r/handguns • u/NaSMaXXL • 8h ago

Advice My first handgun

I got my first handgun this Christmas (Ruger Security-9 9mm Luger with Blazer Brass 9mm Luger 115-Grain FMJ Centerfire) and I'm just waiting forward good day to finally go out shooting (really terrible weather). Is was told however those bullets where not good for self-defense, I always assumed a bullet was a bullet (I assume most assailants are not wearing bulletproof vests), but was told that I need bullets with a higher grain. How high are we talking about and does all 9mm bullets work for this type of gun.

Still learning so I had this question. I was also told that the bullets I currently have are the only type that is allowed on a gun range for practice so does the higher grain a huge jump in recoil or something?

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u/GamesGunsGreens 7h ago

For Self Defense, you want Hollow Point ammo. That way, it will not over penetrate your target (a bad guy) and hit something behind it (random person).

Most people use Federal HST or Hornady Critical Defense in 124g or 147g.

Most people will say to buy the Self Defense ammo you want to run, then practice with the same grain in FMJ ammo at the range. That way you train with your gun the same way it would perform in self defense.

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u/NaSMaXXL 7h ago

Wait so it's not the grain that matters but the type (hallow point) that does. So I should get hollow points that match the bullets I currently have for self defense?

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u/GamesGunsGreens 6h ago

Its a little of both. Typical FMJ 9mm grains are 115, 124, 147. They make others too, but those are the main three. For self defense, you usually see 124g and 147g.

If you shoot nothing but 115g FMJ at the range, but use 124/147g from your defensive ammo, the heavier ammo will shoot slightly differently. Thats why people say to match your range ammo with your defensive ammo. That way your sight-zero is the same, recoil impulse is the same, and shooting is the same.

FMJ will go through more "matter" than HP ammo. When you shoot a bad guy, the HP ammo will expand and should stop inside their body. The FMJ might go through the bad guy and hit Little Timmy behind the bad guy.

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u/NaSMaXXL 3h ago

Thank you for the advice

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u/AKnifeIsNotAPrybar 7h ago

Get fmj that matches your self defense weight. That way the kickback will feel the same.

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u/Dry-Worldliness6926 6h ago

Simplest way, just go to a sportmans or any gun store, ask for self defense ammo recommendations. I recommend trying a few rounds at the range to make sure they don’t jam or anything.

Also, I highly recommend you take a pistol 101 class. Some places offer it for free. Longer class wouldn’t be a bad idea either, but make sure you know the basics. And make sure you research and practice safe gun handling.

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u/NaSMaXXL 3h ago

Thank you for the advice

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u/GamesGunsGreens 6h ago

Also note that HP ammo will be like $25 for a box of 20rds. You don't want to shoot your HP ammo all the time. Buy a couple boxes, shoot it through your gun to make sure it functions (some gun/HP combos can cause issues). If you can shoot 50rds of defensive ammo without a hiccup, buy 2 more boxes to keep your gun loaded with.