PT111 Mil Pro and Ammo Question

[TLynnHughes]

I noticed in GatoNegro's Range Report, that he used various types of ammunition in his Taurus PT111 Mil Pro.

So, here's my stoopid noobie question. The manual for my PT11 Millenium Pro has the following statement in it:

“Plus-P’, “Plus-P-Plus” or other ultra or high velocity ammunition generates
pressures significantly in excess of the pressures associated with standard
ammunition. Such pressures may affect the useful life of the firearm or
exceed the margin of safety built into many pistols and could therefore be
DANGEROUS.

I took it to heart and haven't shot any +P or +P+ from my Taurus, nor have I shot anything about the recommended 124 grain limit. Am I being too cautious?

T.

[casingpoint]

There is more pertinent data in the manual. Look for some bullet weights and allowable velocities. You should see 124 grains @ 1225 fps given as one maxed load. My second gen would handle 124 grains @ 1220 fps, but not 115 grains @1300 fps when the respective ME's were compared.

[TLynnHughes]

There is more pertinent data in the manual. Look for some bullet weights and allowable velocities. You should see 124 grains @ 1225 fps given as one maxed load. My second gen would handle 124 grains @ 1220 fps, but not 115 grains @1300 fps when the respective ME's were compared.

Yes, I did see that chart with regards to bullet weight and allowable velocities. It's a chart that for my firearm says "9mm PARA...........124 GR FMJ 1225 FPS" That chart is followed by the statement in the OP about the +P and +P+. Is it ok to shoot +P some of the time or should I really avoid shooting it altogether? Also...how do I know what generation of PT111 I have?
Thanks!
T.

[GatoNegro]

Tlynn,

When in doubt, follow the manual.
Personally, I don't like the 147gr ammo, I used it for testing because I wanted to make sure my daily carry is 100% reliable. I think that the 147 gr has more recoil, but I don't have a measuring instrument, so I didn't state that in my range report, I also think that a it leaves a lot more carbon deposit in the feeding ramp. Next time I go to the range I am going to take pics of this.
I carry with 124 gr JHP and I practice with 115 gr FMJ WWB. I really don't see a NEED for 147 gr, unless its for testing, but like I said, I am also a newbie, somebody more experienced may have a valid reason for the 147 gr ammo.
Keep your weapon clean and lubricated, and enjoy, its a sweet shooting machine, probably one of the best bangs for your buck out there, lol.

Regards,
GatoNegro

[TLynnHughes]

Tlynn,

When in doubt, follow the manual.
Personally, I don't like the 147gr ammo, I used it for testing because I wanted to make sure my daily carry is 100% reliable. I think that the 147 gr has more recoil, but I don't have a measuring instrument, so I didn't state that in my range report, I also think that a it leaves a lot more carbon deposit in the feeding ramp. Next time I go to the range I am going to take pics of this.
I carry with 124 gr JHP and I practice with 115 gr FMJ WWB. I really don't see a NEED for 147 gr, unless its for testing, but like I said, I am also a newbie, somebody more experienced may have a valid reason for the 147 gr ammo.
Keep your weapon clean and lubricated, and enjoy, its a sweet shooting machine, probably one of the best bangs for your buck out there, lol.

Regards,
GatoNegro

Thanks for the info!! I'm really glad I asked the question because now some of the details make more sense to me. (It really was one of those Ohhhhhhh...I get it! moments.) I really love my Taurus and it's still my daily carry. You are so right about bang for the buck. You and I carry and practice with the same thing. I'd be interested in seeing your pics of the feed ramp after the 147 gr when you get them.

Thanks again!
T.

[Jeremae]

The 147gr bullets were originally developed for use in submachine guns like the Uzi and H&K MP5. I seem to remember that they generally require at least a 10 inch barrel to stabilize their spin. The only people who use them in handguns are the crazies trying to shoot ISPC major power factor using a 9mm.

As long as you use a modern design HP bullet (Hydroshok,Hornady xtp, speer gold dot,etc) there will not be a lot of difference in terminal performance (effect on target) between a 115gr and a 124gr. Choose the self defense round that feeds reliably/shoots consistantly. It is generally agreed that at least 100 rounds should be shot of a particular ammo without failure for it to be acceptable carry ammo for a particular gun (some say 500). Then shoot range ammo (WWB, monach, UMC etc) that is the same weight bullet to save money.

[casingpoint]

You should be able to shoot any round generating 413 ft-lbs. of kinetic energy or less. +P and +P+ are really immaterial as long as you stay below the aforementioned limit. The Taurus data and it's advice not to shoot +P don't reconcile. It may be about European ammo pressure specs, which are higher than SAMMI.