I recently bought an EC9S possibly to replace the little 380 LCP Max I slip into my pocket as a back up. It's not much bigger and fits nicely even having a CT laser attached.

I loaded it with Hornady's 115 grainers as I did not want to drop down to the Hornady's 9mm lites. It's snappy but not bad.

I have only a few rounds left and gotta order a refill. Before I do, I thought I'd ask if anyone can recommend a "better" load for a small light 9mm than the Hornady?

I carry 124 and 147 Federal and Gold Dots in my 43X or the 43s.

Bob

This message has been edited. Last edited by: straightshooter1,

My wife has a LC9S
It's loaded with 115gr Hornady Critical Defense.
Had extra from my P11 [which wouldn't reliably feed the flying ashtray Hydrashok]
Works great with them & the sharper taper hasn't given any issues with feeding in either the Ruger or KT.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:

115gr Hornady Critical Defense.

^^^^^^^^THIS

IMO you won't find a better round for any small 9mm than that. That's what my Kahr CM9 is loaded with too.

Well that's what I picked up to start with the EC9S, and it looks like that was the right choice.

Thank you!

Bob

This message has been edited. Last edited by: straightshooter1,

Thanks all. I made my order for more Hornady!

Bob

I'm using 124g GD in my lc9s pro. Snappy for sure but getting used to it. I also picked up some 124g range ammo. It's only up $9 from January.

https://www.sgammo.com/product...o-q4318-packed-m2a1-

That's one of the cartridges I carry in my 365, 43X and 43s, but a bit too snappy for me in the little EC9S-takes too long for the second shot and it seems looooong to get he sights back on target. The 115s, not bad.

Bob

Critical defense is pretty crappy and doesn't meet FBI standards. You can expect short penetration, 10-11 inches sometimes. I only recommend Critical Defense in .380 caliber, which seems to do ok. In 9mm, I would look elsewhere.

115 grain gold dots would be my choice.

Perhaps it's due to firm recoil control but I have found that both my LC9S Pro and P365 have sights that are regulated for a Combat Hold with 147 grain ammo. So when I can find it the Hornady Critical Defense or Speer Gold Dot's in 147 grain flavors are my go to ammo.

Mine gets the same Federal 9BP that M. Ayoob recommended for my other 9mms many years ago. I am sure there are higher tech high performance bullets but I am too cheap and lazy to check out multiple guns with the Bullet of the Month.