Win. RA9B 9mm 147 gr. Bonded LE load

[JimC]

For those who have possibly wondered about the velocity loss using the Winchester 9mm 147 gr. Bonded JHP (RA9B) out of the 3.1” bbl. of either the PM9 or CM9, wonder no longer.
I ran some across my chronograph today and here are the results:

Avg. 6 rds./912.6 fps
Avg. 6 rds./905.3 fps

No too bad for a heavy bullet out of a short bbl. however, the expansion in moist clay/sand mix at my gun clubs backstop/berm (I didn’t have water jugs or a 20 lb. block of ballistic gelatin) left a lot to be desired. In fact, a couple closed up like a FMJ bullet.

Function was 100% for 50 rds. out of my PM9.

As a little add on, the trusty old Speer Gold Dot 124 gr. +P for short barrel load still measured just fine out of my PM9. It will remain my EDC load in the PM9 when I carry it.

Avg. 6 rds./1130.0 fps
Avg. 6 rds./1117.9 fps

[JFootin]

Good report, Jim. I like those Gold Dots, and my CM9 loves them. No kidding. I can feel a slicker, more positive feed of the first round when I release the slide than with any other bullets I've tried so far, including all FMJs.

[JimC]

Yup...slick as whale snot!

[jg rider]

For those who have possibly wondered about the velocity loss using the Winchester 9mm 147 gr. Bonded JHP (RA9B) out of the 3.1” bbl. of either the PM9 or CM9, wonder no longer.
I ran some across my chronograph today and here are the results:

Avg. 6 rds./912.6 fps
Avg. 6 rds./905.3 fps

No too bad for a heavy bullet out of a short bbl. however, the expansion in moist clay/sand mix at my gun clubs backstop/berm (I didn’t have water jugs or a 20 lb. block of ballistic gelatin) left a lot to be desired. In fact, a couple closed up like a FMJ bullet.

Function was 100% for 50 rds. out of my PM9.

As a little add on, the trusty old Speer Gold Dot 124 gr. +P for short barrel load still measured just fine out of my PM9. It will remain my EDC load in the PM9 when I carry it.

Avg. 6 rds./1130.0 fps
Avg. 6 rds./1117.9 fps

I did do some wet pak test with the Win. 147 bonded stuff out of both a K9 and a PM9. The 3 rnds went completely through 18" to 24" of wet pak. I don';t know if this was because of the low velocity of the bullets coming out of short barrels not allowing for expansion, or because the four layers of denim pluged up the bullet cavity

[hotpig]

Part of that is why Winchester stopped making that bonded bullet. The RA9B and BA are still using the old bonded bullet. Eventually they will change over to the PDX1 bullet. The other Ranger calibers have switched over.

[JimC]

I'll use the remaining 150 rds. that I have to punch paper and keep the brass for reloading.
It also shot real well thru my S&W M39.

[muggsy]

I'm another of the Speer 124 gr Gold Dot addicts for use in the CM9. I think that for the price it's hard to beat as a defensive load.

[jg rider]

Part of that is why Winchester stopped making that bonded bullet. The RA9B and BA are still using the old bonded bullet. Eventually they will change over to the PDX1 bullet. The other Ranger calibers have switched over.

Hotpig
I'm looking for Win. RA9T and RA45T All the testing I've done leads me there. I'm looking for a source

[hotpig]

I think I sold out on the RA9T over the week end. I have a pallet on order. I know the 45 is in stock because I'm boxing a order right now.