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I recently purchased a Keltec PF-9 and found out that shooting standard 115 gr 9mm is a little harsh. I shot some 65 gr Aguila IQ and it shot like a dream. It felt like I was shooting a full sized semi-auto. I can't imagine shooting 124 gr or 147 gr 9mm +P through this 12 ounce pistol. I'd like to carry some lighter ammo but I'm wondering what I'll be giving up for that.

To those who carry pocket pistols (mouse guns, or whatever else they are called), do you carry the standard weight ammo? Heavier? Lighter? Standard pressure? +P? +P+? What are your reasons for choosing that ammo? Did you consider the recoil?

Thanks.

If I'm carrying a pocket sized 9mm, 40, 10mm or 45, it's loaded with the same ammo as my full sized gun. Don't cheat yourself by downloading your pistol. Practice more and become proficient with the pocket gun using the best ammo available.

I carry Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P Short Barrel in my Walther PPS and Sig 239. It's designed for sub-compacts and tested out of a 3 and a half inch barrel, and I'm confident that it performs as designed for stopping people as quickly as possible. I agree fully in principle with High Velocity. Even if the load isn't the exact same as I'd carry in a larger gun, I carry what I believe to be the most effective load possible for that particular gun. Soft at the range isn't one of of the criteria that I use when picking SD ammo and lately I've shot enough .357 Magnum out of my 12oz. S&W 340PD to prove it. Recoil is not a consideration for me, as long is it doesn't hinder my ability to use the gun rapidly and accurately enough for self-defense purposes. I don't care if my hand hurts after a go at the range, and if I can't shoot more than 15 or 20 rounds, if I'm getting them all in CoM and getting them there in a hurry.

I use 124 grain in my PF9 with no problem, but I am also very comfortable shooting (and daily carrying) my P3AT. Both are admitedly snappy weapons, but you have to remember they are NOT range guns. They have a specific purpose - light weight, concealable defensive tools! I may only shoot 25-50 rounds through each of my KT carry guns per month during range trips while shooting a "few more" rounds through the target and range guns.

If you want to shoot 50-100 rounds in your PF9 at the range, try some nice, clean, mild 115 grain MagTech, and keep the hot 'n heavy stuff just for carry. Shoot out the carry stuff about every 2nd or 3rd month to keep it (and you) fresh. If you ever have to use the hot stuff, the adrenlain rush will most likely offset any mild discomfort you may experience with +P ammo.

just my opinions (they're cheap)

The thougth of downloaded/weak ammunition is something I would not want to cross my mind as I cleared leather.

Practice with good and proven ammunition or just carry a bigger gun! I can't quote Clint Smith exactly, but I believe he has said something along the lines of:

"I have never heard of anyone say after a gunfight, I wish I had a smaller gun!"

I carry Cor-Bon 100gr Pow'rBall +P loads in my Kahr PM9. It is about the same weight as the PF9.

Carrying a pocket pistol is a compromise between weight and balance of a larger frame auto to the concealability and light weight of the small one. I personally like .40 S&W or .45 ACP as a defense round, but went to the 9mm for weight and size during summer months. To overcome the drop in caliber, I chose the Pow'rBall ammo.

The advantage of the Pow’rBall load is ~480 ft lbs of muzzle energy and 1475fps. That is pushing up to a standard .357 load. The down side is it is going to be snappy and harsh. However, as mentioned before, these are not range guns. My suggestion is get used to shooting the +P load and make sure it feeds well, but practice with standard rounds to improve your accuracy (and save money.)

There are many other good defense loads out there (Speer Gold Dot, Federal Hydrashoks, etc.) that are great +P rounds. You just need to find what suits you best.

I also have a PF-9. I agree that it is harsh, but I carry 115 grain HP's in it.
I'd advise against alot of range shooting. 150 rounds left my hand in bad shape. Just shoot a clip every once in a while. Of course, it is not really designed to be a fun gun, just really concealable.

+1 for all the comments about using your standard SD rounds. Not worth the risk to downgrade your ammo.

The main reason I asked is that I have seen many discussions on loss of velocity from short barrel pistols. This Kel-tec PF-9 surely fits into that category. I was wondering if that velocity can be made up with a lighter bullet and if there are any ill effects to that. In my search I have come across a few threads on Tactical Forums where test were done that focused on 9mm and they showed that standard pressure 115 gr did not consistently expand or penetrate even when shot from 4 inch barrels.

It wasn't really the answer I was hoping for but this is consistent with everyone's responses so far. I guess I'll just have to get used to shooting this pocket pistol. It's not my primary carry but I'd like to be proficient at it and that take some practice. When I first started shooting, I thought my XD9 Service had some kick. When I got my XD45 Service, I thought it had some kick and the XD9 was tame. When my XD40 Subcompact came along, I thought it had some kick and the XD45 was tame. Now comes the Kel-tec PF-9 and it has some kick and I find my XD40 Subcompact to be tame. Hopefully it will follow the path of my other pistols.

I carry Corbon DPX in my KT P 11. I find it easier to shoot and it hits closer to POA than any other ammo I have tried in that gun.

I have a KT P11 that I sometimes carry when need dictates. I keep full power (+P) ammo in it, and practice with it at the range, but will say with no doubt, It aint fun to shoot!

Does serve a purpose though.
And the most crap trigger pull of any gun I've ever shot.

I just bought a PF9 and carry Corbon Power Balls in it. They're a little pricey so I only shot two quickly to insure it would cycle OK. (it did) I've shot many 115gr re-loads in it with no problems.

I carried a Kel Tec P11 for years and shot all kinds of ammo through it with no problems.