Make Mine a 9 please

[MichSteve]

Just came from Wal-mart and was comparing ammo prices 50 round boxes, 9mm FMJ $9.47, 40 S&W FMJ $13.97, .45 ACP Ball $23.95, there was'nt any .380, however Gaunder Mtn. had .380 Blazer Brass FMJ for $19.95.

.380 is 100% more expense than 9mm to shot.
.40 S&W is 45% more expense than 9mm to shot.
.45 ACP is 250% more expense than 9mm to shot.

I just bought my first 9mm in twenty years a Kahr PM9, I am going to trade off my Glock 23 for another 9mm of some type. If the PM9 works for pocket carry, the Ruger LCP .380 will be traded off too.

I always thought a 45 ACP would be my next gun but ammo prices keep me from getting one.

I am sure the difference in defense ammo is about the same between calibers.

[SureShot]

MichSteve, I’m with you. The price of ammo these days is outrages. You always hear the key to good gun handling and shooting is practice, practice, practice, but with these prices I can’t afford to do that much practicing. And that’s one of the main reasons I bought a 9.
Paul
Proud NRA, TSRA, GRRN member

[rglbegl]

This is why I reload.
I am a 1911 nut, and ammo got too expensive.

.45 is under $8 for 50 rounds
and
9MM is under $7 for 50 rounds

[kahrseye]

I agree that .380 ammo is ridiculous. I sold my last .380 to purchase my PM9 and haven't looked back. I just got tired of not being able to find it at decent prices. I have yet to find 9mm ammo at Wal Mart for $9.47 a box, as far as I'm concerned it's a myth. I do buy .45 WWB there for about $34 per 100 which I think is very affordable so I would have to disagree with you about the .45. Prices seem to go up every year.

[Bawanna]

This is why I reload.
I am a 1911 nut, and ammo got too expensive.

.45 is under $8 for 50 rounds
and
9MM is under $7 for 50 rounds

If you pick up or have brass and shop very wisely for components which are outrageous sometimes too. I don't think I can quite make $8 for 50 but not alot more. I don't load 9 so can't address that number.
No brass gets left behind when I leave a range anytime.
I'm a devout 45 and mostly 1911 nut myself, can't change due to ammo cost.

[aray]

II have yet to find 9mm ammo at Wal Mart for $9.47 a box, as far as I'm concerned it's a myth.

There are two Wal-Marts in my area, about 10 minutes from each other. One of them has Federal 9mm for that price all the time. The other never has it in stock. Just depends on your local store.

[jocko]

Our local wal mart never has federal ammo. only wwb in 9mm. $23.oo per 100. They never have 380 anymore, hadn't in over 2 years and when they did it was always remington.

[PaiN]

Hell, I'm going to .22lr due to ammo prices...plus I'm sick of shooting through my stock pile and paying to replace it.
I recently traded for a Walther P22(what a fun gun, that is great for practice and so far has eaten any type of .22 I've fed it). Next I'm building a 10/22 M1 Carbine tribute rifle for long gun practice and cheap shooting.
M1 Carbine Ruger 10/22 Tribute - An M1 Carbine Replica Stock for the Ruger 10/22 with Sling, Oiler, and Military Style Sights

[deadhead1971]

Steve--The PM9 works for pocket carry. I have a LCP and don't carry it any more. But I plan to keep it. The gun is reliable and is so small that it will come in handy.

On an unrelated issue, 9mm federal brand 115 fmj ~$9.97 a box at Walmart is the cleanest ammo I have ever used. Unless you have a laser, you might not know. A laser lens has to be cleaned after shooting several rounds. Using +P 100 gr pow'r ball, the lens has to be cleaned after about 5 to 6 rounds. Using Winchester or Remington 115 fmj ammo, the lens has to be cleaned about every 30 to 50 rounds. If I use federal brand, I can shoot 200 rounds without having to clean the lens at all. In fact, there is no fouling soot at all on the laser lens or the laser guard at all. If you do not use a laser, it does not make any difference, but I highly recommend federal brand with any type of laser attached.

Top photo is PM9 with LG437 laser and the Kahr (not Pearce) magazine base plate on the 6 rd mag.
Second photo is the PM9 with laser inside pocket holster.
Bottom photo is the PM9 top and LCP bottom in Blackhawk #4 and #1 holster sizes respectively.

[MichSteve]

I am glad you mention how clean the Federal ammo is, I have reloaded a lot in the past and prefer Winchester 231 powder for that reason it burns clean and easy to measure. I did pick up 5 boxes of the federal at Wal-mart for $9.47 per box of 50.

I have not done any reloading for the 9mm but will start reloading soon, to bad lead bullets are a no no for the PM9.

Any of you reloading what weight and brand of bullets are you using, what powder???

[Bawanna]

Wow, that Ruger M1 Carbine stock is cooler than cool. That's moving to my must have list.
Michsteve, I use that Win 231 powder exclusively in my range 45 loads. As you say it measures nice and seems to work real well.