Returning to the Dark Side Range report

[Ghostrider_23]

I went to the range last knight to fire my new Sig 226 & Glock 36. I was expecting to have the glock fling out of my hands as I tried a 30 several years ago and did not like it. To my surprise the Glock 36 was VERY VERY enjoyable and extremely accurate!!!!!!!!! I tried both 230 & 185 grain rounds which feed nicely and think that I will carry some form of 230 for self defense. The reason I had the 185 is incase the 230 was too much, but it wasn't at all.

I am mostly going to try the 185+P round to see how it feels as far as recoil goes.

Now to my question:

1. What is the difference in performs between the 230 & 185 grain round????

2. Why would one choose to carry a 185+P for defense????

3. What are the benefits of one 230 grain over the other 185??????

P.S. Love my new CCW Glock!!!!!!

 

[MTMilitiaman]

Given two bullets of similar design and construction, the lighter/faster load will usually have a tendency to expand more and penetrate less. This is due to the heavier round's superior Sectional Density, and a possible advantage in momentum, depending on its velocity.

Some may think the lack of penetration exhibited by the lighter round is a good thing, but I have a tendency to disagree.

The 230 gr round may not expand as much, but it will have a better chance of reaching the vitals at awkward shot angles--and this is critical to the success of a good defensive load.

The .45 is at its best with a good 230 gr JHP, IMO. If you want to shoot something in the 180 gr range, you should have went with the 10mm Auto.

 

[SureThing]

I hear nothing but great things from the .45 Glocks.

I've been eying the 30SF myself if ammo ever goes back down.

 

[Dukester]

What, no mention of your P226, blashphamey I say...

 

[mljdeckard]

As I understand the theory, (and practice it as well,) lighter .45 loads are intended for shorter-barrel .45s, which give 230s less velocity. MY RULE, is use 230s in full-size pistols, use smaller bullets in smaller pistols. (I don't have any smaller pistols.)