125 gr or 147gr for 9MM IDPA?

[sbwaters]

Getting new sights for old eyes I should probably settle on a specific weight bullet to shoot for IDPA with my CZ-75B SA.

Since different weights change the impact point, I should settle on one. But which one and why?

This gun will be for fun, and not the same as a carry gun. Advice?

 

[lpsharp88]

This will sound generic, but try them all and see which ones print tightest and closest to POA

 

[Jim Watson]

As from the other thread, I prefer 147 or even 135, but the 124 is still subsonic and not bad to shoot. And it is about 10% cheaper.

 

[Hoser]

I much prefer the 124s over 147/165s.

Just a little snappy, but much easier for me to track the sights.

 

[sbwaters]

Guess I have good reason to spend some time on the range. Thanks!

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

I would go for the 124 or whatever is cheapest to buy/reload.

The POI shouldn't change enough to matter at IDPA distances. If you start shooting at +50yrds, then it might matter, but IDPA shots just aren't that far.

If you are motivated by power factor and all that competitive stuff, then you are on your own, but if you are like me and like to run'n'gun to have fun, then cheap is where it is at (so long as it cycles and is reliable).

If you are concerned about steel falling then either: A) shoot it in the calibration zone, or B) use the 147's.

Of course, YMMV.

 

[rscalzo]

147's are the preferred weight of most serious shooters. Using a Chrono, they can get the mv just over the power factor. Mine are set at around 900 fps and the load is easy to shoot quickly.

 

[HonorableHojutsu]

As someone new to USPSA shooting, would the same advice apply to my sport as it does IDPA?

 

[ATLDave]

Yep. Both games have a required PF/momentum. Both require lots of fast follow-up shots (USPSA). Neither has a large volume of shots at distances where flatness of trajectory makes a big difference.

People have different preferences, but it is possible to make PF with less actual recoil and less blast using the heavier pills. Now, some people like the way the slide feels/sights track with the 124's, or have trouble getting their gun to run reliably/smoothly with 147's, but they're a good starting place.

You may enjoy looking at the results of the equipment surveys from the USPSA Nationals. Scroll all the way down for production: https://uspsa.org/survey-results.php Just under half of the competitors used 147's, with about a third using either 124's or 125's. Another 9% used 135's, and similar numbers used 115's. About a 60/40 split between the heavier versus lighter bullets.

 

[ny32182]

You will probably develop a preference, but in the grand scheme of things, it really isn't that important. If you are new to the sport, this is not even in the top ten things you should be worried about.

If you are using factory ammo (of any weight) just be sure that it appears to be making your required power factor reliably before you go to a major match for the first time.

 

[johnmcl]

sbwaters,

One consideration is whether you are reloading your 9mm competition ammo. I ask as one can fine tune that 147 load to be just above the Power Factor floor, and you'll have one very calm load. I find that 3.4 grains of Bullseye powder to be awesome in a 147 load out of both a G17 and a Browning Hi Power. The value is that your old eyes won't have to work hard to find the front of the gun and your new sight for any follow up shots.

 

[Dudedog]

I don't shoot IDPA but I do shoot USPSA. I prefer the feel of 124s over 147s both are better than 115 feel wise, and both can make 125 PF and still be subsonic.
I load RMR 124gr Target HPs with 4.4 gr of WSF which shoot well for me and are noticibly lighter than factory ammo. (about 1030 fps)

 

[ny32182]

In my experience if you are running 127.x power factor, eventually you'll get bit at a major match. Personally I take measured 135 power factor to majors and have cronoed as low as 128 on match day (at production Nationals last year). Scraping the floor is not worth it. Conditions change, every chrono is a little different, and it is not worth risking your match over a few fps.

 

[HexHead]

147gr will give you better performance with the steel poppers.