Question (maybe dumb)

[Reliable9]

What does the +P or P+ stand for in describing ammo? Please don't flame me. Not a troll - a legitimate question. Thanks.

[Haugrdr]

Plus Power...or Plus Powder I've heard some say. The shells are loaded to overpressure with a bit more powder to make them go bang with more force.

[45acp]

Simply means that the cartridge is loaded to a higher than SAMMI established pressure and velocity levels. This is done either by slight increases in a given powder load, or by using different, faster powders in the cartridge. Either way, pressures are generally increased. Thus a given firearm must be rated as able to use +P (or +P+) ammo in order to be safe. A lot of handguns, for instance, are not rated for +P and would not be safe to use with this ammo.

Jim R

[Reliable9]

Thanks, Guys. Appreciate your responses. Am I correct in "presuming" a P11 can use this ammo?

[45acp]

Thanks, Guys. Appreciate your responses. Am I correct in "presuming" a P11 can use this ammo?

Kel Tec says that the PF-9 (and I presume the P-11) may be used with a "limited amount" of +P (NOT +P+) ammo. They do not explain what "limited amount" is, but generally it is safe to shoot in that it is not going to blow up the pistol. On the other hand, if you shoot much it (other than a couple of mags to prove it works ok in your pistol) it will contribute to premature wear and tear since the heavier recoil will batter the gun a bit over time. One thing to be aware in the short barrels of the PF-9 and P-11, is that +P does not really provide much in way of enhanced or increased effectiveness. Some velocity tests done by posters over on KTOG showed that velocity gain with +P over standard 9mm in the PF-9 was not much more than 50 fps, hardly much to write home about. And even this little bit of increased was at the cost of greatly increased recoil and muzzle blast. Just something you may want to consider before using or relying on +P in these short barreled handguns. Benefits in larger pistols, with longer barrels, of course, are more.

Jim R

[Reliable9]

Thank you, Jim.

[Denae84]

I am satisfied with you and you are in right .