Best Ammo for Ruger Security 9: Unstoppable Loads for Your EDC

The Ruger Security 9mm handgun is an impressive, affordable concealed carry pistol. However, like most firearms, it can be picky about which ammo it wants to eat. Naturally, not all ammunition is created equal, so I’ve included the best for the Ruger Security 9 in the sections below.

I’ve never had jams or FTFs (fail to fire) in my Ruger Security 9, but others have. So, it’s essential to look for ammunition with clean-burning powders and high-quality cases.

This guide makes the buying process more manageable, but if you’re in a hurry, the best overall ammunition for the Ruger Security 9 is the Speer Gold Dot 124-grain +P JHP. However, I do recommend reading the following sections to discover our favorite 9mm ammo for the Ruger Security 9.

Ruger Security 9 Recommended Ammo

• Best Overall - Speer Gold Dot 124-grain +P JHP
• Self-Defense: Hornady Critical Duty +P 124-grain JHP
• Target Practice: Federal American Eagle 115-grain FMJ
• Best for Indoor Ranges - Federal Syntech 124-grain

Best Overall: Speer Gold Dot 124-grain +P JHP

Specs

• Casing: Nickel-plated Brass
• Bullet Type: JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point)
• Weight: 124-grain
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,220 fps
• Muzzle Energy: 410 ft-lbs

Pros

• Affordable
• High-quality
• Great for reloading
• Accurate
• Easy to find

Cons

• Pricier than FMJs

Why We Chose It

Speer Gold Dot 124-grain +P JHP is the best ammunition for the Ruger Security 9 because it’s reliable, affordable, and versatile. With this ammunition, you can load your conceal carry mags or range bag and effectively stop threats or practice your shot placement without sacrificing affordability or effectiveness.

Speer is made in the USA and has a long history of reliability and functionality. The company uses high-quality nickel-plated brass cases and clean-burning powders so you’ll rarely (if ever) experience jams or malfunctions.

Speer Gold Dot is a multi-purpose cartridge that is effective for personal defense. The plated pressure-formed core has a bonded copper jacket that ensures you’re getting adequate terminal ballistics. Whether you’re shooting at targets or relying on a bullet to defend your life, this cartridge is a solid choice.

The +P designation means the Speer Gold Dot has more case pressure than other self-defense cartridges. While it still won’t have the stopping power of a .45 ACP, it does increase the kinetic energy transfer to the target, making it even more effective for defense.

Finally, I like Speer because it’s reloadable. While that may not be your thing, the nickel-plated brass cases are durable enough to withstand the reloading process. Of course, they also have a lower coefficient of friction, so they chamber well in the Ruger Security 9.

Honorable Mention

Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 124-grain JHP is another excellent option, except it’s a bit cheaper. I wouldn’t say the quality is as great as the Speer, but they are cartridges I use often because they’re cost-efficient and reloadable.

Like Speer, Fiocchi’s Defense Dynamics are JHP bullets that have served me well on the range, and I trust them to stop threats.

Best for Personal Defense: Hornady Critical Duty +P 124-Grain JHP

Specs

• Casing: Nickel-Plated Brass
• Bullet Type: JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point)
• Weight: 124-grain
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,175 fps
• Muzzle Energy: 380 ft-lbs

Pros

• Meets all FBI penetration standards through barriers
• +P rating for added stopping power
• Accurate
• Affordable
• Reliable
• Made from high-quality components

Cons

• A tad pricier than some other JHPs

Why We Chose It

Hornady Critical Duty +P 124-grain JHP bullets are the best self-defense cartridges for the Ruger Security 9 because they’re high-quality cartridges designed to expand through common barriers. Hornady already makes exquisitely engineered ammunition, but the Critical Duty +P JHP is specifically designed for full-size firearms like the Ruger Security 9.

One of the biggest complaints I’ve heard after talking to other shooters is that the Ruger Security 9 jams. Fortunately, Hornady overcomes this issue by using high-quality nickel-plated cases (less friction than brass) and clean-burning powders to keep the feed ramp free of debris. The company also uses crimped cases to help with feeding, so it’s incredibly efficient and reliable in this firearm.

Of course, terminal performance is also important when choosing your EDC ammo. Standard hollow points become clogged easily and fail to expand. Hornady overcame this obstacle by filling the hollow point with polymer. This design forces expansion, even through heavy clothing, drywall, and autoglass.

Furthermore, these cartridges meet FBI standards for penetration, and they’re affordable. So, you’re really getting everything you need for defense in one cartridge.

Honorable Mention

Hornady Critical Defense Lite 100-Grain 9mm ammo is another great option for everyday carry ammunition. While it has a similar concept to Critical Duty, this ammunition is optimized for firearms with shorter barrel lengths.

This ammo still has the polymer tip to force expansion. But it’s better for our readers who have the Ruger Security 9 compact firearm with the 3.42” barrel.

Honorable Mention

Federal Premium 124-grain JHP HST is another phenomenal self-defense option for the Ruger Security 9. Similar to Hornady Critical Duty, Federal HSTs are designed to force expansion, making them perfect for self-defense.

Unlike Hornady, however, Federal uses skives (grooves) cut into the jacket, so you still get massive expansion on impact. Fortunately, these high-quality rounds also chamber well, have high-quality powders, and they’re reloadable.

Best for Target Practice: Federal American Eagle 115-Grain FMJ

Specs

• Casing: Brass
• Bullet Type: FMJ (Full Metal Jacket)
• Weight: 115-grain
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,180 fps
• Muzzle Energy: 356 ft lbs

Pros

• High-quality
• Affordable
• Available
• Burns clean
• High muzzle velocity
• Feeds well

Cons

• Not good for home defense

Why We Chose It

Federal American Eagle 115-grain FMJ is the best for target practice because it’s affordable and clean. As far as cheap 9mm ammo goes, Federal American Eagle is some of the best stuff on the market. The brass cases and clean-burning powders keep your firearm cleaner than other FMJ cartridges. Therefore, you can shoot through box after box without worrying about jams or malfunctions.

Federal’s 115-grain FMJ rounds are a bit snappier than slower subsonic rounds, but they can also travel further. They’re perfect for target practice because you’ll get to experience the full recoil of your Ruger Security 9, which is helpful when you’re learning to realign your front sights and rear sights with the target between shots.

The lead core is partially encased in a metal jacket, so it’s important to check the rules at your favorite indoor range to ensure there are no restrictions. Although this hasn’t ever been an issue for me, some shooters prefer ranges with strict lead exposure requirements (see my next recommendation if that’s an issue for you).

Finally, Federal American Eagle is reliable and chambers well. Even after hours of shooting, I’ve never had a problem with it in my Ruger Security pistol. Of all the 9mm Luger FMJs you can stockpile, these are an excellent choice. An added bonus is that you can get familiar with the Ruger Security 9’s drift adjustable rear sights without breaking the bank.

Honorable Mention

Remington 124-grain FMJ is a great option if you want something a bit heavier and slower than Federal American Eagle 115-grains. Although the Remington option has a higher bullet weight, the bullets are similar in price and function. They burn clean and feed well. Plus, they’re reliable and reloadable.

Of course, these FMJs have a partially encased lead core, so you may run into limitations at some indoor ranges. However, if that isn’t a concern for you, they’re an excellent, low-cost option for target practice.

Best for Indoor Ranges: Federal Syntech 124-Grain

Specs

• Casing: Brass
• Bullet Type: Total Synthetic Jacket FN
• Weight: 124-Grain
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,110 fps
• Muzzle Energy: 339 ft lbs

Pros

• Cleaner than FMJs
• Accurate
• Reliable
• Great for indoor ranges
• Affordable
• Available

Cons

• Not great for self-defense

Why We Chose It

Federal Syntech 124-grain bullets are the best option for indoor range shooting. When you open a box of Syntech bullets, you’ll quickly realize they’re unlike anything you’ve ever seen (at least I did).

These bullets are really cool because, as opposed to standard FMJs, they have a polymer jacket. The jacket is really cool because it actually reduces friction and cycles better. Furthermore, they burn cleaner, so you can spend more time on the range and less time cleaning.

Like most, I was initially skeptical about Federal Syntech bullets. However, they perform really well, and Federal wasn’t lying about them keeping our firearms clean. Another concern I had was feeding issues in my Ruger Security because they are a flat-nose round. Fortunately, I cycled through several magazines and never had an issue.

Parting Shots

Choosing 9mm ammo isn’t always easy, especially when you’re trying to match it to your firearm. The semi-auto Ruger Security 9 is a great handgun, and all the cartridges I’ve listed above cycle well, shoot straight and keep our chambers as clean as possible.

If you want to check out more of our 9mm ammo stock, click HERE. Or, continue on to our Buyer’s Guide to learn how to choose 9mm ammo for your firearms.

Buyer’s Guide: Understanding the Best 9mm Ammo

Choosing ammunition isn’t as simple as checking the caliber and price. There’s a lot that goes into getting the right box for your firearm. The Ruger Security 9mm is a striker-fired semi-auto handgun that’s affordable and practical for most shooters.

Unfortunately, not all semi-auto pistols like every bullet type, design, and composite. For example, some Taurus handguns or my Glock 19 doesn’t always like Blazer Brass, but my Ruger Security does just fine with it. Furthermore, there’s a bullet for every occasion. Read the following sections to understand better how to choose 9mm Luger cartridges.

How to Choose Ammo For Ruger Security 9

The right ammunition for your firearm shoots straight, cycles well (not really an issue for revolvers), and gets the job done (whatever that job may be). Scroll to the section that aligns with your needs or read them all to ensure you’re choosing the right box of ammunition.

Self-Defense

Self-defense cartridges are the most important bullets you’ll ever carry. The bullets you choose can mean the difference between being a victim or a survivor. Fortunately, selecting these bullets is pretty simple when you understand how they work.

I think it goes without saying that you should check the caliber first (clearly, you can’t load a .45 ACP into a 9mm). Next, expedite the shopping process by checking the bullet type.

Self-defense cartridges must expand on impact to stop threats. So, look for anything with a JHP, SCHP, or XTP designation. All of these bullets are designed to expand quickly, so they’re a great starting place.

Next, some firearms (like the Taurus G3c) struggle to cycle hollow-point bullets specifically. However, you can choose higher-quality ammunition to overcome this issue. Also, it’s a good idea to buy a few boxes of defense ammunition and see which you like better.

Finally, some shooters will check the price of their defensive ammunition, but this has always been a non-issue for me. If I have 20 or 40 cartridges that I know perform well and I trust with my life, they’re worth the price.

Training

Whether you’re training yourself to get used to your Ruger Security 9, introducing a new shooter to firearms, preparing for competitions, or training for law enforcement qualifications, the ammo you choose can be the difference between success and failure.

Training ammunition typically needs to be accurate and clean. Furthermore, you’re likely going through several magazines in a short time. So, low-friction case materials like brass or nickel-plated brass will cycle better than steel-cased ammo.

Federal Syntech and Speer Lawman are both great options for training because they have reduced lead risk, they’re accurate, and they are cleaner than standard FMJs. It took some time for me to get used to the serrations on the Ruger’s sights, so these rounds make it easier to do that on a budget at any range.

Furthermore, your training ammunition is an investment. Brass cases with boxer primers are perfect for reloading. If you choose the best ammunition for training, you can save money upfront and in the long run.

Competition/Target Shooting

Competition and target shooting are niches all their own that offer a lot more leeway when it comes to ammo selection. For example, when I go to the range for plinking or target shooting, I take whichever FMJs are cheap and feed well.

However, back when I was shooting competitively, I loved factory loads that made reloading easy. Factory ammunition is a great option for those who are just getting started, but eventually, you’ll need to upgrade your cartridges and match them to your firearm. This is another selling point for high-quality cases and Boxer primers.

When choosing competition and target shooting ammunition, you’ll want high-quality rounds that shoot clean and are accurate in your hands. Furthermore, while I typically go with the most affordable FMJs for target practice, competition shooters should look for the FMJ-BT (boat tail) designation because they shoot flatter than standard rounds.

Suppressed Shooting

Choosing rounds for suppressed shooting is pretty easy because it only adds one element to the decision-making process: velocity. While you must still consider bullet types like JHPs for self-defense and boat tails for competition shooting, the key to suppressed ammunition is speed.

For example, suppressed ammo is designed with a lower muzzle velocity than the speed of sound (1,128 fps). Technically, any bullet with a velocity of around 950-980 fps isn’t going to have that loud crack that occurs when you break the sound barrier.

However, after narrowing down the selection with the muzzle velocity, consider how they perform when they hit the target. For example, if you want suppressed bullets for hunting or self-defense, ensure you’re choosing a round like Hornady Subsonic 147-Grain or Winchester 147-Grain JHP ammo because it needs to penetrate and expand at lower velocities.

Lastly, you can quickly narrow down the selection of 9mm ammo by looking at heavier bullets. Heavier bullets move slower than lighter ones. Keep your eyes peeled for 147-grain variations. Those are typically subsonic rounds in 9mm cartridges.

FAQs

Is the Ruger Security 9 good for concealed carry?

Yes. Whether you live in a state requiring a CCW permit or are free to carry Constitutionally, the full-size Ruger Security 9 has a barrel length of only 4 inches, making it perfect for concealed carry.

Which 9mm ammo is good for home defense?

Any of the personal defense ammunition above has adequate expansion and can serve as home defense ammo.

Is the Ruger Security 9 a full-size handgun?

The Ruger Security 9 comes in compact and full-size options. The barrel length options are 3.42” or 4” with 10 or 15-round magazines, respectively.

Is a Ruger Security 9 a good gun?

Yes, it’s a great everyday carry gun. Ruger produces high-quality firearms similar to Colt and Sig Sauer's single-action semi-auto striker-fired handguns, but this firearm is more affordable.

What’s the difference between Hornady Critical Defense and Critical Duty?

Hornady Critical Duty is optimized for full-size firearms, and Critical Defense works great in firearms with a shorter barrel length. Both have excellent terminal ballistics, but considering whether you have a compact or full-size firearm is recommended.

What happened to the Ruger Security Six?

Perhaps you’re still shopping around, and you’ve found that Ruger’s .357 Magnum (compatible with .38 Special) double-action, hammer-fired revolver, the Security Six, was discontinued. There’s no official word as to why Ruger discontinued it, but the general consensus is that the Security-Six was more expensive to make than newer models.

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