Good home protection round for 9 mm?????

[Dan-o]

So, I'm not much of a pistol guy, don't know too much about all of the ammo currently available out ther e.

But, I do have a 9mm pistol, and I haven't updated home defensive rounds for probably 20 years.

I know that lots of technological advancement in ammo has occurred in that time.....   I just have some old hollow points.

So, I'm looking for advice on what type of home defense ammo to look for.    Brand and type recommendations.....

Thanks,

Dan

[follow maggie]

I use Federal jacketed hollow points in my carry piece.

[longwalker]

Home defense, 00 buck in 12 gauge. Though I don't think it will fit in your 9mm. There's really no good argument for a pistol to be your primary home defense weapon. 9mm is a nice carry option however, most have a pretty high capacity

[jasnt]

I like the hornady xtp's my self.  Also their critical defense.

[Atroxus]

There's really no good argument for a pistol to be your primary home defense weapon.

I disagree, and have two good arguments for my carry weapon being my home defense weapon. First, I have a house where the available space and angles where I would be most likely to confront intruder(s) make maneuvering a shotgun safely/effectively difficult. Second, my handgun which is stored in a small fast access lock box is also more readily accessible in an emergency than my shotgun that is in a gun safe that is hidden in a closet.

To the OP, I use Speer gold dot. They pass FBI testing requirements and they feed reliably in my handgun. From what I have read, pretty much any modern JHP that is designed for personal/home defense can be effective. Not all firearms operate reliably with all ammo though, so whatever you choose I recommend buying a few extra boxes to take to the range and fire through your handgun to make sure it feeds/ejects reliably. Would suck to find out when there are people breaking into your home, that your chosen ammo causes your handgun to malfunction. 

[jasnt]

 
Great advice!

[dog]

I use the Federal HST. Here is a link to good round up of defense ammo stuff... http://www.ar15.com/ammo/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm#9mm

[follow maggie]

Atroxus brings up a good pint. Shoot a couple boxes through your gun to be sure it likes the rounds. It would suck having to defend yourself with a single shot pistol.

[pianoman9701]

Before I sold them all on Dec. 3, 2014, my carry was a Ruger 9mm with 7+1. My home defense gun was a Springfield XD .45 ACP with 13+1. I used hollow points in both and practiced with those and with ball ammo equally. If I had an AR, that would be the home defense gun. I do have a friend who's building an awesome one which will hopefully be finished within a month and a half or so. Of course, guns are dangerous and I no longer own any because of that. Now, my home defense weapon is prayer and a sign that reads, "Please don't hurt us. The police will be here within 7-10 minutes."

[ghosthunter]

I give zero thought to home defense ammo. My 9mm is 16+1 Mags. Than there is the 380 LCP near by and the .410 just past that.

Long walker .... try walking around your house everyday with your longgun. I wear my 9mm from the time I get up to the time I go to bed. And than it is with in reach. Cant do that with a long gun. The best home defense gun is the one you have on you when you need it.
The rest is range time.
Ammo is down the list aways. 

[Dan-o]

Thanks all.

I appreciate the great advice and the links.

I will DEFINITELY cycle a few boxes through (of whatever I land on).

I shoot a fair amount of ball ammo just to make holes, but it dawned on me that I hadn't replaced the defensive ammo in forever.

[pianoman9701]

Big mistake not regularly rotating/firing the ammo in your carry and home defense guns. Temperature and humidity changes, especially on your hip or in your car, can cause it to hang or jam. If you do leave the same ammo in them without firing it, make sure you're very proficient at throwing your firearm at a moving target.

[magnanimous_j]

I wouldn’t worry about it too much. I think any difference between premium JHPs probably boils down to marketing. That being said, my 9 loves Hornady TAP.

[jay.sharkbait]

Big mistake not regularly rotating/firing the ammo in your carry and home defense guns. Temperature and humidity changes, especially on your hip or in your car, can cause it to hang or jam. If you do leave the same ammo in them without firing it, make sure you're very proficient at throwing your firearm at a moving target.

That's why revolvers make a lot of sense to me.

That said I have done absolutely hideous things to Glocks and they always work.

[pianoman9701]

Big mistake not regularly rotating/firing the ammo in your carry and home defense guns. Temperature and humidity changes, especially on your hip or in your car, can cause it to hang or jam. If you do leave the same ammo in them without firing it, make sure you're very proficient at throwing your firearm at a moving target.

That's why revolvers make a lot of sense to me.

That said I have done absolutely hideous things to Glocks and they always work.

It's not the gun but the ammo you need to worry about. If it doesn't fire or you get slower burn because of moisture/humidity, your cute little Austrian gun isn't any better than a zip gun. Not rotating ammo is a common mistake of those who carry and it could prove deadly.