Some questions regarding SD 9mm ammo

[Makoman]

I have read in the past that when using a shorter barreled pistol, it's preferable to use lighter grained ammo. I'm assuming this is to make up for the loss of velocity with a shorter barrel. My CZ 75 compact is my primary SD piece. I typically have favored 124 gr ammo across the board for my 9mm's. Am I fine with this load in this pistol? (I typically use Speer gold dot. Alternate between +P and standard pressure depending on what's available). 

Also, for those of you that use or have used it, what are you're thoughts on Hornady critical defense and critical duty?  Been thinking of using one of these in my full size 75; leaning toward critical defense. Do you also think it would be OK in the compact since it's heavier at 135 gr?

Your thoughts are much appreciated.

[painter]

Most modern SD ammo is either optimized for short barrels, or has a version that is. No need to limit your choice of bullet weight IMO.

Also, with the new bullet designs there isn't much need to use +P ammo either. The testing shows adequate expansion/penetration at standard velocities.

[Makoman]

Also, with the new bullet designs there isn't much need to use +P ammo either. The testing shows adequate expansion/penetration at standard velocities.

That's good to hear. I've seen similar results and have started leaning toward std pressure ammo myself. Federal HST std pressure in both 124 and 147 grain seems to show some great results.  Just haven't been able to get my hands on any. I've found Hornady and it shows some pretty good results as well. Think I might give their standard pressure critical duty a try since critical defense doesn't seem to be available in anything heavier than 115 grain.

[rodolfo]

Like Painter said there are lots of choices.  Some like Speer Gold Dot are even labeled  "Short Barrel".  I like the Critical Defense ammo.  Mostly because I believe their claims about penetrating various clothing. 

[jwc007]

For Ammunition tests with short barreled 9mm's, ShootingTheBull youtube channel has some good info on various brands.  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAWFWuY7JafjZNE_dG8BshA

I've been carrying 9mm CCI 124 grain Gold Dots or the 9mm Federal PD 135 grain HydraShok JHP loads.

[Makoman]

For Ammunition tests with short barreled 9mm's, ShootingTheBull youtube channel has some good info on various brands.  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAWFWuY7JafjZNE_dG8BshA

I've been carrying 9mm CCI 124 grain Gold Dots or the 9mm Federal PD 135 grain HydraShok JHP loads.

Hydra shocks were my main go to load for longer than I can remember. Even well after all the newer stuff came out, especially for .357 mag.

[1SOW]

For me,  the 124 Speer GDs are the ones I choose  due to the good performance at much lower bullet speeds than some others.  The Hornady XTP also does fairly well at the lower speeds.  These two can be shot very fast and accurately without heavy recoil and still perform well in a multitude of tests performed over the years.

I reload these to Speer/Hornady factory speeds or just slightly faster than their standard loads.  1150-1170 fps

[gdawgs56]

I use 124gr Speer GD +P. Seen a lot of great reviews and ballistic tests and it shoots reliable in my SP01.

They have a short barreled version also.

[Armor Snail]

I have the Critical duty standard pressure in my edc 75 and Canik full size.

Shoots well.  Accurate. Reliable.

Will probably switch to a yet to be determined loading from Underwood next year.

I now have their .380 and .38spl loaded in carry guns also.