Light 9mm loads, a good idea?

[Donny1]

My wife and here best friend like to shoot but both have a history of wrist, shoulder and back injuries. They are both hesitant to shoot 9mm semi autos I have. Is downloading 9mm for semi auto pistols going to cause cycling issues? Are there options for a different recoil spring, or is this just a bad idea.

Specifically for an older Sig 226, M&P Shield and an XD Tactical. Also, same question for a 1911 45acp.

I've been reloading 12ga for a long time and have done about 5k rounds of brass, so somewhat experienced. I load on the low end mostly anyway.

[croue]

[baranski]

I've done the same for the wife.

Typical light load is 135 grain projectile (SNS coated) loaded to 1.150 OAL over the top of 3.3 grains of titegroup.

Good accuracy and 100% reliable in a Glock 17.

[NorthBay Shooter]

I think you can take a clue from the competitive shooters in action pistol (like USPSA or IDPA). Something with a power factor (bullet weight x velocity) in the low 130's should work in almost any factory 9mm gun. While still being soft for your hands and accurate out to normal handgun distances.

[Divehobo]

Bunny farts are what light loads are called. Lots of competitive shooters run just enough push to make power factors. Recoil spring weight is decreased to match power load. 9, 10, 12# recoil springs are not unheard of with 147 grain 9mm bullets.

[scotty99]

[ar15barrels]

My wife and here best friend like to shoot but both have a history of wrist, shoulder and back injuries. They are both hesitant to shoot 9mm semi autos I have. Is downloading 9mm for semi auto pistols going to cause cycling issues? Are there options for a different recoil spring, or is this just a bad idea.

Specifically for an older Sig 226, M&P Shield and an XD Tactical. Also, same question for a 1911 45acp.

No problem.
Just re-spring the gun to function well with the loads and you can go MUCH lighter.

My competition 9mm loads are a 125gr bullet at about 900fps.

[Donny1]

I have a couple of Ruger MK pistols and my wife has a 20 something year old Marlin 60 she shoots. I think she can handle the 9 I just want to work her up to it. Big noise is scary to some and I don't want to scare her away from the platform. I think the 5" XD with light loads will be pretty tame.

[johnthomas]

380? You can get a Smith and Wesson EZ, it will cure the problem. Easy to rack, easy to load, the magazines have nubs on them to make loading easier. Recoil is light.

[ar15barrels]

I think the 5" XD with light loads will be pretty tame.

Start dropping charge weights with the original spring until you get function problems.
Then drop down the spring weight 1-2 lbs from a factory spring and continue until you get problems again.
Then drop the spring weight one more pound or simply raise the charge weight enough that problems go away.

[Bumslie]

Change the spring. I shot 100gr, 380 bullets and a light charge to just barely cycle the slide. It was fun

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[NeilMo]

Lightest load/bullet that functions good in my Shield 9 is a 115RN and 3 grains of Hodgdon Clays at 1.125" oal. 906 avg velocity, and more like a flea fart than a bunny fart.

[tawadc95]

I use a 115gn rn from Blue Bullet seated to 1.120 over 3.9gn of 231, both Shields.

They do just fine in the 4" M&P also.

I do use 4.3gn of 231 for the same bullet as well to practice with a closer yet still reduced wear on the gun feel of factory ammo.

[MongooseV8]

Could get a 357/38 revolver. Mouse fart loads in 38 are easy on the wrists.

[d33pt]

No problem.
Just re-spring the gun to function well with the loads and you can go MUCH lighter.

My competition 9mm loads are a 125gr bullet at about 900fps.

What happens if you shoot a normal or hot load in a gun that's lightly sprung?