ADUI13:
The weight I suggested for the 9mm was 115g, not 155g. I'm pretty sure this was just a type-o, I think I know what you meant.
The thing about 9mm is that they are very picky about bullet weight with regard to terminal performance. I think the main reason for this is the shape of the bullet's nose (9mm "parabellum"
. The 9mm is just not wide enough to hit really effectively, so since the "heavy and slow" approach doesn't apply, you are left with "light and fast". Of course, to make bullets go faster, you need to either decrease the weight of the bullet or increase the powder charge behind it. With the 9mm, it's advisable to do both.
This is the same principle that makes the .357 magnum 110g load work so well. This round developed quite a reputation for great knock-down power. Police who have witnessed the effects of it describe the victim as "dropping as if they had been hit by lightning".
I kept the 147g Federal Hydra-shoks in my nine for several years until I found out there was something better. The Hydra-shok is a great design. I love it in my .45 Glock, but there are better weights for a 9mm. You can use the 147g, but be prepared for a follow-up shot or two.
For the best results, use the 115g "Plus-P-Plus" from CORBON. Masaad Ayoob has done extensive testing on it, including slaughter-house tests where they actually kill pigs with head shots and analyze the results. The down side of the "Plus-P-Plus" hot load is that it can void a factory warranty. "Plus-P" might be better for you. See what you can find. Ultimatly there are calibers that do the job better than a 9mm, but for now, there is better ammo.
I don't know what kind of gun you have, but the hotter loads can be dangerous in older guns, and guns with aluminum frames might exhibit excessive wear over time.
Keep 'em all in the Bull.
Edited by - bulzeye on 01/29/2002 12:17:29