What 9mm grain are you all running through your compact CZ's?

[fatherguidosarducci]

I've used nothing but 115gr so far at the range,  but I'm starting to wonder if it's better to consider 124gr as many have said the heavier grained rounds shoot a bit 'flatter' with less perceived snappiness.   Given the added mass, it makes sense, but I've also read the counter narrative to this.

So far, I've been using Blazer brand rounds at 115gr.   

And second question, what are most using as their self defense ammo?   I'm assuming hollow points at a heavier grain?

[Auslander]

Before I started reloading, I would try and match my practice loads (Point of aim/Impact) with my defense load. I still do this it’s just reloading makes it easier.

I have tested and like 9mm 147gn HST, as well as 147gn Speer GoldDot.  Federal 147gn AE9FP worked well as practice ammo, but I did have a RAMI that would not feed it reliably. HST works better in the lower end of the velocity spectrum. (925 to 1000 fps). I’ve found the 124 variety expands too quickly and doesn’t penetrate quite as well in 10% ordinance gel. GoldDots don’t quite expand as much but penetrate deeper. I prefer the GD if I’m running 124gn. In the end, shot placement is more important than the real difference in performance between modern HP designs.

Since the COVID ammo debacle, the Federal AE9FP is almost non existent on the civilian side so you are going to be stuck with what you can get.

Whatever you buy, just realize that some CZ compacts have very short leade’s.  Research on this forum to make sure you don’t get stuck with a bunch of ammo that won’t chamber. I have to be careful with my PCR, but my P10S’s barrel is more generous.

In the end, train, practice and train some more. Find some ammo your weapon likes and let it eat. Unless you are shooting bullseye at 25+ yards the difference between your practice and defense ammo is going to be negligible but you need to verify. Everyone has different expectations. I personally can’t tell the recoil difference between 115/124/147 grain loads unless something is +P.


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[Wobbly]

I've used nothing but 115gr so far at the range,  but I'm starting to wonder if it's better to consider 124gr as many have said the heavier grained rounds shoot a bit 'flatter' with less perceived snappiness.   Given the added mass, it makes sense, but I've also read the counter narrative to this.

So far, I've been using Blazer brand rounds at 115gr.

We advise breaking-in a 9mm CZ with higher velocity 115gr FMJ mostly because the snappier action more easily over comes any 'undue friction' in the new operating parts. 

Once things are moving smoothly, it is generally considered that the CZ barrel twist rate is set up for 124gr. So 124 (at least theoretically speaking) should give you better accuracy. I say should because many great shooters stay with 115gr because the faster projectile is the one that shoots "flatter". One example would be JoeL who makes all those unbelievable 100yd shooting videos you see sprinkled all over the forum. He does all that with 115gr !

And second question, what are most using as their self defense ammo?   I'm assuming hollow points at a heavier grain?

For info on SD ammo I guide you to our Ammo Buying Directory. Not all self defense ammo on the market can be shot in a CZ. You need to understand FIT, then you need to understand EFFECTIVENESS. For this last part we guide you to the Lucky Gunner web site, who conducts testing along the lines of the FBI.

Hope this helps.

[fatherguidosarducci]

I've used nothing but 115gr so far at the range,  but I'm starting to wonder if it's better to consider 124gr as many have said the heavier grained rounds shoot a bit 'flatter' with less perceived snappiness.   Given the added mass, it makes sense, but I've also read the counter narrative to this.

So far, I've been using Blazer brand rounds at 115gr.

We advise breaking-in a 9mm CZ with higher velocity 115gr FMJ mostly because the snappier action more easily over comes any 'undue friction' in the new operating parts. 

Once things are moving smoothly, it is generally considered that the CZ barrel twist rate is set up for 124gr. So 124 (at least theoretically speaking) should give you better accuracy. I say should because many great shooters stay with 115gr because the faster projectile is the one that shoots "flatter". One example would be JoeL who makes all those unbelievable 100yd shooting videos you see sprinkled all over the forum. He does all that with 115gr !

And second question, what are most using as their self defense ammo?   I'm assuming hollow points at a heavier grain?

For info on SD ammo I guide you to our Ammo Buying Directory. Not all self defense ammo on the market can be shot in a CZ. You need to understand FIT, then you need to understand EFFECTIVENESS. For this last part we guide you to the Lucky Gunner web site, who conducts testing along the lines of the FBI.

Hope this helps.

helps a ton--thank you!!

What's a reasonable break in with 115 gr:  500 rounds?   

[fatherguidosarducci]

Before I started reloading, I would try and match my practice loads (Point of aim/Impact) with my defense load. I still do this it’s just reloading makes it easier.

I have tested and like 9mm 147gn HST, as well as 147gn Speer GoldDot.  Federal 147gn AE9FP worked well as practice ammo, but I did have a RAMI that would not feed it reliably. HST works better in the lower end of the velocity spectrum. (925 to 1000 fps). I’ve found the 124 variety expands too quickly and doesn’t penetrate quite as well in 10% ordinance gel. GoldDots don’t quite expand as much but penetrate deeper. I prefer the GD if I’m running 124gn. In the end, shot placement is more important than the real difference in performance between modern HP designs.

Since the COVID ammo debacle, the Federal AE9FP is almost non existent on the civilian side so you are going to be stuck with what you can get.

Whatever you buy, just realize that some CZ compacts have very short leade’s.  Research on this forum to make sure you don’t get stuck with a bunch of ammo that won’t chamber. I have to be careful with my PCR, but my P10S’s barrel is more generous.

In the end, train, practice and train some more. Find some ammo your weapon likes and let it eat. Unless you are shooting bullseye at 25+ yards the difference between your practice and defense ammo is going to be negligible but you need to verify. Everyone has different expectations. I personally can’t tell the recoil difference between 115/124/147 grain loads unless something is +P.


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good stuff:  thank you

[bonj]

 I also can’t tell any recoil difference between 115/124/147 grain loads.

[M1A4ME]

Not comparing anything but group size:

Federal 115 grain FMJ shoots better in my CZs (all the 9MM pistols, P01, CZ75 Compact, P09) than 124's or 147's I've tried.

My preferred reloads for my CZ 9MM are some Precision Delta or Evergrlades Ammo 115 grain hollow points. 

I've tried reloads in 147 grain (plated hollow points, lead truncated cone and coated lead truncated cone).  Lousy groups with 3 or 4 different powders.  Multiple charge weights.

I really have not tried (much) 124 grain hollow points.

I do know the Winchester 115 grain FMJ isn't worth buying unless you need brass.

The Winchester 124 grain FMJ NATO ammo that do well in a couple of my M&P 9MM pistols doesn't do well at all the CZ P01.

[Wobbly]

What's a reasonable break in with 115 gr:  500 rounds?   

We have an FAQ sub-forum in the Welcome section that answers this and other questions:
https://czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=120249.0

[Earl Keese]

Bullet weight is not the only determining factor for "snappyness". Another factor to consider is velocity. My advice would be to buy decent quality 115 or 124gr bulk ammo, find good training...and shoot more. Recoil is subjective anyway and unless you spring the gun for low-power loads, the difference is negligible. 

[Phyffe]

Hi!

For my P10S which has a 3.5in barrel, I fired my first 200 rounds with Blazers as well, but 124gr because that was what was available and they cycled through with zero failures.

At the end of the 200 round cycle I tested both 115gr PMC JHPs and Hornady Critical Defense 115gr rounds, shooting a 50 round box of the PMCs and a 20 round box of the Hornadys and they cycled flawlessly as well.

For EDC my mag is loaded with the Hornady Critical Defense as it is advertised to be optimized for shorter barrels. I reserved my Critical Duty rounds for my SP01 Shadow.

[roggiedog]

I've tried 124 gr round nose RMR's and 115 gr truncated cone flat point. The 115 gr. were quite a bit more accurate out of my pcr.

[Born2vette]

I carry sig v-crown 124 gr in both my PCR and P365.  Shoots very close to my usual go to range ammo, Norma 124 gr fmj and can hot torso sized steel at 100 yds 60-75% of the time off hand. My bedside is a SP-01 tactical loaded with 124 gr +p GD. I shoot very small groups with this ammo/pistol combo inside 15-20 yrds

[Wobbly]

I've tried 124 gr round nose RMR's and 115 gr truncated cone flat point. The 115 gr. were quite a bit more accurate out of my pcr.

We can use terms like "typically preferred" based on feedback from numerous shooters, but when it gets down to it, every gun has it's own preference... which could be weight, brand, bullet shape, etc. It's good to be shooting multiple types so you can experiment and see.

[AMM]

I run 124 gr. only. Speer Lawman and GD srd velocity in my P01s.

[bang bang]

welcome

i have more than just compacts...

but i load for economy so use the smallest charge and cheapest bullet, that means lightest bullet.  Its mostly 115 gr something.

i do have other grains, mostly heavier and so forth, but 99% of the time its 115.

good luck