels than you do the heavier loads

Really? I was thinking that it would be just the opposite.

Would you mind providing some sources that have tested this? Thanks.

LAK · August 20, 2004, 03:18 AM

I do not have handy sources; but at least at one time, perhaps presently with some loads, this was true. A heavier bullet (more weight - inertia - and increased friction due to longer bearing surface) offers more resistance and hence the powder has a better chance of more being burned in the barrel giving better efficiency.

Jeff OTMG · August 20, 2004, 07:17 AM

I run RBCD in 9mm and my son does in his 9mm P239. The slow load is over 2000 fps and all are at standard pressure.

singlestack9 · August 20, 2004, 08:18 PM

Anyone want to clarify whether it's better to shoot the lighter +p+ or the heavier standard pressure loads out of short barrels like the P239?

Geoff Timm · August 21, 2004, 06:46 AM

The difference in velocity out of a short barrelled SIG 239 3.6" according to their website and a full size pistol like the SIG P226 at 4.4" is of interest only to a chronograph owner. We are talking 0.8 inch.

Best to select a round that allows you to place five shots in five seconds or less into the serious areas of a target at seven yards, and ALWAYS WORKS in your pistol.

Geoff
Who repeats the wisdom of the ages.

mattx109 · August 27, 2004, 05:57 AM

I can't offer any advice specifically about your pistol, but my P226 has had no problems whatsoever with Rangers or Hydras.

I've been meaning to try some Cor-Bon, though. Anyone have any input on those?

August 18, 2004, 11:29 AM	#1
nagantfan Member Join Date: June 22, 2004 Location: The Sooner State Posts: 77	Ammo Choice for Sig P239 in 9mm Recently got a Sig P239 in 9mm. I chose it over a bunch of really fine weapons (H&K USP-C, Kahr P9, Glock 19). Choices like that make shopping hard, but a pleasure. My hands aren't particularly big, so it fit my hand better than some of the others (though, for some reason, despite its reputation to the contrary, the Glock fit REAL well...go figure), it had marginally better accuracy than the others (except maybe the HK), it was simpler to figure out how to operate (except maybe the Glock), had great reputation for reliability, concealed a little better than the others (smoother, rounder edges, not as wide as some of the others, a lot less clunky) and I like the da/sa trigger set up. (the Glock was the second choice, but it had a really, really LIGHT trigger pull- scared me to death, you either like the da/sa trigger or you don't). It is a little heavier, but given my size, shape and mode of carrying, I didn't care. Anyway, it shoots really, really well, too. With lots of different ammo. My question, though is this: What recommendations do you folks have regarding personl defense carry ammo? I'm thinking some 115 gr. +P+ JHP, on the theory that I need a light bullet with as much power behind as possible to ensure that it expands out of the short barrel. What information do you all have out there? I'd appreciate any observations, reasonings and opinions you've got to share...

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

August 19, 2004, 03:55 AM	#2
LAK Junior member Join Date: May 14, 2002 Posts: 2,251	I lean towards heavier hollowpoints from 127 to the 147 grains. Two loads I like are the Winchester Ranger T 127 grain +P+ and the 147 grain load. The latter is standard pressure. I traded it off a long time ago, but the 9mm 239 I had fed anything I could find with no problems. With an aluminum-framed pistol I would not make a habit of firing +P or +P+ ammo except to check for function and to establish zero for a defensive load.

August 19, 2004, 07:16 AM	#3
juliet charley Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 1999 Posts: 2,501	Winchester 147-grain Ranger T (RA9T) Speer 147-grain Gold Dot You actually lose more performance with the light/fast +P+ loads out of short barrels than you do the heavier loads, besides the 147-grain loads are the best performing and most consistent 9x19 loads available.

August 19, 2004, 11:15 AM	#4
45 Fu Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Posts: 422	When I carried a 9mm it was stoked with lods in the lighter weights, from 115 to 124 gr. in the +P and +P+ range. I'm not knocking the 9mm, but it has a smaller diameter (I'm partial to pistol calibers that start with a "4") so I figured the extra velocity would come in handy. Not scientific, but good enough for me. Really, any modern JHP will do. If you put the shot where it needs to go you will cause damage. Just make sure whatever you choose works 100% in your particular weapon. Do this regardless of brand, make, weight, velocity or any other factor. If there is more than one them chosse the most accurate. A working and accurate weapon is better than something loaded with concentrated death that refuses to function.

August 20, 2004, 03:18 AM	#6
LAK Junior member Join Date: May 14, 2002 Posts: 2,251	I do not have handy sources; but at least at one time, perhaps presently with some loads, this was true. A heavier bullet (more weight - inertia - and increased friction due to longer bearing surface) offers more resistance and hence the powder has a better chance of more being burned in the barrel giving better efficiency.

August 20, 2004, 07:17 AM	#7
Jeff OTMG Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 1998 Location: OKC, OK & Austin, Tx Posts: 3,707	I run RBCD in 9mm and my son does in his 9mm P239. The slow load is over 2000 fps and all are at standard pressure.

August 20, 2004, 08:18 PM	#8
singlestack9 Junior Member Join Date: August 13, 2004 Posts: 7	Anyone want to clarify whether it's better to shoot the lighter +p+ or the heavier standard pressure loads out of short barrels like the P239?

August 21, 2004, 06:46 AM	#9
Geoff Timm Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 472	The difference in velocity out of a short barrelled SIG 239 3.6" according to their website and a full size pistol like the SIG P226 at 4.4" is of interest only to a chronograph owner. We are talking 0.8 inch. Best to select a round that allows you to place five shots in five seconds or less into the serious areas of a target at seven yards, and ALWAYS WORKS in your pistol. Geoff Who repeats the wisdom of the ages.

August 27, 2004, 05:57 AM	#10
mattx109 Junior Member Join Date: August 22, 2004 Location: VT Posts: 8	I can't offer any advice specifically about your pistol, but my P226 has had no problems whatsoever with Rangers or Hydras. I've been meaning to try some Cor-Bon, though. Anyone have any input on those?