9mm 115gr versus 124gr

[fatcat]

Usually I shoot 115gr 9mm ammo because it is cheap. But last time at the shop they had no 115gr so I got 124gr.

I was actually surprised that I could feel such a big difference between the two. I didn't think 124 would be that much more than 115 gut it is.

My question is, is there a benefit to using the 124? And what about this 90gr I see for sale at places online. Is that any good?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Cupcake]

Depends on what you want to do with it. I have a bit more faith in the heavier rounds, but truly, the answer lies in where you put the bullet.

[cuban11182]

Try a 147grain HST.

[Tros]

My question is, is there a benefit to using the 124? And what about this 90gr I see for sale at places online. Is that any good?

Generally speaking, yes. A heavier bullet typically penetrates further at the expense of a slightly slower bullet. The 90 grain bullet, on the other hand, will travel faster, but penetrate less. I personally favor heavier bullets.

I personally favor the 147 grain in a full size pistol, and a 124 grain bullet in shorter barrel pistols. The 115 is fine, but sometimes I see too little penetration results for me to consider it a great choice.

[BlackJack]

I have always used the 115gr but would like to try some 124gr, maybe the HST or Gold Dot if I can find it.

[jfl]

A 20% mass difference is not going to be significant; the lighter bullet will have more energy, the heavier more penetration ( if everything else is identical ???)

I don't really worry about that; placement is what makes the difference in the outcome !!!

[arby238]

It depends on what you want the bullets for. I carry a Glock 19 with 124 Gold Dots. But when I go to the range to shoot paper or plates I use 115 RN.

[Cupcake]

However, studies have shown the lighter jhp rounds penetrating MORE than the heavier jhp rounds after 4 layers of denim. The smaller cavity on the 115's tend to clog up easier, thus becoming more like ball ammo. The Speer Gold Dot 147's had the most consitent penetration out of the tested rounds, so I've stuck with that for a long time. I have been thinking of switching to a 124 +p out of my Subcompact.