Defense ammo choice for P11

[viper7342]

I just purchased a new P11 as an always there defensive piece, and was wondering what the general consensus is as to what usually functions most reliably in these weapons between Federal HST 124 Grain +P, Winchester 124 Grain +P Ranger T Series, and Speer Gold Dot 124 Grain +P, or am I going too light and maybe something along the lines of the 147 Grain in any of the above, although, I believe that the Federal HST is the only 1 available in a +P loading (unless I'm mistaken). All opinions whether from personal experience or just personal preference would be appreciated. Of course, before anyone recommends it, I plan on function testing (whatever I ultimately buy) with at least a couple magazines full before I might ultiumately have to rely on them in any "social situations".

As an aside, I use the Winchester 127 Grain +P+ Ranger T Series in my XD, SP2022 and HP Practical.

[corsairgunner]

i use 147 grain all the time in mine. i personally have a love for winchester. every time i take it shooting i my first mag is what was in it followed by winchester white box then back to 147 grain when i leave.

[banana380]

I use Remington Golden Sabers in my XDm, 147gr. Federal Agencies use it, works for me. Expanded the best among my own personal tests too. Heavier bullet = more kinetic energy = more damage.

[Gungnir300]

A heavier bullet may not always achieve higher kinetic energy, although I have to admit that kinetic energy alone is not always the best indicator of bullet effectiveness.

So far, I've absolutely loved the Speed Gold Dots in anything, and Winchester PDX-1 has looked impressive. The PDX-1 sometimes has plugging issues and won't expand, but most of the time it does and when it does, it really expands. It is bonded as well so it retains the entire bullet in almost every case. I believe the Gold Dots are too but I haven't tested them as much. Also, if memory serves me correctly those are both +P loads.

[Michiganbob]

Has anyone tested Hornaday Critical Defense 115 gr.FTX. Was kind of leaning this way. Maybe to light.

[Gungnir300]

I haven't tested that in 9mm, only in .380.

[martinct]

I have tested the 115 grain Critical Defense in my P11. It has a really smooth feel coming out of the pistol vs my target rounds. I'm not sure what the pros/cons vs 124 and 147 grain is, but I trust this bullet in my gun and for stopping. Also, I live in Indiana and everyone wears thick coats and clothing. This bullet is designed to not clog and will expand. Again, I'm going by what the manufacturer states and hope I don't ever have experience to report on this test!

[mrchuck]

If you are unsure, just use a 1/2 clip on the perp. That ALWAYS WORKS. Keep shooting till movement stops.

[banana380]

... a 1/2 clip ...

Or magazine, might be more effective

[Gungnir300]

[Also, I live in Indiana and everyone wears thick coats and clothing. This bullet is designed to not clog and will expand. Again, I'm going by what the manufacturer states and hope I don't ever have experience to report on this test![/QUOTE]

In my experience (which I should repeat that it has been with .380 Hornady CD not 9mm) has been that Critical Defense has a lot of issues with plugging and lack of expansion. On the plus side, when it doesn't expand it does penetrate...usually. We had one only penetrate four inches in pork ribs with no expansion.

I like the ideas of using a full magazine on the perp!