+P Ammo Guide: Is It Worth Using for Self-Defense?

 

Understanding what is +P ammo is crucial for anyone considering it for self-defense. Plus P ammo is a high-pressure variant of standard ammunition, designed to deliver higher velocity, deeper penetration, and improved bullet expansion. Law enforcement and experienced shooters often prefer +P rounds because of their enhanced stopping power, but they also come with drawbacks such as increased recoil and firearm wear.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about plus P ammo, including its history, types, performance, and whether it’s the right choice for self-defense shooting. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether +P ammunition suits your needs and how to use it safely.

 

What Is +P Ammo?

 

+P ammo, or plus pressure ammunition, is a type of cartridge loaded to a higher internal pressure than standard rounds of the same caliber. The increase in pressure boosts bullet velocity and energy, often resulting in better expansion and penetration in self-defense scenarios.

SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) regulates +P pressure limits to ensure safe use in firearms rated for these rounds. Common calibers with +P variants include 9mm Luger (+P), .38 Special (+P), and .45 ACP (+P). While the added velocity enhances stopping power, +P ammunition generates more recoil and can accelerate wear on firearms not built to handle the extra pressure. Always check manufacturer guidelines before using +P rounds in any handgun.

 

The Evolution of +P Loads

 

The development of plus P ammo dates back to the mid-20th century when law enforcement agencies sought higher-velocity rounds for better stopping power. Standard-pressure ammunition often failed to deliver adequate penetration and expansion, prompting manufacturers to increase chamber pressures while maintaining case dimensions.

One of the earliest examples was the .38 Special +P, introduced to improve the effectiveness of revolvers used by police. Over time, other calibers, including 9mm Luger +P and .45 ACP +P, followed suit. Modern advancements in powder technology and bullet design have refined what is plus P ammo, ensuring better performance while maintaining safety standards. Despite its advantages, not all firearms are designed to handle plus P ammo, making manufacturer recommendations crucial before use.

 

Types of +P Ammo

 

Plus P ammo is available in several calibers, each designed to enhance velocity, expansion, and stopping power over standard-pressure rounds. The most common +P calibers used in self-defense and law enforcement include the following.

• 9mm Luger +P: One of the most widely used +P rounds, offering higher muzzle velocity and energy, which improves hollow-point expansion and stopping power.
• .38 Special +P: Originally developed for police revolvers, this round provides deeper penetration and improved defensive performance.
• .45 ACP +P: Delivers greater stopping power, though it produces stronger recoil, which may affect control in compact handguns.
• .380 ACP +P: Some manufacturers produce +P versions of this caliber, but it exceeds SAAMI specifications and should only be used in firearms rated for higher pressures.

Despite their performance advantages, not all handguns are built for plus P ammo. Shooters must verify manufacturer compatibility before using +P rounds to prevent premature wear or potential firearm damage.

 

How Does +P Ammo Work?

 

Plus P ammo operates by using a higher internal pressure than standard ammunition, which increases bullet velocity and energy. The added pressure results in greater kinetic force, improving penetration and expansion when striking a target. This makes +P rounds particularly effective for self-defense, as they enhance stopping power.

For example, a 9mm Luger +P typically generates muzzle velocities of 1,200+ fps, compared to 1,100 fps for standard 9mm. This increase translates to deeper wound channels and more reliable expansion, especially in hollow-point bullets. However, the higher pressure produces stronger recoil and can accelerate wear on firearms not rated for plus P ammo. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications before using +P rounds.

 

+P Ammunition in Self-Defense Shooting

 

Plus P ammo is widely used in self-defense due to its increased velocity, deeper penetration, and enhanced bullet expansion. These factors improve a shooter's ability to stop a threat quickly, making +P rounds a popular choice for law enforcement and concealed carriers.

Ballistics tests show that 9mm Luger +P hollow points can achieve 1,200+ fps, improving expansion and ensuring the bullet reaches vital organs. The .38 Special +P, originally designed for police revolvers, offers better penetration compared to standard loads, making it a reliable choice for small-frame defensive handguns. However, the higher recoil and increased muzzle flash can affect accuracy in rapid-fire situations.

While plus P ammo provides an advantage in stopping power, shooters must ensure their firearm is rated for +P use and practice regularly to manage the added recoil effectively.

 

Pros and Cons of +P Ammo for Self-Defense

 

Plus P ammo offers increased velocity, deeper penetration, and enhanced expansion, making it a strong option for self-defense. The added pressure generates more stopping power, which can improve effectiveness in critical situations. However, higher recoil, increased muzzle flash, and accelerated firearm wear are key drawbacks that must be considered.

 

Pros of +P Ammo for Self-Defense

 

Plus P ammo provides several advantages that make it a compelling choice for self-defense, particularly in high-stakes situations where stopping power matters.

• Increased Velocity: The higher pressure in plus P ammo propels bullets at greater speeds, improving energy transfer upon impact. For example, 9mm +P rounds can exceed 1,200 fps, compared to 1,100 fps for standard loads.
• Better Expansion: Hollow points in +P loads expand more reliably due to increased velocity, creating larger wound channels and improving stopping power.
• Deeper Penetration: The added velocity helps bullets reach vital organs, which is crucial in defensive shootings where stopping a threat quickly is the goal.
• Proven Law Enforcement Use: Many police departments and agencies issue plus P ammo for duty firearms because of its enhanced effectiveness in real-world engagements.
• More Effective in Short-Barrel Guns: Compact and subcompact handguns often struggle with velocity loss, but +P loads can help compensate, ensuring proper expansion and penetration.

While plus P ammo delivers measurable benefits, shooters must balance these advantages against potential drawbacks, which will be discussed next.

 

Cons of +P Ammo for Self-Defense

 

While plus P ammo offers performance advantages, it also comes with drawbacks that shooters must consider before using it for self-defense.

• Increased Recoil: The extra pressure generates stronger recoil, which can affect follow-up shot accuracy, especially in lightweight or compact handguns.
• More Muzzle Flash: The higher velocity produces brighter muzzle flash, which can be disorienting in low-light situations and reveal the shooter’s position.
• Accelerated Firearm Wear: Using plus P ammo puts greater stress on a handgun’s components, potentially reducing the firearm’s lifespan if not designed for high-pressure loads.
• Overpenetration Risk: Some +P rounds, particularly in full metal jacket (FMJ) configurations, can penetrate too deeply, increasing the risk of hitting unintended targets in home defense scenarios.
• Higher Cost: +P ammunition is typically more expensive than standard loads, making regular training and practice more costly for concealed carriers and defensive shooters.

Shooters considering plus P ammo must weigh these disadvantages against its benefits and ensure their firearm is rated for +P use before incorporating it into their self-defense setup.

 

How to Choose Between +P and Standard Ammunition

 

Choosing between plus P ammo and standard-pressure rounds depends on firearm compatibility, recoil management, and self-defense needs. Not all handguns are rated for +P loads, so always check the manufacturer’s guidelines before use. +P rounds generate stronger recoil, which can affect follow-up shot accuracy, making standard ammo a better choice for shooters who prioritize control.

The higher velocity and penetration of +P improve bullet expansion, especially in short-barrel firearms, but may lead to overpenetration in certain situations. Defensive shooters should train with their chosen load to ensure accuracy under stress. If maximum stopping power is the goal, plus P ammo is a strong option, while standard loads offer better recoil control and firearm longevity.

 

Should I use +P Ammo?

 

Using plus P ammo depends on firearm compatibility, personal skill level, and self-defense priorities. If your handgun is rated for +P, these rounds offer increased velocity, deeper penetration, and better expansion, making them an effective choice for stopping threats. However, stronger recoil can affect accuracy in rapid-fire situations, and excessive wear may shorten a firearm’s lifespan over time.

For concealed carry or home defense, plus P ammo is ideal when penetration through thick clothing or barriers is necessary. Shooters who struggle with recoil or prioritize firearm longevity may prefer standard-pressure rounds. The best choice comes down to testing both options and ensuring you can manage recoil effectively in real-world defensive scenarios.