Does the grains of the bullet matter?

[Tere_Hanges]

Your friend is 100% an idiot. Different 9mm bullet weights have very slight performance differences. It makes no difference in training.

I prefer 124gr 9mm when they are priced the same as 115gr simply because the heavier load could cycle the gun more reliably. But really there is no difference in reliability. I use both weights all the time, and never had a problem with cycling. I wouldnt own a gun that couldnt cycle any common bullet weight.

[ysr_racer]

Typically heavier bullets going slower recoil less than lighter bullets going faster.

[Scotty]

A guy I know who used to be a sheriff and a competition shooter uses to shoot any ammo he got for free. He would have anything from regular ball ammo to recalled Cor-bon. He just threw all the ammo into a coffee can. The recalled Cor-bon we chrono'd was basically 9mm major. Since they all went into the can, his mags were basically randomly filled. He competed just fine with the random ammo.

[FeuerFrei]

My goat math calculator just spat out the answer.

"heavy bullet slow. Light bullet fast". Expect changes in POI when switching between the two.

[sigstroker]

115 is also the most produced and cheapest ammo

That's what I was thinking. Maybe he's just cheap.

[Dr. Peter Venkman]

Yes. Different POI, different recoil impulse. How much? It depends.

[JTROKS]

Well, a 230 grain 45 ACP @ 850 FPS will recoil more than a 115 grain 9mm @ 1250 FPS. A 125 vs 115 grain in 9mm will have a very slight difference in impulse and recoil if both are loaded to same pressure level.

[hambam105]

When the target is the size of a beach ball at 3 yards bullet weight isn't that important.

[Paperchasin]

Definitely noticeable shooting 115gr vs 147gr 9mm.

[SharedShots]

Typically heavier bullets going slower recoil less than lighter bullets going faster.

And the question is:

Why does a 460 Weatherby Magnum recoils less that a 17 Remington?

"Typically heavier bullets going slower recoil less than lighter bullets going faster."

[223556]

I’ve always typically find the range ammo in 115g but I’m also not too picky with weight either. Defensive loads I tend to go 147g JHP.

[Skip_Dog]

Tell your friend that he can get 90 grain 9mm bullets...

II think it all depends on the gun...

[sfvshooter]

I've trained with 115gr & 124gr and can't tell the difference. My guess would be if you did a blind test, most people couldn't tell you if they just shot 115gr or 124gr either.

Only noticeable difference is with +P.

[Corbin Dallas]

I went pistol shooting with a friend. We were at an indoor range buying 9mm ammo and when he made his purchase, he was very adamant about the grains of bullets. They must 115g. Then he tells me that when you train to shoot, you have to stay consistent with the type of ammo you shoot with. So all he will shoot is 115g bullets.

He asked me what I thought and I said I have never have ever heard of that and I can't tell the difference. I know there is a mental aspect to shooting and if that is what makes him happy, then who am I to argue? As long as it isn't unsafe and do not infringe on my rights and freedom, then do what makes you happy.

Is there a noticeable difference in the grains of ammo you shoot for 9mm?

Yes, the only acceptable grains is 230g and it should be of a 45ACP variety.

JK

[Snoopy47]

Is there a noticeable difference in the grains of ammo you shoot for 9mm?

Yes, absolutely.............

But let me clarify.

When I was racing motorcycles I could tell if the air pressure in the tire was off only by a few pounds.

I can also tell when ammo is different.

However, I'm a competitive shooter that reloads. I use 115, 124, and 147s. I use fast powders, medium powders and slow burning powders. I also tune the recoil springs to make sure each permutation I'm playing with will function and cycle.

There absolutely is a difference.

HOWEVER.............. in regard to FACTORY ammo of different bullet weights that difference is nullified by the fact the FACTORY ammo is generally designed to work with just about ANY GUN.

So the ENERGY of all different bullet weights in factory ammo is generally the same to make sure it will work in any number of unknown guns it could be used in.

It's not until one is using super high power fast velocity defense ammo does it become apparent.

******************
So, that said, if your friend is not a reloader, and is a competitive shooter I can totally see why is has zeroed in on a specific kind of ammo.

Otherwise, maybe it would be a fun blind test for you to load up three magazines, and ask him if he can tell which is the 115's.

I'd personally trick him, and never load 115's and use 147's in all blind test magazines.