My unscientific 9mm ammo test - 12/30/11
I did some 9mm ammo testing with my Ruger P95DC and want to share my results. My local thrift stores don�t want old encyclopedias anymore, and my wife said to get rid of them, so I bundled up the old Funk & Wagnall�s and headed for the range. Though this media is nothing like ballistic gel, I figured it would show me ammo performance relative to one another. Here's the list:
1. Winchester white box, 115gr FMJ.
2. Remington UMC 115gr JHP
3. Hornady TAP 124gr JHP
4. Remington Golden Saber 124gr JHP
5. Winchester Personal Protection 147gr JHP
6. Winchester NATO 124gr FMJ
My magazine at home had been loaded with the Hornady TAP premium ammo. I figured this more expensive fodder would be best to defend the domicile. But, I had never tested it. It�s no longer my choice and here is why...
LOAD
1. Penetration: 1.75�
2. Penetration 1.75�, expanded to .387�
3. Penetration 1.75�, expanded to .626, jacket separated
4. Penetration 1.75�. expanded to .740�
5. Penetration 1.75�, expanded to .792�
6. Penetration: 2.75�, bullet tumbled
All shots were fired at ten feet into the books. Penetration was about the same for all loads, with the single exception of the #6 NATO ammo that penetrated more. What is cool is that it also tumbled. If you ever have to defend yourself against an armed gunman while in a library, two encyclopedias will stop a 9mm round. You will need three to stop the NATO round.
It looks like I�ll be switching to the Remington Golden Saber ammo for home defense. Maybe the Winchester 147gr JHP, being sub sonic, would be easier on the ears when fired indoors.
The poorest performer was the Remington UMC 115gr JHP as it only expanded .032".
1. Winchester white box, 115gr FMJ.
2. Remington UMC 115gr JHP
3. Hornady TAP 124gr JHP
4. Remington Golden Saber 124gr JHP
5. Winchester Personal Protection 147gr JHP
6. Winchester NATO 124gr FMJ
My magazine at home had been loaded with the Hornady TAP premium ammo. I figured this more expensive fodder would be best to defend the domicile. But, I had never tested it. It�s no longer my choice and here is why...
LOAD
1. Penetration: 1.75�
2. Penetration 1.75�, expanded to .387�
3. Penetration 1.75�, expanded to .626, jacket separated
4. Penetration 1.75�. expanded to .740�
5. Penetration 1.75�, expanded to .792�
6. Penetration: 2.75�, bullet tumbled
All shots were fired at ten feet into the books. Penetration was about the same for all loads, with the single exception of the #6 NATO ammo that penetrated more. What is cool is that it also tumbled. If you ever have to defend yourself against an armed gunman while in a library, two encyclopedias will stop a 9mm round. You will need three to stop the NATO round.
It looks like I�ll be switching to the Remington Golden Saber ammo for home defense. Maybe the Winchester 147gr JHP, being sub sonic, would be easier on the ears when fired indoors.
The poorest performer was the Remington UMC 115gr JHP as it only expanded .032".