What is Plus P Ammunition?
Ammo enthusiasts and shooters often have a lot of questions when it comes to various types of ammunition, including +P (Plus P). In this article, we will delve into the details of +P ammunition and answer the question, What is Plus P Ammo?
What Does +P Mean?
The +P designation stands for Plus P and is a notation that indicates the ammunition has exceeded the standard pressure and velocity requirements. This means that +P ammunition has been designed and manufactured to operate at pressures higher than the standard manufacturing pressure for a particular cartridge.
History of +P Ammunition
The concept of +P ammunition dates back to the 1950s, when some manufacturers began experimenting with more powerful loads to meet the demands of law enforcement and competitive shooters. These experimental loads were designed to operate at higher pressures and velocities, which resulted in improved stopping power and accuracy.
How is +P Ammunition Different from Standard Ammo?
So, what makes +P ammo different from standard ammo? Here are some key differences:
- Increased Pressure: +P ammo operates at higher pressures (usually around 15% to 20% above standard pressure) to increase velocity and energy transfer to the target.
- Increased Velocity: The increased pressure and velocity of +P ammo result in improved ballistic performance, including more accurate shooting and better terminal ballistics.
- Stronger Casings: +P ammo requires stronger and more durable casings to withstand the increased pressure and handling stresses.
- Optimized Powder Charges: The powder charges in +P ammo are optimized to operate at higher pressures and temperatures, resulting in improved shooting performance.
Types of +P Ammunition
There are several types of +P ammunition available in the market, including:
- +P+ Ammunition: This type of ammo operates at even higher pressures and velocities than standard +P ammo.
- Super Mag Ammunition: This type of ammo operates at higher pressures and velocities than +P ammo, but does not meet the exact definition of +P.
- Match Ammunition: This type of ammo is designed for competitive shooting and operates at standard pressures but with optimized powder charges for improved accuracy.
The Benefits of +P Ammunition
So, what are the benefits of +P ammo?
- Improved Stopping Power: The increased energy transfer and velocity of +P ammo make it a popular choice for law enforcement and self-defense applications.
- Improved Accuracy: The optimized powder charges and increased velocity of +P ammo result in improved accuracy and group size.
- Increased Range: +P ammo can shoot significantly farther than standard ammo, making it a popular choice for competitive shooters.
The Drawbacks of +P Ammunition
What are the drawbacks of +P ammo? Here are some key concerns:
- Increased Risk of Premature Firing Pin Detonation: The higher pressures and velocities of +P ammo can increase the risk of premature firing pin detonation, which can lead to reduced accuracy and increased risk of accidental discharges.
- Potential for Increased Recoil: +P ammo can produce significantly more recoil than standard ammo, which can be disconcerting for some shooters.
- Increased Fatigue: The increased force and energy transfer of +P ammo can cause more fatigue and discomfort for some shooters.
Safety Precautions for +P Ammunition
When using +P ammunition, it is essential to observe the following safety precautions:
- Use Suitable Firearms: +P ammo should only be used with firearms designed to handle its increased pressure and velocity.
- Wear appropriate PPE: Shooters should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including ear and eye protection, when shooting +P ammo.
- Train and Practice: Shooters should be trained and comfortable with the increased recoil and handling characteristics of +P ammo.
Conclusion
In conclusion, what is Plus P ammo? +P ammunition is a type of high-powered ammunition that operates at increased pressures and velocities to deliver improved stopping power, accuracy, and range. While +P ammo offers numerous benefits, it also carries some drawbacks and requires responsible handling and use. It is essential to understand the differences between +P and standard ammo, as well as the safety precautions that must be observed when handling and shooting +P ammo.
Table: Types of +P Ammunition
| Type of Ammunition | Pressure | Velocity | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| +P | 15% to 20% above standard pressure | Increased velocity and energy transfer | Improved stopping power and accuracy |
| +P+ | Higher than +P pressure and velocity | Higher velocity and energy transfer | Even more effective stopping power and accuracy |
| Super Mag | Higher than +P pressure and velocity | Higher velocity and energy transfer | More impressive shooting performance |
| Match | Standard pressure, but optimized powder charges | Optimal accuracy and group size | Designed for competitive shooting |
Bullets
• +P ammo operates at increased pressures and velocities
• +P ammo delivers improved stopping power, accuracy, and range
• +P ammo requires strong and durable casings to withstand increased pressure
• +P ammo carries the risk of premature firing pin detonation and increased recoil
• +P ammo should only be used with suitable firearms and appropriate personal protective equipment
