I have been using regular PMC 9mm ammo and the slide does not fully cycle. Would 9mm +P+ correct the problem?

PMC 9mm is reported to be a bit underpowered. I would get some 9mm, (if you can find any), in standard velocity and see if that cures your issue. Say away from Wolf and other steel cased brands as they run on the slower side.

My X5s and X6 work intermittently with 115 grain ammunition



The 124 is more reliable, especially if you can get some 124 NATO.

Remember NATO ammunition is loaded to CIP standards, not SAAMI standards so it has a little more oomph to it

If you need +P+ to get your X-family pistol to cycle, then something else is wrong

What grain PMC ammo?

Also, you're making a big jump going to +P+. Why not start with standard 124 grain? Also, how many rounds through the gun?

More info would help.

Slow slide speed is usually what causes cycling failures and slow slide speed can be caused by a number of things.

The most common is what’s been mentioned already, low powered ammunition. A friend has a P226 X5 that is finicky about ammunition, and needed more powerful loads than the typical 115 grain training stuff. Going to 124 grains may help, but Winchester Q4318 NATO cured his problem. A +P load should do that too unless it is also low powered (the +P specification doesn’t guarantee higher power), but shouldn’t be necessary. There should also be no reason to go to the higher power +P+ loads.

The other common possible contributing or causative factor is inadequate and/or improper lubrication. There are many good gun lubes available and they should be used liberally on SIG Classic line pistols, especially on the outside of the barrel where it contacts the slide in operation, and on the slide and frame rails. At one time SIG specifically recommended TW-25B grease on pistols with stainless steel frames.

And a third possible reason for cycling failures is operator error. A loose grip (aka “limp wristing”) can sometimes be the cause, although unlikely with a P226, as can anything that interferes with slide movement such as resting one’s thumb on the slide or letting the slide contact something like a barricade when shooting.

I’ve put over 3K rounds of 115 gr PMC FMJ through my 9mm P226 X5 Comp. It’s my range ammo. No cycling issues. A few FTEs in the first 200 rounds of break-in, none since then.

You have some other issue. Maybe lube? When I clean my X5 I use Slip2000 EWG on its slide rails and barrel, including the locking cam surfaces.