A Case for +P Ammo

Higher pressure ammunition has been loved and hated over the years. It's controversy will likely continue for quite some time, but here is the problem: nomatter what side you are on, you're right.

Let me explain. For those that don't know, +P ammunition is higher pressure than standard ammo. In fact, the +P stands for "plus pressure". When first introduced, those pressure numbers were unrestricted. That doesn't mean that it was unsafe, but it wasn't consistent across manufacturers. SAAMI, the regulating group for ammunition specs (chamber size, casing size, pressure, etc) created a specification for +P ammo at 38,500 PSI, instead of the standard 35,000 PSI. So at least now we have a consistent product that falls into a certain category.

So with the consistency, does it matter? Those that don't use the higher pressure ammo will cite that the +P doesn't translate into anything usable. Often, it only amounts to about a 50 foot per second increase in velocity. That isn't much for a bullet already going around 1100-1200 feet per second. It also translates into higher recoil, which can affect follow up shots.

Proponents of +P ammo will say that they will take any extra they can get, often citing that the extra speed will get you more reliable expansion, as well as the potential extra penetration through barriers. These are true, though may not be as big an advantage as some would believe.

The biggest advantage, in my opinion, is that higher pressure ammo will cycle the action more robustly. If your carry gun has accumulated an excess of lint, or if dry from not cleaning and lubricating, the +P ammo will have a better chance of cycling. Add to thos substandard grips in the heat of the moment, I have found the benefits to be worth the detriment.

Make the choice for yourself. Don't forget, both sides are correct.

Be well, be safe.