WINCHESTER 115GR HIGH PRESSURE: THE IDEAL PRACTICE AMMUNITION

The 9mm cartridge is widely recognized as a soft shooting yet highly effective round. However, from my experience, there is a significant difference between the typical SAAMI specification loads and the specialized defensive loads that actually perform well in real-world situations. While reloading my own practice ammunition, I discovered that it was both practical and beneficial to tailor my loads to closely match the recoil characteristics of my defensive rounds. This approach helps maintain consistent training conditions and improves overall shooting proficiency.

WINCHESTER 124 NATO FMJ

After reloading became less cost-effective and more time-consuming, I found that I could conveniently stick to standard NATO ammunition loads to closely replicate the defensive loads I was using in my 9mm carry pistol. I usually chose to stick with 124 grain NATO ammunition from Winchester for consistency and reliability. This type of ammo typically cost around $250 per case and was known to be relatively hot ammo to shoot, providing strong performance without excessive recoil. This ammunition usually comes in at about 1200 FPS, which is pretty fast for typical 124 grain ammunition. This is more akin to +P ammunition, but Winchester isn’t stating it openly on the box. This is fine for me because I am not much of a fan of the Safety Sally SAAMI ammunition we get here. I refer to them as ‘mouse fart’ loads due to how soft they can be. At times, these SAAMI-spec loadings can cause malfunctions in pistols that are built for NATO ammunition.

WHY I PREFER HIGH PRESSURE LOADS

High pressure practice ammunition offers several key advantages for serious firearms training and skill development. First, it more accurately replicates the recoil, muzzle rise, and cycling characteristics of full-power rounds, which is critical for building realistic muscle memory and improving shooting proficiency. Unlike low-power or subsonic practice rounds, high pressure practice ammo ensures that semi-automatic firearms operate reliably, allowing users to train under conditions that closely mimic real-world use.

Additionally, the use of high pressure practice rounds can enhance shooter confidence and preparedness, as the shooter experiences the true performance of their firearm without the cost and noise typically associated with hollow point defensive ammunition. This type of ammunition provides an effective balance between affordability, safety, and functional realism, making it an ideal training tool for competitive shooters, law enforcement, and self-defense practitioners seeking to refine their marksmanship and tactical skills.

Also consider that most 9mm pistols made outside the US are designed to cycle reliably with NATO or high pressure 9mm ammunition. The recoil springs are designed to handle the pressure, and the other springs are optimized for the slide velocity and fast cycling offered by high pressure ammunition. Some users report SAAMI spec ammunition having failures in their weapons, due to the slide lacking the necessary rearward movement and being under-powered. You can avoid this by paying a little more for NATO spec, or high pressure practice ammunition.

WINCHESTER SG9W50

The Winchester SG9W50 is the ammunition that I prefer for range practice in all of my 9mm pistols. It closely replicates the performance and feel of shooting my defensive loads, which are Hornady American Gunner 124+P. When I am shooting this load next to other factory loads that are SAAMI spec, I find that the ejection is more consistent and violent, which is ideal. This ammunition is basically just the commercial version of the M1152 ammunition that the military is using. I think Winchester stills sells their commercial M1152, but it goes for a premium with a fancy box. This stuff is basically the same exact thing, just packaged in an unassuming brown box labelled “TARGET” on the end.

You will notice that the primer is sealed and crimped with a thin brass wall. This can make reloading these a bit tricky. I have ruined hundreds of primers because of this tight primer pocket. But one thing I love about NATO ammunition is that the brass is thicker and can take many reloads before the casing gets cracked.

WRAPUP

Winchester High Pressure ammunition offers consistent performance and reliable ballistics, making it an excellent choice for practice sessions. Its manufacturing process ensures uniform powder charges and consistent pressure levels, which translates to better shot-to-shot accuracy. While it may come at a higher cost than standard practice rounds, the improved reliability and reduced chance of malfunctions often justifies the investment. For shooters seeking to replicate defensive or competition conditions in training, Winchester High Pressure ammunition helps build confidence and skill through dependable performance.