Typically purchase Underwood ammo for self defense and wood carry. The ammo has punch especially in 10mm. For 9mm usually go with 124gr. Recently noticed a big jump in the number or light weight 9mm, as low as 68gr. Recognize there will always be a debate between bullets fast and light vs. heavy and slower velocity. That said the ultra-light rounds now more frequently for sale make me wonder about how the very light rounds perform? Any experience with 9mm rounds lighter than 115gr?

I have to ask why you would want a lighter round. I can`t see there being any benefit. Your standard 22 LR is 40 grains.

quote:

Originally posted by gpbst3:
I have to ask why you would want a lighter round. I can`t see there being any benefit. Your standard 22 LR is 40 grains.

2 upsides. Low recoil and velocity

https://inceptorammo.com/incep...t/preferred-defense/

Besides the weight itself, bullet type factors in a lot. Towards one end of the lighter weight extreme would be offerings from Lehigh Defense, and similar.

Those bullets are copper, and don’t really mushroom or deform like typical ‘defensive bullets’ may. Since they are lighter, they generally go faster. There are plenty of videos on performance in gel & such.

I load the 68 grain Lehigh bullets for my 380’s. My personal testing starts with reliable function, then accuracy, both great.

I haven’t tested penetration much myself, but a little but through wood has been rather good. One can also load or buy similar bullets with the 9mm.

I looked at the Blazer Brass loading in 100gr. The advertised recoil is less but the velocity is also less than 115gr. Probably less powder.

Low bullet weight in a defensive 9mm round would be the last thing I would pick.
If you live in a area where people wear heavy clothing at different times of the year a light weight bullet may not even penetrate the clothing.
It probably would not do much against heavy bone or muscle either.
I feel this like many other things the gun industry talks up is for marketing a new product or expanding sales.
If I have to carry a 9mm it will always have 147 gr bullet.
Without penetration you have nothing.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: armored,

https://www.shootingillustrate...rsonal-defense-ammo/

Lee Jurras, Super Vel ammunition, 1960s
"
About this time, several people began to study the role of the bullet in stopping an attacker and to attempt to develop better bullets for the job. Chief among them was Lee Jurras. He began by designing bullets that had a softer lead core and a thinner jacket in order to increase expansion. Jurras also discovered that, if he used lighter-weight bullets, he could increase the velocity in a given caliber without increasing the pressure beyond safe limits. Jurras found that these lighter, faster bullets were more inclined to stay in the body of the criminal instead of exiting and causing danger to others.

The result of this testing was the Super Vel Cartridge Company, founded in the mid-1960s. It offered 90-, 110- and 125-grain loads in .38 Spl. and .357 Mag., as well as light bullet loads in 9 mm, .45 ACP and other calibers. And, this new ammunition drove bullets at velocities that others only dreamed of. Bullet design and increased velocity gave a much better chance of acceptable expansion, while reducing penetration to a useful level. Super Vel was the ammo of choice when I went into police work. I was able to examine the results of several shootings where Super Vel was used and, in every case, the results were impressive. Sadly, the future for Super Vel was not all that rosy."

quote:

Originally posted by armored:
a light weight bullet may not even penetrate the clothing.

What sort of clothing are you referring to? Do you have links to reliable reports, videos, etc., that demonstrate that?

People say this about 38spl and 380 out of a snubby barrel, and might be a little more sound in that reasoning--in some cases. Those are on the order of 150ft lbs of energy. Even cheapo 9mm out of a shorty Glock is double that.

Well placed 9mm ball will kill anyone. It might not canoe a skull, but it will change behavior. You just have to put it in the right spot. As is true with all handgun calibers.

Spicy 90gr loads will do better, and you still satisfy rule #1 of gunfighting. Have a gun!

I'm using Underwood Xtreme defenders in my carry pistols.
.380, 9mm, and .45.

Others really like the G9 ammo, which is very similar, and may be more available depending on where you shop.