The Best Range Ammo Quest: Part 3
- Graham Baates
- Jun 4, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 8, 2024
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In the third installment of our search for the best 9mm 115gr range ammo we add two more loads to our list of what's been tested bringing the total to six loads. Fiocchi's "9AP" 115gr and PMC Bronze. In the second installment we tested Blazer Brass and Blazer Aluminum and added them to our first results of Sterling Brass and Winchester White Box. This testing is made possible thanks to our Patrons, and we are open to your suggestions for loads to add to the next update.
What Is the best bang for your buck depends largely on your goals. As you see the chart below keep the following in mind:
More muzzle energy will have more felt recoil, but also be able to slog through a dirty gun or possibly help compensate for poor form (limp wristing).
Less muzzle energy will have less felt recoil, but going too light may not cycle your gun depending on it's basic design, your shooting form, and any added weight (red dots, etc).
Consistency (lower extreme spread and standard deviation numbers) is key if you seek the maximum in accuracy.
Forget having a favorite vendor. As you'll see below the best price for any aprticular load varies from shop to shop with some loads having up to a $0.27 per-round range in pricing!
The Raw Data:
Titles so far, Prices, and Sources:
Blazer Brass: Most Consistent
Blazer Brass Ammunition Test Video
Blazer Aluminum: Lowest Price Per Round
Blazer Aluminum has at least two different packaging setups. As far as we can tell they are the same product.
Blazer Aluminum Test Video
Winchester White Box: Most Muzzle Energy
Sterling Brass: Softest Shooting
Sterling Ammunition Test Video
Fiocchi "9AP" Middle of the Road
Fiocchi "9AP" Test Video
PMC Bronze Middle of the Road
Disclaimers:
Prices vary wildly with time. Prices posted are as of the date this article was written. Check multiple site for shipping rates, sometimes an extra cent or two per round at another vendor saves you a lot in shipping.
Our testing is based on a small sample size. Ammunition is produced in mass quantities and quality can vary from lot to lot.
Testing was conducted using a Grand Power K100. Grand power pistols have exceptional barrel quality, and the K100's 4.25" barrel produces higher velocities than a shorter barrel will. Results will vary from pistol to pistol.
Norma Range & Training has been my go to because it’s accurate and reliable. Until recently it was always in abundant supply and could be purchased for less than Winchester or CCI, but lately it’s been scarce.
Its biggest negative is that it requires a special die to reload as there is something wonky that happens when depriming.
I've had excellent results with Freedom Munitions in both 45acp and 9mm. Might be worth a look. Good series..
Great series, of course my biggest issue up here in Canada right now is what do they have in stock. I would like to see Sellier & Belliot tested as at least for me tends to be one of the lower cost options available on a consistent basis.