+P, +P+ What does it all mean?

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newgun80

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Hi all, Ive been doing some reading both online through the forums and in firearms related books. Ive seen the Terms +P, and +P+ ammunition come up a number of times BUT can't seem to find a definition.
My first question is What does the P stand for

Is there a "P" only powder

Whats the difference between +P and +P+?

Thanks
 
newgun80 said:
Hi all, Ive been doing some reading both online through the forums and in firearms related books. Ive seen the Terms +P, and +P+ ammunition come up a number of times BUT can't seem to find a definition.
My first question is What does the P stand for

Is there a "P" only powder

Whats the difference between +P and +P+?

Thanks
Click to expand...

+P is higher pressure rounds. Basically more powder, generating higher pressures and therefore higher velocity.
 
The " P " stands for pressure.

Although no company uses the term, regular ammo would be P designation. ( To indicate standard pressure ammo. )

+ P is higher pressure indicating higher velocity.
+ P + is even higher velocity & even higher pressure.

Using .38 Special as an example, if one gun is only rated to handle standard ammo, that's it.
A gun rated to handle + P ammo can safely handle that.
+ P + rated gun can handle the highest pressure ammo.

I think that this started about 20 or so years ago when ammo companies started beefing up the .38 special cartridge but realized that there were a lot of older revolvers that would not stand up to the high pressure loads.
 
+P rated ammunition was originally intended, and I believe still is for law enforcement. To get a little extra punch out of there firearms. Provided there guns could handle it. +P+ is very hot and is not even covered by a SAMMI rating. These loads are darn near proof loads, and one should be very careful if using them. The only time I'd use a +P+ in 38 Special for example would be in a 357 Magnum revolver. I believe +P+ pressure for a 38 Special is about 22 000 psi, and they proof at 25 000 psi. Someone correct me if I'm wrong on this one.
 
"...not even covered by a SAMMI rating..." SAAMI only has +P ratings for some cartridges. The .357 Mag and .40 S&W, for example, don't have a +P SAAMI rating.
+P ammo is hot factory loaded ammo. +P+ is hotter than +P factory ammo. It has nothing to do with the powder though. Just the ammo's pressures.
 
Throttle_monkey1 said:
so When I get my .40 S&W M&P, will I blow it up if I run +P in it?
Click to expand...

I'm not fimiliar with Smith & Wesson's pistols, only their wheel guns, but I can tell you from my days of owning a 1911, if the pistol in question has an unsupported chamber you would best be advised to steer clear of hot loads. I'm assuming that the M & P being a newer design and being carried by a lot of law enforcement agencies would be designed to handle +P but I would not shoot +P+ in anything unless like I stated before 38 +P+ in a 357, etc. And like mentioned before, keep the +P and +P+ away from the old aluminium framed Colt revolvers, lest you have a burning sensation where your fingers used to be:D
 
I have previously posted this before

Not many calibers have "official" SAAMI specs for +P loads.

Pressure for 40 S&W is 35,000 psi, with no +P spec.



 
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