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“Hotter” 9mm FMJ ammo

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https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/410601935/m/3190048815

December 31, 2025, 02:13 AM
dry-fly
“Hotter” 9mm FMJ ammo
I’ve got a new Shadow Systems CR920XP that I need to break in good, I’ve read that this one can be notoriously picky during the 200rd break-in period with lighter powered 9mm. Blaser Brass 124gr is my usual flavor, but I think I need something hotter… more in line with NATO specs. Anyway, what do yall recommend? Thanks!


"Attack life, it's going to kill you anyway." Steve McQueen...
December 31, 2025, 05:22 AM
sgalczyn
Winchester M1152 Active Duty 9mm
Snappy!

https://www.guns.com/news/2019...1152-active-duty-9mm


"No matter where you go - there you are"
December 31, 2025, 07:19 AM
dking271
Winchester 124gr NATO is currently the easiest to find and the most economical. Cases can routinely be found in the $240 range. I have had great luck with Prvi and have a large stash of Win Ranger NATO tra8ning ammo. My MR920 took about 500 rounds to break in, and is now about 4000 rounds without a hitch.


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December 31, 2025, 09:36 AM
sigfreund
These are results I’ve gotten with a couple of Winchester loads fired from a full size SIG P320.

Q4318, 124 grain NATO FMJ: muzzle velocity - 1190 fps; muzzle energy - 400 ft-lb; power factor 148.

M1152 Training Ball, 115 grain FMJ: MV - 1360; ME - 472 ft-lb; power factor 156.

Power factor is based on the projectile’s momentum which is a way of comparing recoil/slide velocity among different loads.

Speer FMJ Lawman ammunition is marketed as replicating similar defensive loads and a company rep recommended it for LE training over the Blazer Brass. I’ve never tested the 9mm 124 grain load myself, but it reportedly has a MV of about 1100 fps from a 4 inch barrel which would be ME of 333 ft-lb and PF of 136.

The M1152 is the hottest FMJ load I’ve tested.




6.0/94.0

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December 31, 2025, 10:29 AM
dry-fly
Thanks guys, much appreciated


"Attack life, it's going to kill you anyway." Steve McQueen...
January 06, 2026, 08:38 PM
egregore
I have shot up a bushel of Winchester white box 9mm NATO over the years. I like it in larger guns; it is a bit of a handful in my micro-compacts. I also have, but have not yet shot, some Monarch (Academy store brand), Turkish-made, 124-gr. designated 9mm NATO. I can't find any velocity numbers. I have had no problems with other Monarch.





"The Almighty, He put some livin' things on this earth so a man can eat." - Festus Haggen, Gunsmoke
January 06, 2026, 10:26 PM
Riley
I’ve been happy with S&B 124gr for warmer ammo that’s still decently priced.

It’s my stick ammo and has worked in all my guns new or tuned.




Do not send me to a heaven where there are no dogs.
Step Up or Stand Aside: Support the Troops !
Expectations are premeditated disappointments.
January 07, 2026, 12:55 AM
dry-fly
Well the Winchester recommended above was not in stock at the range so I got a couple of boxes of 124gr S&B. The little CR920XP ripped through the break in period w/o a hiccup.


"Attack life, it's going to kill you anyway." Steve McQueen...
January 10, 2026, 05:00 PM
Riley
Good. It’s my stock up ammo and has been 100% in anything I or my friends have used it in.




Do not send me to a heaven where there are no dogs.
Step Up or Stand Aside: Support the Troops !
Expectations are premeditated disappointments.