Best defense ammo.

The best SD ammo is the one you believe in. Everyone has their opinio of that choice and mant defend their choice whether they have studied the matter ot not. The choice of SD ammo depends upon multiple factors: barrel length, caliber, gun specs re +P or +P+ ammo, recoil affect on accuracy, and other facotrs. So what I am saying is tht one person’s choice is.an endorsement not an assurance.

I carry 9mm. I loose Underwood Xtreme Defender rather thn JHP. That is my choice based upon 0mm out of a 3 inch barrel. All that means is that it is my choice,

Thanks, as stated I have a 709 and wanted input on that particular gun from someone who has shot a lot of rounds of a good ammo.

I use Hornady Critical Defense in my 709 and have never had a problem.

But like 1942bull says, that's my choice. I'm sure there are lots of other defensive rounds that work well in that gun. Good luck!

Here is the winner of the Ammo Quest by shootinghtebull.......

junksta said:

Just bought a 709 not long ago and was wondering what is a good defense ammo to keep loaded for carry. Something that you have shot many rounds of with few jams.

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AHH. it doesn't matter how many dozens, hundreds, thousands of rounds that we have shot through our weapons without a problem, it matters what runs in YOUR weapon.
personally any of the many modern hollow points in the 9 MM caliber will do the job if YOU place them on target.
enjoy the weapon.

I recommend Jacketed Hollow Points (JHP). I use Hornady.
An overzealous prosecuting attorney might say that JHP's are meant to inflict more damage and kill their target.
But the real reason is because they are less likely to travel through the target, and strike an innocent by-stander.
That is why most police use them.
Whatever you select, make sure you shoot a box of them at the range to make sure they cycle through your firearm without any problems.

What cycles through YOUR GUN reliably?

Out of what will cycle, what do YOU shoot best through YOUR GUN?

Use that one.

What I use in mine may suck in yours. Just like each shooter is an individual, each gun is one, too. I have seen consecutive serial numbered, seemingly identical guns that shot completely different loads (manufacturer, bullet type, weight and velocity range) the best.

My 709 manufactured in 2017 runs Hornady Critical Defense without issue. It also runs without issue in my Ruger LCP manufactured 2018.

I have shot a bunch of 124 gr Federal JHP HST through my 709. No issues and I carry it as my defense load in the 709. Expansion test on Lucky Gunner show the Federal HST to be a reliable expanding SD load. Love the 709! and 740. (-:

A firearms instructor that I took a class from swears by Federal Guard Dog. I loaded up on Critical Defense a long time ago for my .38 SPL, 9MM and .40 and will use it until either it or me is gone.

Speer Gold Dot is my duty amno, cannot begin to state how many of these I have run through my guns collectively 9mm, 40, 357sig and 45 NEVER AN ISSUE. Very low to almost no flash.

My best advice is to see what your friends have on hand and are willing to give you some rounds to test with. If not, buy a box of different brands to test with. From what I've seen in my 709, it liked everything (critical defense, zombie maxx, frangible round, etc). Might come down to what you're willing to spend will dictate what you'll carry?

I stumbled onto the Lucky Gunner ammo comparison website and find it to be a great reference for helping pick carry ammo. But I agree with the others you have to be sure whatever you choose functions reliably in YOUR handgun.