Underwood 147gr + P + 9mm gel test

[Kenk]

Was watching some Ammo test videos tonight and came across one  from 7 years ago on Underwood's 147gr + P + 9mm Gold Dot; pretty impressive I must say...couldn't help myself, Lol, had to order a few boxes


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TMiI8VcPQ3c

[Trapper6L]

Looks decent enough, Ken. I've not shot a lot of 147gr bullets in a 9mm. I've loaded the 115gr Remington HP for decades and no, it's not a good performer at any speeds that you can get out of a 9mm. Sometimes, you can pull the bullet from a coyote and reload the thing. Obviously we don't but other than rifling on the bullet, it hasn't changed any of the observable profile. Since bullet makers have paid some attention to the pistol, we have a much wider variety to chose from. It makes a 9mm a viable carry option vs it being either a plinker or a truck gun to finish off an animal that you're able to walk up to and turn his go switch off.

In regards to bullets and their function, I've seen where some folks would like a 10mm rifle. I assume they are looking for more velocity from the round. There is an issue with that though. It's called bullet construction. As a bullet maker, you would normally design a pistol bullet of a particular diameter to perform over varying velocities. I doubt anybody makes a bullet for the 10mm Auto cartridge only. Back years ago we saw Marlin come out with the 444 Marlin that shot the 240 gr HP bullets that were designed for the 44 mag pistols. It was a near worthless round as the bullet would literally go off on a spider web. Far, far too much velocity for the design of the bullet. Today, we have one bullet made for the cartridge and that's the 265 gr Hornady. While we like velocity and all of the neat things that goes with it, you have to remember that most bullets are a one fits all kinda affair. They have to perform at low to normal velocities for the cartridges of that bore diameter. To expect them to perform at high velocities for the bore diameter is not realistic.

Just the musings of the crazy ol' man in Texas. And have a safe, healthy, 2020 my friend.

[Kenk]

Thanks Trapper, I will likely stick with Federal's HST 124gr + P in the XDm for carry, or the 230gr + P HST in the G30. Like you, I have loaded up a ton of 115, and 124gr 9's, but have had little experience with the 147's. Because UW is using Speers bonded GD, it would almost have to be a decent rd, especially at their  advertised velocity's
Thanks

Ken