Bullet weight question

[Goesfaster]

I am sure this has been covered in this forum before, I just could not find any info. I would like to hear what most of you think regarding bullet weight for IDPA matches. Heavy bullets that chrono slower and make PF OR light weight bullets pushing higher velo cities within PF. Accuracy, recoil, knock down power(steel plates)...Any insight would be great.

I am shooting an M&P 9 full size and load my own ammo, so options and combinations are endless. What rounds have you found most effective???

Thanks

[toddh]

For IDPA, I'm currently shooting 124gr FMJ RN out of a Glock 34. The last batch I did was AA #5, 4.4-4.6 gr at 1.120 oal.
I'm using a 11lb recoil spring. Accuracy is fine as most stages are less than 15 yrds anyway. Recoil is minimal, and the gun runs good. I have yet to chrono any of my recipes, guess I should break down and get one some day.

I will also make up 50 or so at 4.8-5.0 gr to give it some extra pop. I'll load up a mag of these when shooting a stage that has some steel. I've had problems with 115gr doing the job in the past.

You'll also find quite a few of the guys that shoot lighter IDPA loads are using 124gr.

Just find a few recipes that sound good to you, load up a dozen or so and try them out. Every gun is different, YMMV.

[not-fishing]

Heavy bullets carry more energy downrange than light bullets.

The amount of energy used to increase a bullet's speed is not proportional and goes up as dramatically due to air drag.

Pistol bullets slow down quickly due to having poor aerodynamics.

That being said I use 158 grain bullets for 38 special and 200 grains for 45 acp. Major power factor doesn't really have a steel problem.

I load for PF & 7-10% with the slowest bullet in a 5 shot group making power factor.

[rmatt]

I shoot 147grain, plated, round nose out of a Glock 34 at a pf of 129-131.

I like the recoil impulse better from a slower, heaver bullet the way mine are loaded.

[Gryff]

I use 147gr. 9mm loaded to reach about 890-900 feet per second. I definitely feel a reduced recoil impulse with this combination.

[Goesfaster]

Great feedback. I like that I got results that cover both sides of the weight scale. I love having options on the reloading table. I guess I MUST make two batches for my next match this month, both 115g and 147g. I call this a luxury problem I can deal with. Thanks again. The only problem is I might need more casting dies.....ohh darn LOL

[RoundEye]

Generally speaking light projectiles and high pressures which result in higher speeds have a greater perceived recoil to the shooter. For competition, I would find a projectile and load combination that you like the feel of, and enjoy shooting, and then take it to the chrono to see where you lie on the PF scale and modify your handloads accordingly.

.40 is my caliber of choice, and I prefer 180gr projectiles for their softer "push" type of recoil. I shoot SSP, so the PF for me is 125,000 which means I need to be around the 695fps mark. I don't load my own, but I use loads around 850fps for practice/club matches, and loads around 700fps for the official ones.

[Chief-7700]

.452 200 grain LSWC over 4.9 grains of W-231. Nice gentle push for recoil with a 16# recoil spring. Both the Springfield and Colt 1911s like this load.

[gun fu]

I am sure this has been covered in this forum before, I just could not find any info. I would like to hear what most of you think regarding bullet weight for IDPA matches. Heavy bullets that chrono slower and make PF OR light weight bullets pushing higher velo cities within PF. Accuracy, recoil, knock down power(steel plates)...Any insight would be great.

I am shooting an M&P 9 full size and load my own ammo, so options and combinations are endless. What rounds have you found most effective???

Thanks

Good question.. fortunately, you hand load. I would try different powders and bullets and see what YOU like based on certain criteria.

I'm with roundeye....

My measurable criteria:

1. Cost
2. Availability
3. Minimum Smoke
4. Reliability (Bullet profile plays a huge role in my experience)
5. Accuracy
6. Power Factor

All of these points you can control.

Notice "feel" is not on this list since it's VERY subjective. I could care less for soft impulse , it's Minor Power factor for pete's sake! I want flatter gun, less flip? Grip it better... duh..


Better steel knockdown? IMO no advantage between 147 vs 124 vs 115 If i'm using for competition, all steel must be calibrated to 9mm minor power factor .. If it doesnt, i'm yelling "Calibration!" / or i'm doing it wrong and not loading to 125 + PF.

My load for IDPA and USPSA Production, 9mm

Black Bullets international 125 TC
4.9 Winchester Super Target

Fits all my criteria and works in my

SSP/ Production 92FS
Single sTack/ ESP 1911 9mm

Enjoy the journey brother!

[John M]

A heavy bullet like 147 gr and a fast powder make a really soft shooting load that still makes PF. I shoot 147 grain Black Bullet International (BBI) bullets and Solo 1000. Start with 3.1 grains and work up from there. This is a very popular load. Sevigny, Vogel and Ben Stoeger all use the 147 gr bullet. Team Glock uses 147 grain bullets as well.

[HighLander51]

For the same power floor, heavier bullets have less recoil event, lighter bullets are faster. All steel is calibrated to minor in IDPA and USPSA, so as long as you make floor. I run 124's for the price point. 125 moly truncated cones on top of 4.0 grains of titegroup at 1.100" OAL, goes about 1,180 fps out of a G17.