P45 Ammo

[KahrArmed]

So I will be carrying for work in some bad neighborhoods, and I have a previous post which I got some answer's about why I was having a problem with Critical Defense rounds. I got several recommendations, and I think I still have a couple of questions.

1. I think it makes sense for the tight spring on the cars to have a bit of power to cycle the slide properly, so my inclination is to go with 230 v. 185 grain rounds. Please correct me if I am wrong. I was thinking that a 230 grain round might have a potential to exit a target and injure a bystander.

2. Also I have been going back and forth about bonded v. not bonded.

3. Do I do PDX1 or Ranger T?

Thanks Guys

[Shark1007]

I'm an ex leo and have carried for years and currently carry a .45 as well as have use one at bedside. I pray I never have to use one.

I try to keep up with these things and the current thinking is that Federal HST, RangerT, Speer Gold Dot, all in 230 grain are the top of the list. Another round is my carry because it's lighter to carry, lighter recoil and more expensive. That's the Corbon DPX 185 grain load, the all copper projectile with the super impressive ballistics.

Personally, I don't need bonded because I'll not be shootin thru barriers.

[josp]

Currently have Speer gold dot 230 grain in my P45 on my hip. Some extra mags have Federal hydrashock 230 because that's what I had. From what I've seen in real world use, 230 ball or jhp both work well in this caliber, but I lean toward the JHP personally.
Most important is if it works in your pistol, and how accurate you are with it.

[Shark1007]

Hydrashock is more of an old school design and ball simply has too much penetration in my estimation. I will say that Gold Dot 230 always is near the top of the list.

[HenryinFlorida]

I am using speer gold dot short barrel 230 gr HP's in my CW45. They shot just fine at the range. With any luck, that's the only place I will shoot them.

[KahrArmed]

Thanks guys. I will be trying a few out in the next couple weeks, I will share what I think.

[KahrArmed]

So, I put a full mag of PDX1 230 grain through the gun a it functioned flawlessly. I did look into buying the Gold Dots, but in 230 grain they were significantly more expensive. The PDX1 is 21 grams, 5 grams heavier than the hydra shoks, so they do add a bit of weight for ccw, but what is another ounce really?

[OldLincoln]

Don't overlook the Federal HST +P 230gn for consideration. Kahrs are designed for the +P so it comes down to preference.

[John Law]

I have to go along with Shark, Federal HST 230gr is my first choice followed by Gold Dot as other members suggested. I was never a fan of Winchester so I dont use the Ranger T or PDX1. Winchester won the Feds contract last year to supply their ammo, I believe it was PDX1.
The bonded ammunition is more for LE use where there is more of a possibility of shooting through barriers, car doors or windshields etc. Incidentally even though the HST is not bonded it holds up very well through barriers and is very consistent in expansion and penetration. Hope this helps. JL