Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
6/2/2026 8:21:56 AM EDT
Currently I stock 124+p HST and these are loaded in my 17,19,43x and then I keep 147 HST in my APC9k and MP5 since they are subsonic and sound good with a can

Am I realistically giving up anything by standardizing on 147s for the 17,19, and 43x?
6/2/2026 8:25:11 AM EDT
[#1]
Nope, they are a common duty load and I’ve seen them be very effective.
6/2/2026 9:24:20 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Ewald][Edited] [#2]
I standardized with 147 HST because I found I shoot it a little better, probably because of recoil impulse.

Maybe I am loosing a little penetration.  It's not something I lay awake at night worrying over.

Edit: My 9mm carry guns are a G19 and 43X depending on the day.  No problems with HST 147 in either.  I usually use use PSA mags with the 43X.
[NO TEXT]
6/2/2026 9:59:05 AM EDT
[#3]
Whole lot of folks carry 147gr HST in both EDC and duty capacity. I'm only carrying 124+p because I have a bunch due to early rumors of 43x struggling with 147gr cartridges. I'll likely never run out of the 124+p so I'll stick with them.
6/2/2026 10:08:49 AM EDT
[#4]
No, No  they are horrible send me all your 147's and I can dispose of them properly
6/2/2026 10:32:57 AM EDT
[Last Edit: GlockPride][Edited] [#5]
I too use 124+p for any unsuppressed weapon and 147 for suppressed.  Seems to work well but I haven’t shot anyone or anything with them to verify.
6/2/2026 1:02:07 PM EDT
[#6]
I do the same but with Speer.  124+P for everything unless suppressed.  For the handguns I suppress and all PCCs, it's 147gr.
6/2/2026 1:15:22 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Vague:
Whole lot of folks carry 147gr HST in both EDC and duty capacity. I'm only carrying 124+p because I have a bunch due to early rumors of 43x struggling with 147gr cartridges. I'll likely never run out of the 124+p so I'll stick with them.
View Quote


Funny you heard this rumor...  I was at an indoor range (awhile ago) and the shooter in the adjacent lane was cussing up a storm.  He was having all kinds of trouble with 147gr JHP in his Glock 43X.  I think he was trying to shoot Hornady XTP (Custom?) which was insanely expensive, and some sort of Winchester 147gr JHP (Defender?) which was also expensive.  I think his anger was more about the expensive ammo that wasn't working.  He was having feeding issues from his magazines and horrific massive groupings at 10 yards.  He came over and saw I was shooting JHP from my S&W Shield and asked if I was having any issues.  I had not had even one issue with HST 147gr.  So I inspected his 43X and I didn't see anything obvious.  He wasn't having any issues with shooting 115gr FMJ but could not shoot 147gr JHP (not sure he had even tried 124gr JHP).  So I loaded one of his magazines with my HST 147gr (standard) and he went back to his lane and shot the whole magazine rapidly without any issues (his group was still pretty bad - LOL).  So I have at least anecdotal experience that HST 147gr is good in a 43X.
6/2/2026 4:29:07 PM EDT
[#8]
I can't speak specifically to the G43X and 147gr HST, but we issue 147gr Gold Dot at my agency and it functions fine in my G45, G17.5, G17.3, and G48 MOS that I have on the books. Seems fine in the other Glocks, M&Ps, and Staccatos floating around the Department, too. 147gr HST is what my wife has in her two pistols (G19.3 and G43) and we haven't had any issues...
6/3/2026 11:17:41 AM EDT
[Last Edit: dump1567][Edited] [#9]
One thing to consider is comped guns will prefer the 124 +p to make the comp work more efficiently (if you run any). I also find MP5 series prefer the hotter 124's un-suppressed. My old duty ammo was the 147 but have gone more towards the 124's in most handguns. 147's for suppressed. And weight is another consideration. 15-17 rounds of 147 will weigh slightly more than the 124's. Times that by spare mags on your waist.
6/4/2026 8:38:28 PM EDT
[#10]
I love the 147 HST (I have a bunch of the old +P stuff). But I dont use it in my G43 since I had some problems with it in the past, especially using Taran tactical +2 mag-bases. Not sure why but I think the 147 HST is a little long.

I have standardized the 124 HST for the 43 and 48. This was probably 10 years ago so cartridge length may have been adjusted and problem eliminated years ago.
6/4/2026 9:33:04 PM EDT
[#11]
I really like the 147gr +p hst loads that target sports carries
6/4/2026 10:00:47 PM EDT
[#12]
My Dept originally went with 147 HST in our G17 when we switched to 9mm around 2012

After a couple years we saw a marked change in a couple OIS and when we pulled the projectiles an armorer noticed a second canilure on the bullet. We contacted Federal and they said they added the second canilure to help with jacket/ core separation through auto glass. It significantly impacted muzzle to target performance. We conducted another full testing I was part of matching FBI protocols with bare gel, auto glass, sheet rock etc…

What came out of that was a switch to 124+P HST for our Glocks and 75gr Gold Dot for our rifles. (Previously 55gr Federal Tactical)

We’ve had a lot of OIS since the switch and the rounds do their job if properly placed.
Surprise, Speed and Violence of Action
6/5/2026 8:32:51 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Originally Posted By MONGO45:
My Dept originally went with 147 HST in our G17 when we switched to 9mm around 2012

After a couple years we saw a marked change in a couple OIS and when we pulled the projectiles an armorer noticed a second canilure on the bullet. We contacted Federal and they said they added the second canilure to help with jacket/ core separation through auto glass. It significantly impacted muzzle to target performance. We conducted another full testing I was part of matching FBI protocols with bare gel, auto glass, sheet rock etc…

What came out of that was a switch to 124+P HST for our Glocks and 75gr Gold Dot for our rifles. (Previously 55gr Federal Tactical)

We’ve had a lot of OIS since the switch and the rounds do their job if properly placed.
View Quote



MONGO, what were the changes (negative, I assume, if you switched loads)  in terminal performance you guys experienced? Penetration? Expansion? Barrier penetration?
6/5/2026 6:53:28 PM EDT
[#14]
In 9mm, the current best of the best is Gold Dot G2 147 gr or Hornady Critical Duty +P 135 gr


That’s just about it in terms of duty ammo in 9mm.  Yes..HST is awesome, but the agency that does the testing uses those.