MY 9MM EDC AMMO

Outline of the criteria that I use for selecting my carry ammo, and presenting some choices that I considerable viable for carry in my chosen platform. I've had this question so often, it was time to make a video on the topic. I've been shooting 9mm on a regular basis since the late 90's, therefore my research into this began at that time. Obviously, technology has changed quite a bit. There is a ton of useful information online, but having the ability to run ammo tests in the backyard has certainly helped to confirm (or not) my research over the years.
The ammo test results in this video were using SIM-TEST from www.corbins.com, calibrated to be comparable with 10% ordinance gel (I calibrate the block), plus four layers of denim.
In 2021 my opinions haven't changed much, except I tend to carry the 124 +P Gold Dot year-round. In the years since this overview was posted there haven't been many new products that moved the needle for me.

[@tnoutdoors9]

HST's are good to go in my book, any weight, any caliber.

[@joeyphillips1181]

Yessir

[@aliman3229]

Agreed.

[@DustySquitoNM]

I really like the scientific approach you take to your videos. It carries a lot more weight than just "I like these bullets."

[@gurnblanstein9816]

I feel the same way he's so professional about it. All the other channels are weak in one way or another compared to this one. tnoutdoors9 we will miss you, and thanks for coming back to the comments section now and then. that's cool of you to do!

[@lonniem9728]

Same here

[@Steve-tn5ru]

I have been in law enforcement for years and I have changed my current carry load just based on your test. Thanks for your excellent videos and may GOD bless you and your family.

[@OldManMontgomery]

Steve, congratulations for being a member of an agency which allows you choice in the matter rather than deciding from on high.

[@justforkicks4499]

4K likes with only 28 dislikes... Testament to the superb professionalism, attention to detail, and extremely useful information. Good on ya...

[@joshuawebster2521]

You have by far, the best ammunition reviews on KZbin. Thanks for all your hard work. It makes a big difference for guys needing real life data on their ammo. Great Job and please keep them coming.

[@gurnblanstein9816]

In my opinion HST is superior, it's what I carry. And when in full bloom it's a work of art.

[@markpelenytschka8374]

thank you for all the hard work you put into your videos

[@almagore1]

+Mark Pelenytschka I echo this! Your hard work is evidenced by the excellence of your video!

[@Hunter-sf6dd]

Mark Pelenytschka cute dog

[@lonniem9728]

I agree

[@Racecarresurection]

I just recently discovered your channel and I am as equally disappointed to discover you have ceased making these videos as I was excited to have found them. Your videos are the most straight forward, non-biased, most educational that I have seen. I wish there was a way to email you as I would like to ask you a few specific questions but thank you for all of the hard work you have put into informing the rest of us.

[@nemo5335]

After some research, I carry the Hornady Critical Duty, and I'll explain why. I live at over a mile of elevation in the northern US. We have at least 8 months out of the year where it's cold enough for heavy winter coats to be necessary daily, and many days where it's cold enough that people will bundle up with even more layers underneath. People say that the 4 layers of denim test is unrealistic because of too much fabric, but for me it's really not enough. Consider someone wearing a winter parka, or a Carhartt type coat. They have the outer layer of heavy duck or canvas fabric, the insulation, and the liner. 3 layers right there, and the insulation can be anything from wool to down. It's often quite thick. Under that, it would not at all be uncommon for someone to wear either a fleece jacket, a sweatshirt, a flannel or a thermal shirt. Another layer of fabric. Under that, a t-shirt or undershirt. That is FIVE layers, some of them very thick. That's not even to mention the possibility of shooting through some other sort of barrier to even get to the bundled up bad guy. So I need a bullet that I can be certain can punch through all of that and still work. Hence, the Critical Duty. The flex tip means it won't clog on thick fabric, and it's barrier penetration seems excellent. Expansion is on the low side, sure, but it will expand every time. With a traditional hollowpoint, I wouldn't be sure that it would expand at all in that much padding. The Critical Duty is expensive, but for where I live and the conditions I face here, it seems the best possible choice for handgun ammo. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see the rubber tip become the standard sometime down the road, as it seems to prevent the clogging problem hollowpoints can have. I think far too many people look at things in a vacuum and don't consider their own situations and needs. That is a mistake, and one that could end up being fatal.

[@filianablanxart8305]

Indeed , local conditions of 10 months of winter, and 2 months of late fall are important consideration . Not to be facetious , but but that could suggest that .45acp or .357 mag could be better than 9mm .

[@caseyterrence1606]

Still enjoying and highly appreciative of the videos on your channel. I regularly go back to recap on some of the older Vids. Always look forward to new ones you release.

[@tomjones6412]

Thank you for the great video. I'm ever so slowly moving towards the 9mm, something I never thought I'd ever do. Your videos have helped me with my ammo choice for a good while now and I always look forward to watching them,

[@mosquitoskeet2189]

Wow, you have an excellent shot placement ,man; and with one hand! Applause

[@funkyfresh2404]

Nice evaluation. I carry the HST 147 grain in all my 9mm guns. I've also run the same weight Gold Dots when I could not find any HSTs.

[@tnoutdoors9]

"A side of beef with clothes"......you just described one of my relatives.

[@kentwilliams4152]

I wrote the ammunition specs for years for my federal agency and am amazed at how far hollow point design has come. However, there was a “Quantum Leap” (IMO) in terminal ballistics with the advent of Lehigh projectiles as loaded by Underwood. The “Extreme” series is, IMO, absolutely amazing in the area of terminal ballistics. The Extreme series is a solid copper projectile with “Flutes” that causes both tissue and fluid to be propelled out radially, thereby causing a larger and longer than normal wound channel. Paul Harrel did test of the Underwood 65 grain Extreme Defender that will explain better than I can just how effective this type of ammunition can be.

[@johncarp1185]

Good evening; I have been watching your videos for a few years now and have found them fascinating. They have truly caused me to rethink a lot of my ill conceived notions of what pistol ammunition can and can not do. I'm a firearms instructor for my agency and never knew or was trained in the ballistics that I have learned from your channel. Thank you for all of your hard work and extreme diligence. On duty, I am required to carry issued ammunition but off duty the choice of caliber and ammunition is up to the Officer. You have helped me make better choices then what is issued.

[@johnblackwood5308]

My EDC is Hornady Critical Duty. Some people say it over- penetrates but it's designed to shoot through windshields doors and such before it hits its Target. Hornady just signed a big contract to supply that ammo for the FBI. I buy a box every time I see a box because now that they do have that contract those bullets are going to be harder to find. I've already noticed it but I still keep it in my gun all the time. I spend a whole lot of time in the outdoors and the woods. I'm more likely to run across dangerous animals than I am dangerous human so that extra penetration and thump works just fine for me. I can't say I target practice much with it because they are getting much harder to find. My everyday carry gun is a Springfield Hellcat and although I've got very used to the gun it's going to probably get an upgraded Apex Trigger. I probably will get a Glock 19 someday. I don't think they can be beat for durability and my gun is always on my side. I believe I would keep a Glock 19 in my bug out bag. Well, what I consider my three day bug out bag. Seems everybody has a different opinion how long you should last on the run in a bug-out bag. I also have a huge backpack that I can't really say how long I could survive out in the wilderness with if it don't die just trying to get to my destination because it's heavy! You all have a great day and God bless America!

[@Razor_Regiment]

Officially a HST fan,thanks again for the very useful video.

[@Jason607]

I agree with your choices and if I were to make a list, mine would be similar. The HST in 147 is a great choice. Very low recoil and flash. The HST bullet in my own tests expanded quickly, and wide, even at low velosities while the GD and the Rangers seem to need a more velosity to really expand, and expand slower as they pass through. Light HST's due to the fast and rapid expansion tend to stop short, but dump energy fast. Good review, the only thing Id like to see is how the HST 147 does in the G43.

[@johnmacdonald6822]

I trust you with my life, your comments and tests help me make solid decisions when buying life saving ammo. THANK YOU.

[@tnoutdoors9]

Thanks for the feedback. I spent most of last weekend working on this but it wasn't quite ready before I had to go dormant for several days. I was concerned about the 70+ screen changes, but after watching some commercials this week and noting that a 30 second spot has 20+ changes, and a 1 minute commercial has 40 to 50, I stopped worrying about the structure.

[@doranjaffas8432]

Nice to see an evaluation of several brands with pros and negatives. I have fired boxs of hollow points from 95 to 147 gr in 9MM. In my limited experience the 124 gr Federal and Winchester worked best for me but all had 3" clusters at 45'. All worked well in my firearm and it is a good feeling that a variety of ammo runs and shoots well at distances and gun I am comfortable with. Thanks for your excellent work. Doran

[@cgoodiefunk]

This is THE channel to recommend when anyone brings up carry ammo. Thank you for all your work

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for a great video. The 9mm is my routine everyday carry handgun. When I need something larger, I carry a 45acp. When I need something smaller, I carry a 380acp or a 25acp. In my 4-inch HK USP 9mm, I usually carry one of the following 147 grain jacked hollow point ammunition: 1. Federal HST 2. Speer Gold Dot 3. Hornaday XTP 4. Winchester Silver Tip 5. Remington Bonded

[@thomasmarchese2808]

Thank you for making a video that quickly and clearly lists the advertised and measured velocities, showed the before and after of the projectile and shows that measured wound tract. For multiple loads. Rather than having to write a bunch of stuff down so you can compare after watching 10 different videos to compare 10 different rounds.

[@tnoutdoors9]

No plans for either at this time, but I can tell you that my preferences will lean toward the same products you viewed here. In .40, 165 or 180 gr, and 230 in .45.

[@troy9477]

The Gold Dot 124 +p gas probably seen the most LE use, so its performance is the best known. I tend to gravitate toward it. All are great choices. The deeper penetrating loads are something to consider for wintertime especially. Love all your testing and research. STAY SAFE!!

[@RimfireAddicted70]

Now that's a well laid out presentation of EDC ammo!! Great information, simple, clear and too the point. I agree with most of the choices here having tried 4 of them myself. Subscribed!

[@jtalaski820]

Thank you for all you do... Get well my friend. God speed and God Bless America.

[@oneeyedpatriot]

Excellent overview! You always seem to do more than your share of homework prior to putting out a video. It is appreciated. I have not shot +p ammo out of my Glock thus far but last night there was a sale on Magtech for 20 rounds for $11.48 per box and that was a no brainer. Thanks for sharing.

[@swampratt36]

I always enjoy the wealth of observations you make available to us in your reviews, allowing users to diligently research their own options armed with knowledge from a respectable fellow operator . Thank you sir !

[@alphawolftactical160]

Awesome review. Better put together than any t.v. show I've seen and nothing but facts. 100% correct in your review

[@dihskursiv]

Love this guys no bs analysis...

[@MobileIndifference]

Excellent video. I carry the Critical Duty 135gr +p in an EDC role. Your first video on that product is what sold me. The content you publish is second to none.

[@tb3664]

I have carried 147 +p in HST for years and recommend them to everyone. HST is all I carry in any EDC platform, and is becoming available for revolvers as well. When I can't get HST for a particular revolver or rare caliber, Sig V crown is almost identical, but is not often available in the higher grain weights as HST but often has more caliber choices. Good job!

[@tritonsquiven]

Thank you so much for the info. I totally agree with your assessment. The HST standard Velocity is one of the best all around defense ammo and yes, it is quite hard to come by.

[@tnoutdoors9]

I've tested very little CorBon in a gel format, but in years past, before KZbin, I did ALOT in wetpack. I've had feed issues with their JHP's catching on the feed ramp. Jacket separation. Velocities are usually good.

[@jacobs.4075]

Brilliant video, great articulation of data.

[@2Stonefly]

Agreed

[@gabehook13]

Fabulous, straight-forward video. This channel never disappoints!

[@ShootingNewsWeekly]

I used to carry 124 grn +P in the HST but after watching tests, reading ATK's actual testing material (which is GREAT) on their site plus watching their videos, and doing some testing of my own I switched to the 147 grain standard pressure about 18 months ago. Great quality, never a hitch, controllable recoil, no muzzle flash, and the BEST price per round of all of these super premium self defense loads.

[@user-zi1sr1qr2p]

You're the best at testing ammo. I EDC the Federal 124gr. +P HST and the Underwood 147gr. +P+ with the Sierra bullet or the 124gr. +P using the Speer Gold Dot. Spare mags contain the CorBon 125gr. +P and the CorBon 115gr. +P DPX. A all copper HP. I must have a round with a muzzle velocity of 1,200 fps or faster as I want immediate expansion with 10-15" penetration. Probably my favorite is the Underwood 147gr. +P+ but I don't recommend +P+ as some low quality barrels will not like it. I've never had a problem using my Glock 45 Gen 5 or my CZ P-07.

[@eper1875]

Thanks for the time and effort you put into the videos. I always check your videos when I am going to purchase any self defense ammo . The videos are a great visual point in researching ammo.

[@theKGB65]

What an outstanding overview of your best test results in 9mm self defense ammo! By my count there were 73 individual scene changes in this video and I consider this your best editing and voice-over work to date. My favorite scene was right in the beginning when you positively burned down those two steel IDPA targets from inside the guard shack!!! I didn't even realize this was file footage until the second time around; no leaves on the trees!

[@carlvscutti]

Appreciate your videos. One of the most unbiased forms of information on a subject out there. I wish all products were evaluated in the same manner.

[@coprice94]

Seems like to me you can get a 9mm round that expands big or bigger then a 45acp I don't know why people bash the 9mm round but it's all opinion

[@montegb2951]

There's a reason even the FBI is going back to the 9mm. It's a proven round, penetration is as good as anything else, and faster follow up shots are desirable in a LE or defensive situation. The .45 guys are "compensating".

[@chancecarlton8403]

How are measurable statistics "opinion"? It's not all opinion. There is an answer.

[@ZeroGorDIE]

I mean the 45 acp's expanded to .897" diameter in TN's testing. thats a massive area increase.... infact its .632in^2 versus .346in^2 or an 82% increase in cutting diameter. So if shot placement is key then you have a better chance of shooting at a vital and actually hitting it. Inherently more bleeding and blood pressure drop even if it doesnt hit vital. At the slower velocity of 45 less material is pushed around the bullet. so the slow speed actually helps it cut what it touches. You'll also need a rifle or minimum 357 magnum if you want a chance at actually damaging internals with cavitation... I dont own 45acp but theres some serious merit to it with an HST.

[@JasonSmith883]

As a new shooter and every day carrier I really appreciate your videos and the lengths you go to to test ammunition. Keep up the great work!

[@Ifoughtpiranhas]

I'm kinda surprised that the 147 grain Ranger T-series didn't make the cut, but considering how hard it's been to acquire it, it makes sense. Heck, it's getting difficult to get any quality 147 grain, which is funny, because 10-15 years ago, nobody really wanted anything to do with the 147 grain 9mm load.

[@tnoutdoors9]

I Fought Piranhas Availability of the T-Series was the primary reason, as Winchester obviously strives to restrict sales of LEO-quality ammo to civilians. Even the PDX1 has become scarce compared to 2011, 2012, etc. Winchester has comprised, IMO, by offering their "Train and Defend" brand, which appears to be the PDX1 bonded bullet, but at reduced velocities. I can find Speer, Federal, Hornady, and Remington at 20 stores within 30 minutes of my house. Winchester.....not so much. I cannot buy from a company that has determined I am not worthy of having their premium product.

[@TommyboyGTP]

I just picked up two boxes of 9mm Gold Dot 'Short Barrel' for my M&P Shield. It's the first time i've seen it since the beginning of the year. Just this month, i've been able to find every type of defensive ammo i've seen you test in 9mm, except for the Ranger series. Thanks for providing such valuable information!

[@djg4lyfe]

I've watched all of these videos before, but this format was short and concise and I really appreciated it. Thank you for this synopsis, definitely going to look for this rounds here shortly.

[@tnoutdoors9]

Their loads are generally driven to or beyond the velocity threshold for expansion. If they loaded Gold Dots, for example, closer to manufacturer specs, possibly a tad bit faster, I would consider it. But only if the OEM products are not available.

[@clubtc05]

Thank you Tnoutdoors9 for making ammo testing/review videos. I really have learned alot about ammo from you. If it wasn't for you I would'nt have known what to carry and have the knowledge. Again thank you, I really appreciated it.

[@tnoutdoors9]

They typically drive the bullet past it's design envelope, in every caliber I've tested so far. An exception might be .357 SIG. Also, due to Underwood's growing popularity, I'm finding it easier to buy ammo locally relative to what I showed in this video.

[@TheWeatherbuff]

Federal HST for me, and anything over 124gr, but that's just my 2 cents. Totally agree on carrying 9mm for shot placement, rapid fire, low recoil and all that other good stuff. Thanks for every video you've done. Always professional, accurate and full of good info.

[@fallenpatriot7917]

I pretty much agree other than with a few small points. For example, penetration. I prefer my loads to penetrate at least 12 inches but not more than 14. I know many people say you should not carry hand loads but I have researched it and I cannot find any example of someone being prosecuted or anything else good or bad where a hand load was the deciding factor. I cannot even find where a hand load being used in self defense has been mentioned so I carry my own ammo. There are many benefits like less expensive, you can design handloads with a hollow point for carry and an fmj for practice that shoot identically and lastly, I made the ammo myself and watched every step carried out precisely thus, I know they will work 100% of the time. I trust my reloads more than factory ammo after loading tens of thousands with never a problem. This gives me piece of mind. I load more than +P velocity loads with standard pressures. My three loads are a 124 Gold Dot at 1250 fps for warmer months and a 147 Gold Dot at 1125 fps in colder months. I also keep an extra magazine of 125 grain fmjs in case I need something with extra penetration. I carry a Glock 19. My other carry gun is a Smith and Wesson 3" model 60. I carry 38 special 125 Gold Dots at 1100 fps. I carry this sometimes because it's very small and even more conceivable for times I want that benefit. I've tested all these extensively in ballistic gel, a target made out of meat and in pigs I was having butchered, after they were dead and they are devastating without over penetrating. I trust them as much as a person possibly can.

[@USMC-ParrisIsland]

I alternate with carrying my Colt Combat Commander, stoked with Underwood 230gr Gold Dot JHP bullets; and Underwood 147gr +P+ for my Glock Model 19. I use Federal 147gr Hydra Shok , JHP in my Glock Model 17. It all comes down to what you feel comfortable with. At the end of the day, I don't care what you shoot, "Shot Placement" has, and will be, the key! As always, excellent information concerning your choice of EDC ammo!

[@UKSportsFan]

Just as I appreciate all of your expansion and penetration gel tests regarding various caliber and manufacturer rounds, I appreciate you putting this video together very much as well. With all of the choices out there these days, thanks for breaking it down to "the bare essentials" of what you rely on.

[@Scorpiuszeroone]

A very timely video. I was browsing on Midway USA for self defense ammo over the last few weeks. I went back and forth and back and forth on various brands, finally threw my arms up in the air and grabbed some Hornady and Fiocchi XTP.

[@freeamerica8430]

The absolute best, most thorough, most intricate, and detail orientated ballistics tester on youtube. As an FED LEO ballistics investigator, I'm extremely impressed. Tnoutdoors has done a great service to the public that has definitely saved thousands of citizens tons of money trying to learn this information. Great attention to detail. Btw, contrary to popular belief, most LEOs SUPPORT the 2nd Amendment and the right of american citizens to bear arms and protect themselves, just get the proper training and use common sense. Outstanding video.

[@vdub5818]

While I 100% agree that we as responsible firearms owners should seek training to increase our skill/proficiency and safety with a firearm, I am of the opinion that one must never be forced to seek training to exercise a constitutionally protected right. Just curious, given your statement about training, do you feel the same? BTW thank you for supporting the constitution!

[@freeamerica8430]

+Finn Custom Knives In any scenario in which a measurable degree of proficiency is needed to properly and safely exercise any action you do, whether constitionally protected (right to carry, own and use firearms, etc) or used in everyday life (driving an automobile, riding a bike, raising a child), with your rights also comes the responsibility to conduct yourself accordingly. If you execise the right to own and bear arms, then you are conferred the responsibility that comes with owning them, so in essence, if you want to execise the right, then you must also execise the responsibility that comes with partaking in that right. There is no legal nor lawful notion that exercising a right comes without bearing the responsibilty of invoking that right.

[@freeamerica8430]

+Free America In essence, if you invoked the usage of you right through free will, then you legally and lawfully bear the responsiblity of your actions in consequence of that right (i.e training, moa, safety procedures, carry, etc. etc.)

[@davidfrye7713]

Wonderful, professionally done video. Partly or perhaps the main reason for my choice of EDC load was due to your videos. I currently carry the Hornady 9mm +P Critical Duty. It has been available in large quantities from internet stores in the 50rd boxes at very good prices (as low as $26.95). Thank you for all of your excellent work.

[@MrTdw1954]

Best ammo videos on the Tube. Lots of information presented quickly.

[@420ized]

My only experience with speer gold dot, was a full mag of 16 rnds that came with my SW9V when I bought it. Half the mag did not go bang with the other half consistently ftf, FTE, stove piping, and general jamming. I now only run hornady critical duty 147 grain ballistic tips. Never a dull moment with those.

[@pewpewTN]

I usually carry 165 Grain HST bonded in .40, but when I carry 9mm, I go with the 135 Grain Hornady Critical Duty +p.

[@mountedpatrolman]

Spot on, However I prefer the Non-bonded ranger-T over the bonded for it's better expansion. The T-series and HST are both designed to preform as well as bonded ammo with better expansion profile. For our department issued ammo, I keep Ranger T, HST, and Federal Tactical Bonded all on hand.

[@chuckhaggard1584]

An excellent and well informed argument for your carry choices. I wish all You Tube gun and ammo videos were this well reasoned. I have basically the same list, with 124gr +p and 147gr Ranger-T added in, along with the Cor Bon 115gr DPX.

[@bowencreer3922]

Through my research (mostly your videos) I've compiled my list of carry ammo options. Hornady critical duty, speed gold dot, federal hst/hyrdashock, and underwood extreme defender.

[@ANGELSRAGE77]

I carry Golden Saber 124gr +P in my Glock 19. Great video. The quality and narration were excellent and of professional standards. Thank you for posting it.

[@longdread575outdoorculture]

DAMN! You dissected the hell out of that ammo review! I too carry either a G19 or a G26 .... Depending on the mode of transportation (car or Motorcycle) I do carry self defense ammo but I rarely use it as I shoot FMJ when I am at the range. My EDC ammo is 9MM +P Luger 115 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Magtech. I have shot a few rounds to see what it feels like but at $12 per 25 rnds at the time of purchase in 2011 I dont shoot it much. I also never thought to use 147gr other than in my suppressor

[@DanTheWolfman]

What Self-Defense Ammo should pick for 9mm, .357, .45, 12 gauge, .223 5.56, .40, and .380 here kzbin.info/www/bejne/amimo4R5n72lrpo

[@MrAwesomeglock]

your channel is the first I look at before buying my EDC ammo. Good job.

[@Kratos_God_of_50_BMG]

This video is such a godsend.....finding reliable and inexpensive 9mm defensive ammo is labyrinthine nowadays! Thanks for the content.

[@TheApostleP]

Thanks for this one, TN. After all the great testing data points you've furnished, this is a great summary of how all that shakes out in the mind of the tester. Great video :)

[@natemarmy]

This popped up in suggested videos. Miss ya man!

[@007NunyaBizNess]

Excellent video and all of the above ammunition is acceptable to me. I actually use the Hornady Critical Duty +P. Not only does it perform very well but I get it for less than 50 cents a round. I saw some testing a few years ago that showed it passing all the FBI tests, including the windshield test, with adequate expansion. Keep up the good work and thank you.

[@michaeltruhett4170]

Great choices for self defense. I know I won't have the velocity or penetration you do since my EDC is a Glock 26, but from everything I've learned, the loss of velocity and penetration aren't that much when coming out of my EDC weapon. Even if the rounds don't perform as advertised, they're still punching holes into a bad guy where he shouldn't have any, giving him a real bad case of heart burn at the very least. God forbid I ever have to use my gun seein' as how I have no interest in being in a gunfight, but I'm sure if everything goes south, my weapon will do it's job if I do mine. Thank you again for your time and your videos, Stay alert, stay safe, Michael Truhett U.S.C.G. Veteran Semper Paratus 🇺🇸

[@MRFLIP]

My God your videos are always so Great love the education Thank you

[@mawmtz2011]

Your tests have convinced me to switch to the Critical Duty 135+p, thanks for all your awesome videos

[@MikeUman]

I agree. I wouldn't feel hampered by any of those rounds you've shown. All top shelf product.

[@Scotty519]

I plan on carrying a 9mm when I get my CC permit (6 months and waiting). This video is very informative. Thank you. Your ammo tests, especially in different calibers, mirror law enforcements reasons for sticking with the 9mm.

[@gapster46]

The HST in .45 ACP is the only ammo that has caused a malfunction in my HD gun, so I stick with Gold Dots for my carry ammo, and when the HST is gone, GD’s will be in my HD gun. 9mm is also my choice for carry. How can you beat the choices in ammo for 9mm that is out there, and the +P loads make it perform like a larger caliber. 9mm is the Round. Great video backed up by experience known to all who follow you.

[@tnoutdoors9]

Any backup mag with something other than what you just unloaded in the primary could offer a different level of recoil. You have already sold yourself on Critical Duty. That being the case, and if price is a barrier with the other products, no pun intended, then simply stock up on Hornady and avoid the second guessing your decision. While the Critical Duty easily met my penetration criteria, it does score points for availability and price; IMO to a higher degree than the other options.

[@G36Jeff]

Everyone should agree with you after all the testing you have done sir. Thank you.

[@jotabe1984]

For civileans as a carry ammo, i consider that 9mm is more than enough in all 3 main gun formats (full, compact and subcompact), and in order to have consistant recoil and groups with your carry gun and training ammo, it is wise to keep the bullet weight in 115gr, 124gr or 147gr, and avoid +p or +p+ choices. on Duty law enforces might (or might not) need that extra +p pressure or maybe a higher caliber like .40sw, but self defense standars for ammo choice shouldn't be that higher on ballistics, unlike training and shot placement which should be number 1 priority in order to avoid tragedys and or legal consequences. So based on that, from those ammo choices i consider: - Hornady Critical Duty: non standard bullet weight and +p load, it might work propperly but won't be easy to keep consistant shot between this and a standard 124gr regular FMJ - Gold Dot 124gr +P: standard bullet weight but very different shape and +P load. Some factory 9mm FMJ "NATO load" might work close enough but a range comparisson needs to be made. If not, custom ammo should be the choice, but using everytime +p stress gun components, specially slide and chamber. - Gold Dot 147gr: Standard bullet weight, standard pressure and pretty similar bullet weight. I would think this is a pretty solid ammo to be paired with factory 147gr FMJ Flat point being the subsonic velocity the only "bad" thing about it - Winchester PDX1 147gr: i could argue the exact same things as mentioned in Gold Dot 147gr - Federal HST 147gr: same as Gold Dot 147gr and PDX1. Nevertheless the mentioned +p round would have a different feel, recoil and probably performance in the gun than the FMJ counterpart. - It is not mentioned in the video, but Hornady 115gr Critical Defense comes with XTP ballistic tip of a 115gr bullet with standard pressure and bullet form resembles a lot the FMJ, so you get a pretty similar round for carry that can be trained with regular 115gr FMJ. The only drawback i find is that 115gr in my experience it is not as common as 124gr and even less than 147gr. But that's not such a big deal if you do your stocking correctly

[@drmaudio]

I have always used Gold Dot 124 gr. +P and have been very happy with it. The selling point for me is consistency and reliability. Having said that, you make a great point when you say you should have more then one. I will be shooting some Critical Duty, and Federal HST to see what my carry gun and I like. Thanks for the excellent video.

[@sthengr]

You are my number 1 go-to resource for handgun ammo selection.

[@mimiseeyou]

New first time owner. Saw that your name had TN, of course I watched your channel. Learn from neighbors! Thanks for your research! I wrote them down haha now to price match sites lol.

[@ldgrey1963]

Tn, in my assessment of your presentation of the facts I would lend credence to what you suggest above the other presentations I have seen thus far. I look forward to your videos and often refer back to them for the information contained therein. Keep up the great job as you seem to answer the questions about ammo that most of us do not have resources to answer. If there is a better commentator on the subject, I have not seen their work yet. You should have a television show, you are that good.

[@user-zi1sr1qr2p]

Good choice. I carry a Glock 45 MOS full of Underwood 9mm 147gr. +P+ using Speer Gold Dot bullets. Spare mags are charged with Federal 124gr. +P and other mag is loaded with Speer Gold Dot 124gr. +P. I carry 60 rounds on my person. 18 in the firearm and two ETS mags of 21 rounds each.

[@1989oluo]

Sir thank you for the video. Once again I am inspired by your work. it is excellent in all details. as it turns out I am carrying the speer 124+p as my edc. I carry this load form watching and studying your videos. I showed your videos to a friend in the television industry who is pro A2. He said that you would win multiple Emmys if you were on television. I also like the way the UPS guy knows where to leave the box of ammo lol

[@tReNhEx100]

Yes he said he has better follow up shots and shot placement.. I watched the video.. no need to give my comment a negative vote.. I was asking him directly. If you have watched all his videos he is a wonderful shot with most anything he puts in his hands but I was asking him due to his words he has used in other videos.. also numbers never lie.. and .40sw and .357sig and .45acp all have larger muzzle energy generated which means more force transferred to target which means more MANSTOPPING POWER

[@ryanroy4753]

Very informative. Good video which is rare to come across. Note that glocks eat up just about everything, but have been reading here and there the polymer tip in the newer Hornady rounds have been not agreeing with all feed ramps. So it has me skeptical. Even tho the expansion is impressive, it's not 100 percent which they advertise. The gold dot is a proven round like you said. Pops carried that round in his duty pistol for years as per department regulations at the time. Everyone seems to be balls deep in Hornady, I will admit they have a very good marketing team at that. But the polymer tip is useless as most targets fired upon have denim or some sort of clothin that plug the hole and act as the "binding agent" IMO it's a bit overkill and just makes it look appealing. Hornady is very aesthetically appealing, but I'm not just not convinced yet. As for the great caliber debate, shot placement is EVERYTHING, id much rather trust my life to a .22 lr I'm dead accurate with then a 45 im flinching with before I even get the trigger slack tightened up.. And before I get trolled I'm just making a point. I've fired .416 rem and 375 h&h. Recoil isn't something to fear, but it's something you must understand and be able to compromise with. When considering a daily carry defense round, I take into account, if I'm injured, can my wife pick up my glock a squeeze a few off till we get to safety? Ill tell you what if it's a 1911, she'll be pulling out her Izula fixed blade before even considering the gun. You must be confident and e able to proficiently line up the follow up shot. You must be able to do that with a 9x19 and well, before you even consider something bigger. Bigger isn't always better. Well I'm ranting, never the less, very informative vid. Love hearing others perspectives. Much love and carry on! ••don't tread on me••

[@thefliplife1]

Thank you so much for doing this video. This is great for beginners who are new to your channel

[@76jasonl]

Hello TN. Just thought I'd take a moment to give you two thumbs up on this video. I've been been following you for about the last year and your videos seem to be getting better and better. The production quality of this video in particular, is as good as anyone's in the world. Keep up the good work. Also, I rotate 4 of 5 you recommend amongst my EFC's.

[@D5quared91]

Federal needs to drop the Hydra-Shok line and focus production on the HST series. For whatever reasons here it is 2014 and all Wal-Mart and several other gun stores in my area have nothing but Hydra-Shok ammo available. I've had to buy all of my HST ammo offline, but I agree with Tnoutdoors9, it is some of the best defensive ammo out there.

[@dickfitzwell523]

What made you walk away from videos? 200k subs, and no shortage of views. I'm just curious, I wish you the best and hope you come back.

[@tnoutdoors9]

To continue producing what viewers want to watch will require more than what I can contribute for both time and financial resources. Yes, 200K subs and I'm very appreciative and surprised by that, but channels this size and larger are most likely corporate sponsored. The greatest majority of your top 40 gun channels have made firearms their career, are compensated both financially and/or with free product, and they don't travel on a consistent basis as I do. I'm glad that has worked out for them, but I'm not able to follow that path. Thanks for your support.

[@johnwesley1660]

tnoutdoors9 Thank you for the videos you have made. They have been very informative and enjoyable. Again thanks.

[@robertbarber7343]

so would you still recommend these same bullets out of a sig 938 with a 3" barrel?

[@lumpy2181]

Another great video. Quick, to the point, factual information backed up with test results. Exactly how one should base their decisions when considering something as important as the ammo they choose to protect their lives with.

[@phillr3]

I agree. Have 3 of the 5 you spoke about. Thanks for the confirmation.

[@benhaven]

Thanks so much for putting this video together.Since growing older and shooting much less, I've switched to 9mm for EDC and the various pistols hidden on my property. Armed with the empirical data you provide I feel safe in my decision. I'm an HST and Gold Dot guy. Getting hot here in TN huh?

[@427SuperSnake1]

Never had an issue finding T series myself. It and HST are my top 2 picks

[@ArtisanTony]

This is the standard now for EDC ammo videos. Very cool and good job!