Best Short-Barrel 9mm Defensive Round

[Gary L. Griffiths]

I would value my fellow TFLers' opinions on the best defensive load for a short-barreled (Kel-Tec PF-9) 9mm handgun. I'm looking for adequate penetration and expansion, through heavy clothing. Barrier penetration is not a major issue.

A secondary factor is recoil with the lightweight PF-9.

I'm considering:

Cor-Bon 115-gr. DPX
Cor-Bon 100-gr. Powr-Ball
Hornaday 115-gr. Critical Defense
Federal 115-gr. HST
Federal 124-gr. HST
Federal 147-gr. HST

What is your favorite?

(Tried to make this a poll, but it wouldn't take)

 

[skifast]

I carry 124 gr Golden Sabres in my PF9. They feed without any problems(since I replace the mag springs). Are they the best, I don't know, nor do I know how you would determine the "best." I think they are good enough.

 

[dawgfvr]

115 grain Corbon DPX + P for me...

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Corbon 9mm 115.htm

 

[SheepNutz]

I use the 115 gr Hornady Critical Defense in my PF-9. They feed reliably and don't kick any more than factory target rounds.

 

[beequick]

I carry the Hornadys in my G19 with no problem

 

[iblong]

In my cw9 & pm9 I use 124gr.gold dots,they shoot and function well.
Recoil is brisk but not bad.

 

[CWPinSC]

I carried Corbon DPX in mine. The ballistics are great.

 

[WESHOOT2]

aktual from-that-gun

The 100g CorBon chrono'd at 1420fps av.

 

[CWPinSC]

The 100g CorBon chrono'd at 1420fps av.

Corbon only lists 80, 90, 115 ,and 124 in 9mm, if that's the caliber you're talking about. The only 100 gr. 9mm is the Powerball. Is that the round you're measuring?

 

[WESHOOT2]

Yes, from the Kel-Tec.

 

[CWPinSC]

That's a lot of velocity, but the Powerball isn't my first pick. I'll go with the DPX. Do you have any data on that from the KT or a XD9SC?

 

[DonutGuy]

Speer Gold Dot 124+P