Load for Power or Accuracy?

[smokeysbandit]

I'm loading for my 10mm and I just got some 200gr CMJ's from Montana Gold. I was excited to load them when I came to a fork in the road. For most other stuff I reload I do my workups based on best accuracy and remaining outside of the tell tale over pressure range, however my intent with the 200's was to come up with something to carry for woods protection when camping. So my question for you all is at what point do you make the trade? The difference between my accuracy load and high load is only about 100fps, but group size at the same distance is a bit smaller than a silver dollar vs a baseball or just slightly larger. I also have some 200gr XTP's I wanted to load as well. FWIW I'm using Ramshot Silhouette powder, Starline brass and Federal LP primers. The gun is a Glock 20. Thanks,
Brandon

[zfields]

what are you planning on encountering in the woods...because those xtps might not be the best bear load in the world.

[smokeysbandit]

I've got 200gr CMJ's to load as well as some XTP's. The cmj's are for general mountain lion, and (hopefully not) bear protection when I don't have a rifle on me. The XTP's are for 2 legged critters. Two bullets, one question.
Thanks!

[Fishslayer]

That's a pretty good question. I use commercial JHP for the HD loads but have tried out several handloads with XTP, Gold Dot, etc. to have a few hunnert rounds around for the Zombie Appocalypse .

Following published data the groups really start to pattern approaching the max loads. I was also kinda wondering where the tradeoff point is...
I've seen the term "minute of badguy."

[sargenv]

If you can't put the payload on target, a round with a lot of power may be wasted.. If the difference is 100 fps... I'd go with the best accuracy. I'm wondering what your method of accuracy is.. is it sand bagged going for groups or is it freestyle shooting for a group with no support? If it opens from a group to a pattern, is it really the ammo or is it your lack of ability to handle the higher recoil? I'm not saying this to be insulting, just that with increased recoil, a lot of people, including me, have difficulty keeping on target. I've been shooting handguns for a long time and competing with all power levels. More recoil generally equals less accuracy by the and not neccesarily the load.

[DRAB_81]

You can still get good precision with hot handloads. I just finished working up my 200gr WFNGC's with IMR 800X. I got them to average 1360fps with an ES of 23, with my 6" barrel. Even at that velocity, this load has good precision. I actually worked up a load that averaged 1418fps, but the brass was starting to scare me, so I had to "settle" for 1360fps.

DoubleTap advertises 1300fps out of a 6" barrel with the 200gr WFNGC, but only got 1208fps out of mine.

[zfields]

Personaly, Id carry factory HPs, in as close to stock handgun as possible for two legged critter protections.

[Cowboy T]

If you're talking bear, personally I'd go for something with a little more "oomph", like a .44 Magnum or hot .45 Colt out of a good 'n' heavy Ruger Super Redhawk. If it's a black bear, you're probably fine with the 10mm. But brown bears are big, honkin', heavy-a**ed beasts. They are approximately as big as grizzlies.

If it's for 2-legged predators, like zfields, I'd go for factory HP's in a stock handgun. That said, I'd choose accuracy and precision over power in this case. Remember that low-pressure rounds like the .45 Colt are very effective manstoppers, so that 10mm will certainly do the job, too.

[DRAB_81]

Personaly, Id carry factory HPs, in as close to stock handgun as possible for two legged critter protections.

I think 99% of gun owners agree with you there. From what I read, the OP is looking for a Woods Defense load, which will more than likely involve something with 4 legs. As far as 10mm goes, the 200gr bullet is the answer, specifically the 200gr WFNGC. However if all you have is FMJ, run what you brung. A 200gr bullet at 1200+fps should be more than sufficient. You can easily get there with 800X, Longshot or Blue Dot, I've done it with all 3.

[smokeysbandit]

Thanks guys, I'll load for accuracy. I do carry factory ammo 99% of the time, but there are exceptions, without getting into that debate, I agree from an avoiding torts standpoint. I notice a good difference in accuracy whether shooting supported or standing, its not huge but enough for me to be attentive to it. Meathead: I've been looking to experiment with the 800-x as I hear great things, it sounds like I should do that sooner than later. What is it about the WFNGC HC that makes you feel it will outperform a good FMJ? Are they really that hard cast? Have you tried the 230s? What rate spring do you run? As a side note, how do you like your 9x25 setup? The thought has definitely crossed my mind

[Fishslayer]

I'm wondering what your method of accuracy is.. is it sand bagged going for groups or is it freestyle shooting for a group with no support?

Off a sandbag when I'm testing out a load. I'll be the first to admit I'm no champion pistol shot. Bad eyes, too. So I try to take myself out of the equation...

[DRAB_81]

Thanks guys, I'll load for accuracy. I do carry factory ammo 99% of the time, but there are exceptions, without getting into that debate, I agree from an avoiding torts standpoint. I notice a good difference in accuracy whether shooting supported or standing, its not huge but enough for me to be attentive to it. Meathead: I've been looking to experiment with the 800-x as I hear great things, it sounds like I should do that sooner than later. What is it about the WFNGC HC that makes you feel it will outperform a good FMJ? Are they really that hard cast? Have you tried the 230s? What rate spring do you run? As a side note, how do you like your 9x25 setup? The thought has definitely crossed my mind

The WFNGC's Wide Flat Nose (meplat) hits harder, and acts like a cookie cutter creating a wound channel. It's hard enough to penetrate as much as you will ever need in a pistol round. It wont expand, dump energy and stop like JHP's, and creates a bigger wound channel than FMJ's. I chose the 200gr over the 230gr because it seems like the sweet spot of velocity/penetration/energy. I am currently running a 24# spring, but I have also used a 22# spring with success.

I am loving my 9x25 Dillon setup. I developed a load with the 90gr XTP that averages 2049fps, and shoots tight groups @ 25yds. I have another load that throws a giant fireball, which is a lot of fun at low-light indoor ranges or evening shoots. Now I'm working on developing loads for the 115gr XTP.