On the other end of the spectrum, I found that the 365 also runs reliably using the lightest published loads, if you are a reloader. For range time use, I use the lowest published starting loads, using mostly CFE pistol powder and 124gr bullets. It is just a great gun. The 365 x Macro TacOps works as well with light loads as the original 365.

 

Mine also run with loads that are lighter than the lowest PUBLISHED load 🤪

 

I decided on 124gr a while ago. I also have a P226 Legion which seems to like that weight, so it makes it easy to carry the same for both. I have also standardized on Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P for defensive ammo and one of the things I like about 124gr is that SIG makes the M17 9MM NATO 124gr +P which is an FMJ variety that you can use as practice ammo. This matches the "punch" and added recoil of self defense ammo but costs about half, which is nice to practice with.

On a side note, I will say that a couple of months after starting to practice with the M17 9MM +P, my trigger bar spring died on me. Sent it back to SIG and they replaced that (and the front sight) for free and shipped it back within a week. Since then, I have also upgraded to a SIG flat trigger (did this myself with the help of the great YT videos out there) and now see how easy it is to replace the trigger bar spring myself next time.

What I wonder is....did the TBS break because I started practicing with 124gr +P FMJ (usually only 25-30 rds MAX per range session) or was this on it's way to happening regardless? My guess is that I had already put 2000-3000 rds thru my P365, so it may have been time to replace it anyway.

FWIW, when I asked the rep at SIG if +P ammo should only be used sparingly, he said I could "exclusively" shoot +P thru the P365 and shouldn't have problems. That being said, it makes sense that over time, +P is harder on a firearm than standard pressures. Seems like simple physics.

 

i'd like to see that same test shot from a P229. Can I safely assume similar results? Would teh extra barrel length and subsequent higher velocity result in further penetration and/or great expansion? I can't really imagine greater expansion of the Federal HSTs. My shortest barreled pistols are the P320 X-C and P229A1, both at 3.6.

 

I use Federal LE HST 124gr for SD ammo.
It is good to find a range ammo that matches your SD ammo specs, so you are training with similar firearm response. I use Sellier Bellot 124gr FMJ for training.

 

I use Sellier Bellot 124gr FMJ for training.

Since I carry (mostly) speer gold dot 124gr JHP, I use the S&B 124gr FMJ as a training surrogate - it is good stuff and seems (to me) a little hotter than most standard pressure 124gr FMJ. I will also carry Federal 124gr HST. Other comments to consider (some already made by others):

• with a good, modern JHP you don;t need to use +P (you can if you choose to - but it is a "stout" round that you should practice with). And, +P will accelerate wear on the gun (likely 1 reason for sig's 2500 rd recommendation on swapping out the RSA)
• I will test how "ammo finicky" any of my guns might be by deliberately firing different ammo: 115, 124, and 147 grain in both FMJ & JHP. And from different manufacturers. None of the family 365s/XLs are finicky
• if you go with a 147gr, test it thoroughly as they tend to be just a bit longer with a different ogive. I had a G43 that was not 100% reliable with 147gr HST (but 124gr HST was fine).

As has been said lots of times by lots of people - with a pistol, shot placement matters more than bullet used (assuming you use a modern JHP/self defense round). I wouldn't over think it.

 

Performs very well. I've been running nothing but Federal Premium HST 147gr through my 365 for the past 4 years. No issues at all.