9mm vs 45 accuracy

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MoreIsLess

MoreIsLess

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For some reason, I am able to shoot my .45acp (M&P) more accurately than my 9mm guns (PPQ, Sig 226). I think my shooting technique is OK (I use the same technique for 9mm and .45), so I would like to concentrate on making some adjustments in the recipe for the 9mm ammo I am loading and see if that helps. Currently, I am using 4.1gr of AA#2 @ 1.124 OAL with 124gr FMJ. I tried to load as mild as possible but the 3.8gr, which is the low end of the range listed on the Accurate Load Data tables would not cycle consistently in my PPQ. Should I try a shorter OAL with less powder or should I try a little hotter powder charge (like 4.4 #2). My .45 loads are 4.9 gr of 231, which closer to the max of 5.2 listed by Hogdon so I am starting to wonder if increasing powder charge for 9mm would actually help with accuracy.
 
Noticed that you have different models. Have you tried an M&P9 to see if you do better with that than with your PPQ/Sig?
 
The 9mm Luger is a high pressure round at a max chamber pressure of 35,000 psi for standard loads. You best accuracy is going to come with loads that approach that limit. My most accurate loads, cast and jacketed, are at approximately 1,150 fps as measured by my PACT2 chronograph.

My favorite powders for the 9mm are Ramshot True Blue and Alliant Power Pistol. I've tried may others with varying degrees of success (Bullseye, Bluedot, 231, Unique to name a few) but TB and PP work best for me. When I run out of PP I'm going with TB. For 124 grain JHP I set my cartridge OAL to 1.075" which is suggested by Lyman in their latest manual. Round nose will necessarily be a tad longer. But if your loaded cartridges will fit in your magazine and drop into your chamber with a "ker-plunk" and then fall freely out when the barrel is inverted, you loads are dimensionally correct for your gun/magazine.
 
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I have 2 higher end 1911's in each caliber and frankly I can't tell the difference in accuracy. I shoot cast lead bullets exclusively in each. I keep both loadings of each caliber on the mild side so they are very soft, comfortable to shoot, and very accurate.

True, jacketed bullets need to be at near max loadings.
 
I think you will see more difference between idividual guns than calibers. I've owned multiple guns of the same type on several occasions. One has always shot more accurately than the other even though they were the exact model.
 
I tend to agree with jmr40. The type, make, brand or model of pistol seems to factor a bit more than the caliber fired. I am a fairly big guy and own a few different pistols in various calibers. As I have said, I believe it is more individual gun choice more than caliber...let me add this. I prefer a 9mm.

Even though I am 6'3" and around 260lbs., I just seem to be able to control this round a little better. Tough call for me because one of my very most favorite pistols is my Sig 2340 (.40)

Gunner
 
As always here on this thread there are a lot of informed people with good advice. I agree that the weapon itself has a lot to do with accuracy. I also agree that your load especially in a 9mm should be up there near the top. I shoot both and reload for both. I like the 115 gr. FMJ with 5gr of Bullseye. With all this being said and both weapons out of the box with no accurizing being performed on either, I do believe that the 9mm is just inherently a flatter shooting more accurate caliber than either the .45 or .40 S&W. I hope that this doesn't upset anyone it's just my opinion and believe me like most of you I own all of the above calibers and love to shoot them all.
 
It's the different guns, which were made by different manufacturing processes, by different companies, in different places, with different grips, sights, triggers, and possibly rifling/barrel treatments, interacting differently with your hands and eyes.


Caliber has absolutely nothing to do with what you are describing.
 
I never noticed any difference, mabey if I were shooting them long range like my 270 WSM, 30-06 and 6.5x55. The only difference I could see is if someone was afraid of a little recoil, I don't think the 45 kicks hard at all, but everyone is different.
 
I shoot my small guns like Glock 26, better than say a glock 23 or 19. But not better than a Govt model 45, which I shoot best.
 
Platform makes a difference for me. 1911's I shoot differently than the new plastic guns, and actually the XDM 5.25 9mm has turned into a real favorite of mine, but the XDM 5.25 45 ACP I also have I cannot shoot as well, yet, as my 1911's. The shooter makes the most difference IMO.
 
I agree that platform will differ more than cartridge.

Either way, though, I shoot .45 better than 9mm in really any handgun platform....
 
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