zetti1
Member
What do you think would be the ideal FMJ or plated bullet weight for a 9mm (i.e., 115gr, 124gr, 147gr bullet) for IDPA matches and why? I am currently using Win 231 but plan on using some Titegroup in the future.
Bullet weight and IDPA
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rfwobbly
Member
Mr 1 -
Welcome to THR and reloading !!
Most modern auto pistols prefer 124gr due to the rate of twist. Your Win231 will work great somewhere in the 4.2 to 4.4gr area.
A lot of people shoot 147gr, but to me the action is slower to get back on target, 147gr certainly cost more, and 147gr can have issues reloading since the bullet is a LOT longer.
If you have not been reloading longer than ~1 year, then IMHO, steer you clear of TG. TG is great stuff and gives some great performance, but the load range is so tight that 1) you really need some good powder measuring equipment, and 2) you need to have used your equipment long enough to really KNOW what it's doing. TG does not take kindly to guessing. Just look in your load manual at the TG load range.
All the best.
Welcome to THR and reloading !!
Most modern auto pistols prefer 124gr due to the rate of twist. Your Win231 will work great somewhere in the 4.2 to 4.4gr area.
A lot of people shoot 147gr, but to me the action is slower to get back on target, 147gr certainly cost more, and 147gr can have issues reloading since the bullet is a LOT longer.
If you have not been reloading longer than ~1 year, then IMHO, steer you clear of TG. TG is great stuff and gives some great performance, but the load range is so tight that 1) you really need some good powder measuring equipment, and 2) you need to have used your equipment long enough to really KNOW what it's doing. TG does not take kindly to guessing. Just look in your load manual at the TG load range.
All the best.
LiveLife
Member
Not sure how much reloading experience you have, but if you are new to reloading, +1 to rfwobbly's post.
The heavier 124/125 gr bullets will allow you to use mid-high range load data and still reliably cycle the slide while producing accurate shot groups. The lower powder charge will produce more manageable mild-moderate recoil compared to firm/snappy recoil of the higher powder charge. The decreased felt recoil will allow you to perform faster follow-up shots on your target (double tap) and improve your stage times.
Some shooters prefer to use the heavier 147 gr bullet for more "knock down power" to drop steel targets that lighter 125/124/115 gr bullets require precisely placed shot to drop. The heavier bullet will drop a steel target even though shot placement was not proper. Most IDPA stages are setup with cardboard targets (You'll see more steel targets on USPSA matches). Which means heavier 147 gr bullet may not be required and as rfwobbly posted, 124/125 gr bullets are cheaper to reload and allow you to shoot more for the same amount of money.
Note the FMJ load data below is for the shorter 1.090" OAL, so if you use the more typical 1.125"+ OAL for RN jacketed bullets, you'll be fine.
Plated bullets like Berry's/Rainer/PowerBond/X-Treme will be fine using lead load data for IDPA matches and produce accurate loads.
Not sure which pistol you will be shooting these loads out of but if you have newer semi-auto pistols with stiffer recoil spring (like Glock, XD, M&P, etc.), the lighter 115 gr bullet requires high to near max load data powder charge to reliably cycle the slide to properly feed/chamber the rounds from the magazine. For my Glock22/Glock27 and 115 gr Winchester FMJ, I need to use around 4.8 gr of W231/HP38 for reliable slide cycling.
The heavier 124/125 gr bullets will allow you to use mid-high range load data and still reliably cycle the slide while producing accurate shot groups. The lower powder charge will produce more manageable mild-moderate recoil compared to firm/snappy recoil of the higher powder charge. The decreased felt recoil will allow you to perform faster follow-up shots on your target (double tap) and improve your stage times.
Some shooters prefer to use the heavier 147 gr bullet for more "knock down power" to drop steel targets that lighter 125/124/115 gr bullets require precisely placed shot to drop. The heavier bullet will drop a steel target even though shot placement was not proper. Most IDPA stages are setup with cardboard targets (You'll see more steel targets on USPSA matches). Which means heavier 147 gr bullet may not be required and as rfwobbly posted, 124/125 gr bullets are cheaper to reload and allow you to shoot more for the same amount of money.
Note the FMJ load data below is for the shorter 1.090" OAL, so if you use the more typical 1.125"+ OAL for RN jacketed bullets, you'll be fine.
Plated bullets like Berry's/Rainer/PowerBond/X-Treme will be fine using lead load data for IDPA matches and produce accurate loads.
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ArchAngelCD
Member.
Is there a "power" requirement in IDPA? If so, that will be a consideration when choosing a bullet weight and powder.
If not I prefer a 124/125gr bullet in the 9mm like some of the others have already posted. I'm of the opinion most calibers have a bullet weight that's just right for that caliber. I think the 124/125gr bullet is right for the 9mm.
If not I prefer a 124/125gr bullet in the 9mm like some of the others have already posted. I'm of the opinion most calibers have a bullet weight that's just right for that caliber. I think the 124/125gr bullet is right for the 9mm.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Yes. 125,000 power floor. That means your 115 gr. bullet has to have a muzzle velocity of 1087 fps, 124/125 right at 1,000, and the 147s only have to make 850. (All plus a bit for safety's sake.)
I usually shoot 124s with about 3.8 gr. of Titegroup, but I don't have a strong preference either way.
zetti1
Member
I really appreciate the input. I am new to reloading and have only loaded around 1,500 rounds. All the previous loads have been with 115gr bullets, but I will now try some 124gr or 147gr. I will take rfwobbly's advice and wait till I have more experience before trying TG. Once again, thanks for the advice!
ArchAngelCD
Member.
BTW, with a 124gr bullet you can easily make power using Longshot. It's my son's favorite powder for the 9mm and I tend to agree. (even though I'm a W231 kinda guy)
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