Recoil Approximation

[R Merrell]

I'm trying to approximate my felt recoil in my handloads to that of my factory self-defense loads and I have a few questions regarding this endeavor.

1) How much affect does burn rate have on felt recoil in a 4" 1911, with all other factors being the same? Example: 2 identical cartridges with the exception of powder. One loaded with a fast burning powder, the other with a slow burning powder. Both spitting the bullets out of a 4" gun at the same speed. Will there be a noticeable difference in recoil between the two cartridges from the same gun?

2) Assuming the difference above is negligible, can I relate different bullet weights and felt recoil by using the momentum equation (Momentum = Mass x Veloctiy)? Example: My self-defense loads are 230 grain HP cruising at 890 fps. The only bullets I can readily find are 200 grain LSWC. I want felt recoil between these two to be the same. So if I multiply 230 grains x 890 fps = 204,700 grain-fps. Then divide this number by 200 grains to get 1,023.5 fps. If I then go about finding a powder to match this speed, will I have approximated the felt recoil for the self-defense load?

3) How much of an affect will practicing with lighter recoiling loads have when shooting the heavier recoiling self-defense loads ie. Is this exercise a waste of time?

Thanks for any input.

Robert

 

[rcmodel]

Plug in your numbers here:

http://www.handloads.com/calc/recoil.asp

It factors in powder charge weight, but there is no accounting for burn rate 'feel'.

You just have to try it.

rc

 

[murf]

any practice will have positive effect on your shooting. dry-firing and shooting 22lr in a same size and weight pistol to improve ones shooting has been done for years. the k-22, k-32 and k-38 s&w masterpiece revolvers were all made the same size for that purpose.

a lighter bullet will recoil quicker, all else being equal.

murf

 

[R Merrell]

That's an awesome calculator.

Thanks RCModel!