This betrays my newness to the wonderful world of 9mm semiautos. I just purchased a 9 mm semi, a CZ 75B and I need to buy some ammo for it. The gun comes with fixed sights. What is the "standard" weight 9mm round that fixed sight semis are typically regulated for? I do a lot of revolver shooting, and I know that, for example, .38/.357s are typically regulated for 158 gr. rounds. So what is it for 9s?
What is the industry standard 9mm weight?
- Thread starter stevieboy
- Start date
chris in va
New member
On a side note, if you ever decide to cast boolits for your 75, get the Lee 358-125-RF mold, size it to 358 (it drops fat) and enjoy some accurate, cheap shooting. Took me many frustrating months to finally get the formula right.
If I am not mistaken, I read somewhere the modern 9mm pistols are designed around the 124gr loads. I carry 124gr Winchester PDX1s in my Sig P250 SC. However, I am on the lookout for the 147gr PDX1s. I want a little more punch in my SD ammo.
Of course the lighter you get, the more velocity you will get and deeper penetration, in theory.
Of course the lighter you get, the more velocity you will get and deeper penetration, in theory.
Thanks, vlkstrm and others. I'll start out with the 124 and shoot it until I'm confident in my handling of this gun. I asked the question because I know that bullet weight can make a significant difference in POI. In my .357s, for example, 125 gr. magnums, which are rated at 1400-1500 fps, hit a couple of inches lower at even 10 yards than 158 gr. magnums rated at about 1200 fps.
HammerJammer
Moderator
BiggerThuBetter
Gotta Glock 17, I get much tighter a group with 124's
Gotta Glock 17, I get much tighter a group with 124's
billfrombyron
New member
CZ pistols sights are regulated for the 124gr 9mm NATO loadings.
Its in the manual for my CZ-PO1. Hope this helps.
-Bill
Its in the manual for my CZ-PO1. Hope this helps.
-Bill
gearchecker
New member
There is some NATO directive - 124 gr. bullet is officially considered the 9mm "Standard".
FMJ is also the "2nd NATO Standard" It's been around almost forever.
My brother told me that somewhere in the books of war, somewhere deep within the earth's bowels, is a NATO standard that requires all "soldiers" supporting a NATO can only use NATO "authorized" ammunition.
For some reason the American soldiers are generally exempt from these rules because we hold true only to the standards within the Geneva convention.
So just about anything except hollowpoints and exploding rounds are allowed. There are exceptions for sure.
FMJ is also the "2nd NATO Standard" It's been around almost forever.
My brother told me that somewhere in the books of war, somewhere deep within the earth's bowels, is a NATO standard that requires all "soldiers" supporting a NATO can only use NATO "authorized" ammunition.
For some reason the American soldiers are generally exempt from these rules because we hold true only to the standards within the Geneva convention.
So just about anything except hollowpoints and exploding rounds are allowed. There are exceptions for sure.
spacecoast
New member
Saw some "NATO" branded 9mm ammo at Walmart this weekend, it was 124 gr.
+1
although I like loading up 147gr sxt's
not true...the heavier the bullet the deeper the penetration.
A 147gr 9mm will give you deeper penetration than the 124gr...as would the 180gr .40 vs the 165 or 155gr
This chart is so common on the net now...but it's a good example...notice the 147gr 9mm and 180gr .40S&W and of course my train of thought is debunked by the 230gr 45ACP at the bottom...I wonder if the less penetration has something to do with the round being TOO heavy
Last edited:
freakshow10mm
Moderator
Geneva Convention was about POWs, the Hague Accord is about the rules of land warfare, which the USA did not sign, but generally plays by the rules anyway.
SAAMI standardizes pressures and cartridge dimensions, not bullet weights.
That being said, the 9mm Luger was designed with an 8 gram spitzer bullet of the profile found in my bullet mold below. Eight grams is equal to 123.458 grains, or a nominal 124gr projectile.
Attachments
The original 9mm bullet for the Luger was 124 grains. Don't really think their is a "standard". NATO usually uses 124 gr. rounds but also has 115 gr. Nato ball also. The 147 grain rounds were also used in suppressed weapons such as the MP5. Just find what your gun likes. I personally like the hot middle weight bullets. But have carried 115gr. and 147gr. at different times. Just has to shoot well in my gun and have one of the more modern proven JHP's.