We recently added a Hellcat and Shield Plus to the stable and I was wondering if the standard pressure 147gr HST will have enough energy out of the 3" barrel to perform as designed or if I need a hotter load? I hate to have to add a special round(especially in these times)but will if I have to.

Several years ago a series called 9mm Ammo Quest was done by ShootingTheBull410.  His Ammo Quest was done utilizing handguns with 3" barrels.  P9HST2 (9mm 147gr standard pressure) performed well.  There are rounds that provide deeper penetration but this round was well over the FBI minimum.  I carry them in my Shield.


The +P version (P9HST4) penetrated over an inch deeper, but when I was looking for them, they were hard to find, and I decided to go with the standard pressure because I could stack them deep at a great price at 36 cpr (at the time).  You can compare yourself, but I personally didn't think the difference was worth it.  YMMV

thanks for the info. The standard pressure 147gr HSTs are stout enough in the Shield, I don't think I want to shoot +P

FWIW I can't tell the difference between 147 HST and 124 +P Gold Dots out of a Glock 43 or a Sig P365.