What do you think of 147 gr 9mm hollow points for self-defense?

Self-Defense
1

I’m looking for some advice on 147 gr 9mm hollow point ammunition and how it stacks up for self-defense purposes. I’ve read quite a bit, but I want to get a sense of what the community thinks, especially regarding performance and characteristics.

Here are some specific questions I have:

  • Effectiveness: How effective is this grain in terms of stopping power compared to lighter options like 115 gr or 124 gr?
  • Expansion and Penetration: What should I know about the expansion characteristics? Is a heavier bullet like 147 gr more prone to over-penetration, or does it expand reliably?
  • Recoil and Accuracy: How does the recoil of 147 gr 9mm compare to other loads? I’m particularly interested in how it affects accuracy in rapid-fire scenarios.
  • Recommendations: Are there specific brands or loads that you’d recommend? Also, any insights on where to purchase these would be awesome!

Additional Considerations:

  • I understand that personal preference plays a role, but I’m interested in hearing about your experiences and preferences as well.
  • Any insights into shooting applications beyond self-defense? For example, is this round suitable for practice or competition shooting?

I appreciate any help you can provide! Looking forward to everyone’s thoughts.

2

I think 147 gr 9mm hollow points are great for self-defense due to their excellent expansion and stopping power. They provide a good balance between penetration and expansion, which is critical in a self-defense scenario.

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3

That’s a solid point! The heavier grain really helps with penetration without sacrificing too much expansion. It’s definitely a reliable choice.

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4

While 147 gr rounds do perform well, I’d like to know how they compare to the 124 gr rounds. Do the differences significantly impact self-defense situations?

5

In my experience, 124 gr tends to have quicker follow-up shots due to less recoil. However, 147 gr might create a larger wound channel, especially in hollow points.

6

Absolutely! It’s a trade-off. The 147 gr may be slower, but they do hit harder at close range. Plus, that weight seems to do better in barrier testing.

7

I’ve read that 147 gr has improved performance against various barriers compared to lighter options, which is crucial for self-defense. Anyone have personal experiences with it?

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8

I’ve been using 147 gr for a while, and I noticed better reliability against intermediate barriers like drywall. Just more peace of mind knowing it has that capability.

9

Anyone else have insights on how 147 gr expands in real-world scenarios? I’ve only seen tests, but actual data would be helpful.

10

I know from my training that the expansion looks great on paper, but the real test comes in emergencies. I’d still consider reliability first!

11

I think it’s critical to balance ballistics with personal comfort and shooting habits. If you shoot what you’re comfortable with, accuracy trumps everything!

12

That’s wise advice! And let’s not forget - having a good holster matters too! A heavy round can make it harder to carry, right? Balance is key!

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13

I’ve been using 147 gr 9mm hollow points for home defense for years. They expand well and offer great stopping power without excessive penetration, making them ideal for urban settings.

14

That’s a great point! I’ve noticed in my training that they consistently perform well even with compact handguns. Any suggestions on specific models?

15

For law enforcement, I believe 147 gr is a solid choice, especially for tactical scenarios. Agencies often prefer them for their balance between recoil and accuracy.

16

Absolutely! Agencies need reliability. I’ve seen many officers use Glock 19s with this ammo, and they seem to love it.

17

I’m curious about how they perform for target shooting. Are they accurate enough, or should I stick to lighter grains?

18

Great question! In my experience, they are quite accurate. I find they give good feedback on targets without excessive recoil.

19

Support for home defense can’t be overstated. It’s crucial to consider your family’s safety, and I think 147 gr provides a good balance of safety and efficiency.

20

Exactly! I also appreciate that they perform well in various pistols, making them versatile. Too bad my mom won’t let me store my Glock next to my bed!

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