In 9MM FEDERAL 147 "GRAIN," is it better if the "grain" is higher?

Answer 1

The grain number is the weight of the bullet. The 147 grain 9mm is about as heavy as the 9mm gets. It comes in full metal jacket or hollow point.

These bullets are as light as 90 grains. Most popular weight is either 115 gr. or 124 gr. The 115 gr. is usually a hollow point. The 124 is either a lead round nose, a full metal jacket round nose (or flat nose), or a hollow point.

Those police and military agencies still carrying a 9mm generally favor the 124 gr. round. Hollow point for cops, full metal jacket for military.

Answer 2

Federal 147 Grain 9mm

Answer 3

In .9mm lighter is better. The 147 grain subsonic 'FBI' loads did not prove to be as efficient in the real world as they appeared to be on 'paper.' The 'best' .9mm rounds are between 115 to 127 grain bullets in (if your pistol is rated for it) +P or +P+ loads. Federal used to load a good, Hydra Shok none +P 124 grain hollow point. This is probably one of the best all around .9mm defensive rounds.

Good luck.

H

Answer 4

Not necessarily, I shoot a ruger P-89 in 9mm. It is most accurate with 124 grain bullets and reasonably accurate with 115 grain bullets. It shoots terrible with 147 grain bullets, the only reason I could think up was that my barrel rate of twist was insufficient for that heavy of bullet.

If you are thinking about trying them, give it a shot (pun intended). If they work better than what you used in the past, keep using them.

Answer 5

What would be the best 9mm round, 115/124/147 grain, to carry when hunting, as a backup gun when out hunting big game? Just in case you need your Pistol for a Cougar, Bear, or a Big Mouse.......
I carry the 9mm when hunting for less weight, yes I have other cal. handguns, but want some feedback on 9mm.

Thanks.................Rick

Answer 6

Heavier bullets translate to higher sectional density, by definition within a single caliber. Higher sectional density generally means greater penetration (an oversimplification, but true as a rough guide). Depending on the application, you may want greater penetration, or you may want to avoid it. In handguns of forty-something caliber, greater penetration is desired for hunting. In your 35 caliber, since it's not particularly useful for hunting, you may want to go with the more popular 115 or 124 grain bullets to avoid overpenetration in a self-defense load, where a miss may go through a wall and hit something you don't want hit on the other side.

Answer 7

The grain is only a measure of the bullets weight. The best bullet for your gun will be determined by the rate of twist in your barrel. Faster rates of twist can stabilize heavier bullets, or overstabilize light ones. Places like www.midwayusa.com will list the recommended rate of twist with different weight bullets. Its a good starting point for figuring out the best load for your gun.

Answer 8

not always, its the style of bullet. 9MM FEDERAL 147 GRAIN is fine for self defense.

Answer 9

grain is the measure of weight......grain means heavier....maybe its better....depends on what u want

Answer 10

YES it is if you are going to be using it for protection..