I always run HSTs or pdx1 in my guns.
Depending on the gun I usually run a couple mags through it. If its a single stack gun more. Usually 30 rds or so.
Great advice, and this is a *must* no matter what the cost. "Shoot a box of 50 before choosing" is a good mantra to keep.
I also cycle through the current SD ammo about every 6 months or so. I have the mag in the gun and 2 backup mags that I shoot through just to make sure the gun functions properly. No need for surprises when in a crisis.
Why every six months? Is it due to bullet setback or just chewing up the rim by rechambering or just don't want your ammo to be too old in your carry gun?
Just ordered some Speer GDs and Federal HSTs ( Standard pressure 147gr on both). We'll see how my gun likes them!
Bullet set back can be measured (or seen) before its an issue. Your gun shouldn't be damaging the rim at all. However repeated chamberings can damage the primer. How many it takes varies on the ammo and the gun. There has been testing of this, but the results aren't publicly available. I know some folks who toss the top round into the practice bin every time they go to dry fire. Cheap insurance, I guess, but I think that's over kill. I can't give you a firm number of how many is "too many", but I don't think it's in the single digits.
Why every six months? Is it due to bullet setback or just chewing up the rim by rechambering or just don't want your ammo to be too old in your carry gun?
No specific reason with any real data to back it up.
Just to keep the ammo fresh. It gets carried IWB in my sweaty waistband or in my lint-filled pocket.
Plus, it gives me a chance to exercise, clean and lube the gun when I am done. I like to make sure I fire it every once in a while, and shooting through my current carry inventory is a good excuse as any.
I'm not a fan of Critical Defense. Hornady markets it as "low recoil" and for short barrel guns, but that translates into a light bullet with barely adequate penetration in the best of circumstances. Critical Duty +P is on DocGKR's list, but the standard pressure is not.
Take a look at the bonded 147 gr offerings out there. I know there are lighter bullets that pass the FBI specs, but I'm still of the opinion heavy-for-caliber bullets that retain mass are the better option.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe Hornady has a few lines for CD, there is a low-recoil short-barrel version but there's also a critical defense without that line.
Nothing heavier than 115 gr for 9mm from what I see - https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/critical-defense#!/
Is it bad that I carry 147 grain WWB Hollowpoints in my CZ 75?
Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe Hornady has a few lines for CD, there is a low-recoil short-barrel version but there's also a critical defense without that line.
Critical duty is the heavy full power load. Critical defense is the lighter short barrel stuff
... For performance, I have never had any trouble with Hornady Critical Defense or Critical Duty. ...
Nothing heavier than 115 gr for 9mm from what I see - https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/critical-defense#!/
I didn't say there was anything heaver than 115gr, just that there was more than one line of critical defense:
Critical Defense "Lite" 100gr (low recoil that BBI mentioned. I've also seen the boxes labeled "low recoil, short barrel")
Critical Defense 115gr (standard, no mention of barrel length)
Critical Duty 135gr (standard and +P options?)
[FONT="]Additionally, Critical Defense[/FONT][FONT="]®[/FONT][FONT="] ammunition [/FONT]IS [FONT="]optimized for short barreled, concealed carry style handguns and will not deliver excessive recoil and associated muzzle flip.[/FONT]
[FONT="]Critical Defense[/FONT][FONT="]®[/FONT][FONT="] ammunition was developed to provide the best performance for defensive or personal protection situations and is the ultimate choice for any short barreled, concealed carry style firearm[/FONT]
[h=3]CRITICAL DEFENSE® LITE[/h][FONT="]Critical Defense® Lite™ ammunition offers an effective, reduced recoil option for any shooter looking to minimize felt recoil of their lightweight, compact personal protection firearm.[/FONT]
How do they do on weight retention when they hit bone or intermediate barriers? That's usually what separates the budget brands from the premium offerings.
I've seen a LOT of jackets shed from cheap ammo.