what is the best 9mm round for self defense?

9mm Speer LE Gold Dot 124gr. HP.

The NYPD issues it and it has killed people dead.

These are my two personal favorites:

Winchester PDX1 124 grain +P

Speer Gold Dot 124 grain +P

I like the 124 grain +P rounds better than the 115 and 147 grain loads.

Here's why:

The 115 grain loads have trouble with penetration.

I'm a strong believer in the FBI recommendation that bullets must penetrate a minimum of 12"

The 147 grain loads often have trouble with expansion. They also tend to overpenetrate.

The 124 grain +P loads penetrate between 12" - 14" and expand between .60 to .70 in diameter, making for an excellent self defense round.

I really like the Hornady critical defense round. Its an XTP with a very soft plug in the hollow to promote expansion and keep the tip from clogging with fabric. Speer gold dot works well too. I prefer 115 gr, but 124gr gives a little more penetration, which is good or bad depending on your typical enviornment. I am not a big +P fan, and even though your glock can handle it, i wouldnt use them regularly for practice.

I really like the Critical defense rounds, i use them in my .380, 9mm, and .38 sp. The good old federal hydra shok works pretty well too, especially in a .38.

I personally like the 124 gr Gold Dot round for my Glock 19 (soon to be replaced by a G23.)

Cor Bon 115 Grain + P JHP

Federal 115 Grain + P + JHP

Speer 124 Grain + P Gold Dot

I wouldent neccessarily consider heavy grain bullets as the best defense. This is a difficult question to answer because it is a it depends type deal. Things I would look for are rounds that expand correctly, penetrate at least 12 inches, and move at higher velocities

I'm partial to heavy bullets, myself. I like the 147-grain Remington Golden Sabers and Speer Gold Dot. Both function very well in my FNP-9 and my Italian Storms, the PX4 and CX4.

I like Hornady 9mm 124 gr. XTP round. When I can not find them, I pick up a box of Remington Golden Sabre.

And I still think open carry is a bad idea. . ., get a concealed carry permit.

these guys sound like fools. hit your target in the heart. it's over. 1000 fps 800 2000 fps. HIT IN THE HEART. it is over. Even with a 22

I'm a big fan of Winchester PDX1 (124 grain).