Light Reloads

[igot105]

I tend to load my pistol reloads on the light side (near the low end of the published ranges). This minimizes recoil, saves powder and is good for plinking, however for 9mm, 40 and 45 reloads, does anyone think a lighter load will cause inaccuracies from 7-10 yards. I would think the answer is NO, but I'm noticing my shots tend to shoot low. I was hoping to rule out my reloads. Comments?

[Enfield47]

Just as a test I loaded 10 rounds of .45ACP with 4.2 gr of 700x and a 230 gr RN bullet. I was ringing the steel plate at 25 yards with my 1911. Recoil was very light and I was pleasantly surprised it had enough force to actuate the slide and I had no FTF or FTE with it.

It may depend on your powder choice. Try a different powder (if you have one) or up the charge .2 gr and see if it's any better. You may need just a wee bit more powder to keep from shooting low.

[nahpungnome]

700x is great for 45, I used 4.7gr ... I just wish it metered better.

[Bastard]

how low is low - and how are you shooting with factory ammo?

why not just ask someone else to shoot your guns with your reloads.

[Bumslie]

700x is great for 45, I used 4.7gr ... I just wish it metered better.

If I remember correctly, 4.9 is max in Lyman.

[ldsnet]

The cowboy action guys load light all the time! As long as it goes bang and hits the target is all they care about (and their targets are CLOSE!) As long as it is strong enough to reliably cycle your semi-auto, you are good.

Unless you shoot a competition where power factor is an issue, have fun!

When playing with light loads; Just be aware of a bang and bullet leaving barrel every time - don't want a squib to blow up in your gun on the next round.

[tylenol9999]

I tend to do same with my loads for 9mm. I like using IMR SR7625 as it has a significant decrease in felt recoil as compared to say w231. Too bad its getting discontinued.

[ptmn]

Light loads are plenty accurate in my guns, but then again, each specific gun is different. My most accurate 45 ACP loads are very light: 4.6gr AA#2 with 230gr FMJ RN, 4.4gr Titegroup with 230gr RMR heavy plated RN, 4.7gr 231 with Berrys plated 230gr RN and 4.4gr Bullseye with 200gr Lead SWC. At 10 yds, I notice no difference in impact compared to full power

[ireload]

I've loaded light before just to get the feel of it with my 9mm. It was enough to cycle the slide and not have any issue with FTE. Most of the time my loads are mid range to max level.

I use to load my revolver with .38 wad cutters to barely min level and I can actually see the bullet in mid-flight.

[ExtremeX]

I load light when in the mood and never really had any function issues.

The only problem I have encountered in the past is a dirty burn (un-burnt powder) with certain powders.

[bigedp51]

I tend to load my pistol reloads on the light side (near the low end of the published ranges). This minimizes recoil, saves powder and is good for plinking, however for 9mm, 40 and 45 reloads, does anyone think a lighter load will cause inaccuracies from 7-10 yards. I would think the answer is NO, but I'm noticing my shots tend to shoot low. I was hoping to rule out my reloads. Comments?

http://www.handgunsmag.com/ammo/ammunition_40lite_091806/

[igot105]

Thank you all for your comments. I appreciate the input.

igot105

[hambam105]

Pistol shooting a 7 yards:

Without seeing you shoot...I'd say your issue is "Jump". 'Jump is a technical term.

Now I will have to stand corrected from those who don't shoot as well as I do to the relevance of the term . So the OP is free look up the meaning as it relates to his pistol shooting performance and see if it applies.

[Mike402]

Great thread...I never even thought about doing light pistol loads till I read this. This weekend I experimented with my .40 & .45 loads going as light as I could & still maintain reliability w/ stock springs.

For my .40 Sig X5, my optimum load is 4.6gr of Titegroup w/ a 165 FMJ seated to 1.125 OAL. Brought it down to 4.0gr, and it made follow up shots much quicker. 3.8gr I would get FTL maybe one out of every 5 shots. Most likely b/c the X5 slide is pretty heavy & long, plus I have a red dot mounted on it.

For the .45 my load is 4.8gr of TG behind a 200gr RN @ 1.225. I was able to bring that down to 3.8gr w/100% reliability. Was nice to shoot my P220 w/ out a bunch of muzzle flip. Maybe I'm just getting soft in my old age, but I enjoyed it very much.

Anyhow, props to OP & Bigedp51 for providing handgunmag link. Love learning & trying new things I find on this site...

[bigedp51]

And also with light loads with a five inch S&W model 29 at seven yards you won't leave burn marks on your silhouette target.

NOTE, all the powder is burned in 2.4 inches, see green and purple dotted lines below. (95% and All burnt)



.40 Glock, Rainier plated bullets and .40 lite loads that don't make you walk as far to find your brass. (at 15 and 20 yards)