Ballistic Question

[onuroral]

This weekend I used Federal 9MM Luger 115 Grain rounds to shoot at a target at 25 yards. I have P226 Mk25 with Siglite night sight and kept the sights at the center of the target. The hits were grouped around 4 inches below the bullseye.
Is it me or is this a typical ballistic trajectory for 115 Grain?

This weekend I will try a better ammunition to see if it makes a difference.

I hope I don't get jumped on by Nomenclature Police this time.

Onur

[MalC]

No, the bullet will not drop 4 inches at 25 yards. It could be that the sights are off, or maybe you're doing something wrong (jerking the trigger maybe). Have someone else who you know is competent shoot it and see where their groups are to determine if the sights need adjustment.

If the gun didn't like the ammo you were using, the overall group size would be larger. AFAIK, if the group is a good size but just low, it's probably not the ammo.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/handgun_trajectory_table.htm If I'm reading this right, it says a 115gr 9mm bullet will drop 3 inches at 107 yards.

[G-forceJunkie]

What site picture were you using? Many (all?) sigs are set up for "sight image 3", sometimes called "combat" sight. If if are using your sites like a normal "sight image 2" your hits will be low.

[onuroral]

G-forceJunkie,

You are on the spot. I was doing Site image 2. I'll try to use your suggestion this weekend.

Thanks

[pyromensch]

What site picture were you using? Many (all?) sigs are set up for "sight image 3", sometimes called "combat" sight. If if are using your sites like a normal "sight image 2" your hits will be low.

i don't think that would account for a 4inch low, group

[HighLander51]

start at 3 yards, assuming you have the fundamentals of stance, grip, sight picture and trigger control. when you can make one hole groups at point of aim, move back to 7 yards, and so on using sight image 2.

[five.five-six]

start at 3 yards, assuming you have the fundamentals of stance, grip, sight picture and trigger control. when you can make one hole groups at point of aim, move back to 7 yards, and so on using sight image 2.

That's how it's done.

[littlejake]

...The hits were grouped around 4 inches...

Cannot be doing too much wrong with 4 inch groups at 25 yards.

[jokat989]

i would say more like a flinch. load some snap caps randomly in a mag and you will see what happens

[9mmepiphany]

Another advocate for starting closer and moving the target back after verifying POI.

At 3 yards, you should have, using sight alignment #2, a one hole group, likely a little low, and it will give you a pretty accurate idea of any difference between POA and POI

[21SF]

I cant stand combat hold, I like 6 o'clock hold

[sjm9877]

Combat hold is the only hold that should be allowed. Seriously there should be a law or something.

[MalC]

I cant stand combat hold, I like 6 o'clock hold

I'm with you on this one.

+1 for loading snap caps staggered with live rounds in the mag, it will really show you if you're flinching or jerking the trigger when your sight alignment goes to hell as soon as the hammer drops. Also dry firing with a coin on the slide just behind the front sight might be a good exercise.

[onuroral]

It is also easy for me to use 6 o'clock one. Buying a service gun comes with its perks. I did a research and I have combat sights. I'll change my targeting style tomorrow and see how it works.

[onuroral]

Great practice this weekend using combat sight set. It is not easy to use the combat sights. My near eye sight is not great, so the blurred sights and the target does not go well. El Cheepo Federal 115Gr from Walmart ($12.97) were perfect. No issues at all.

Next project is getting a .22 Conversion kit and enjoy cheaper ammo. :-)