The "Best ammo"?

[atxgun]

I figured such a vague subject would attract some people that have strong opinions on the subject :)

Up until now I haven't really even bothered with worrying about ammo characteristics and dynamics while I just work on my basic marksmanship until such details would really make a difference. So I'm ready to dive into the world of ballistic details. I'm sure this is a topic that has been discussed ad nauseum and seeing as how I'm starting out I don't really know what questions to ask.

Instead, I'm looking for some links to previous threads you felt covered various aspects of this topic well or other online resources.

I currently own a 9mm S&W and a .40 Springfield XD.

[Venus Pax]

I don't know much about ballistics. I've read posts here that have tried to explain it and I simply

After getting advice from several wise and knowledgeable people here, I went with the Winchester Ranger SXT ammo for all of our carry guns. I found it to be rather expensive, but fortunately, most people don't use defensive ammo often.

Whatever you do, shoot whatever you get through your gun(s) to make sure you don't have jams, double-feeds, etc. with it.

[nuparadigm]

There are several objective determining factors necessary for this thread:
1. Caliber
2. Barrel length
3. Purpose for which the ammunition is used

There are many more subjective determining factors and they're probably as numerous as are the differences in the fingerprints of posters on this Board.

BTW, you might want to poke around on the Reloading section and see if anything catches your eye.

[MoJo]

The best ammo works 100% in your gun, if it won't feed and fire then it's pretty much useless. Try ammunition from all the major companies and find a load that works in your gun then stick with it. The offerings from Remington, Winchester, Federal, Speer, and CorBon should provide several loads that will work reliably in your firearm.

[Moonpie]

I second what MoJo says.
There really isn't much ballistic difference in name brand factory ammo.
A hollow point from Federal is going to work as good one from Remington or Winchester in the same caliber.
Try a number of different brands to see which functions the best for you and your weapon.
If you want to see velocities/Ft Lbs/ etc check out the reloading manuals for the various bullet and powder makers.

[Liberty]

I guess it depends what you're looking for. I would say Winchester White Box... At least that is what I use and buy the most. Its cheap, its accurate its clean it is reloader friendly, easy to find and reliable.

I don't keep it in my carry guns. I carry Federal Hydrashocks in my guns. I use/buy maybe 500 rounds a year in that vs 5ooo in WWB

[ctxpta]

Is the first question you should answer. If it is for protection you must take into account penetration. FMJ rounds that are cheap and great for target practice are NOT recommended for protection because they are less likely to stop and stay in your intended target thus creating the possibility of an innocent third person getting hit.