Felt recoil - 45 ACP - 185 gr vs 230 gr

[gunsrfun1]

Need some knowledge before I buy 1,000 rounds of something that may not make any difference.
I have a Kimber Custom Target II, 5" barrel. Shooting 230 grain ball isn't painful or anything, but I seem to remember trying some 185 HP at some time, and it seemed to be less felt recoil. Always a good thing.
Consider these two rounds:
* Win 230 gr FMJ, MV 835 fps, ME 356 ft-lb
* Speer Lawman 185 FMJ, MV 1050 fps, ME 453 ft-lb.
Now take a look at the following table. If you find the two approximate rounds, it would appear that the Speer will have less felt recoil (6.8 vs 7.9).
http://www.chuckhawks.com/handgun_recoil_table.htm
So, here are my two questions:
1) Would that difference be noticeable? I am thinking it would be somewhat noticeable, since the difference is spread over a relatively small object (the 40 oz. gun).
2) And my big source of confusion: How can the 185 have LESS felt recoil if it has MORE muzzle energy???
PS - Some did post a comment about the table that: "These tables are strictly mass velocity = mass velocity. HOW, that mass moves (i.e. slide velocities, torques, etc.) is not accounted for and is why numbers like these are only a starting point to determine FELT recoil." I have no idea what that means, though.
As usual, no guesses please. I can do that myself.
Thanks

 

[Telekinesis]

Yep, for me at least the difference between 185gr and 230gr is noticeable. Neither are bad recoil wise, its just a bit more on the 230. I'm not sure about having more muzzle energy but less felt recoil though. I'm sure someone better versed in physics will be able to tell you for sure, but I would bet that it is the velocity factor leading to the higher ME.

If in doubt about which to purchase for a bulk order, run out to your local gun shop and grab a box of each (or one similar if you can't find the exact type) and run them through your gun. Then just order the one you prefer. If you're buying this as ammo to practice with a gun for SD/carry, you might want to choose one closest to whatever your SD load is.

 

[gofastman]

I find lighter weight rounds have a bit less recoil, but more muzzle blast and flash.
Heavy rounds are more pleasant to shoot IME

 

[RussB]

Buy a box of each and compare for yourself...

 

[jr_roosa]

Momentum is mass times velocity, and probably correlates better with felt recoil.

Energy is 1/2 mass times velocity times velocity.

Basically if you double velocity, you double momentum, but you quadruple energy.

It's also why the fast, light bullet rips big holes in things, but the slow, heavy pistol going the other way just pushes back on your hand a little. The bullet carries considerably more energy than the gun, but both have the same momentum.

Long story short, with different masses and velocities, you really end up just having to try each one out in your gun and see what feels lighter.

-J.

 

[TonyT]

Personally I cannot tell any difference between a 230 gr. at 750 fps and a 185 gr. at 830 fps.

 

[Doubting Thomas]

I can't tell the difference. My 200 gr. LSWC going at 950 fps seem a bit froggier than either.

 

[1911Tuner]

The short answer is...It depends.

It's not really as simple as momentum, though that factors in...momentum is what we perceive as recoil after the actual recoil is over. Recoil...the action/reaction event that starts when the primer lights the powder...is acceleration of the bullet and the slide...the breechbolt. That part only lasts as long as the bullet is in the barrel. By the time our brains can process the fact that it's started...it's over...and momentum is all that's left.

With large powder charges, it continues for a very brief time after the bullet leaves as the gases are ejected...but unless it's a really big powder charge...it doesn't amount to much.

Once the bullet is gone, there is no more force on the other end to cause further acceleration.

With an autopistol, it gets even more complicated. Because the only connection between the gun and the gun mount is through springs...the felt recoil comes mostly from the slide impacting the frame. There's very little movement of the gun before that happens. When it impacts, the muzzle flips, and that's what we see and feel as recoil.
By the time that happens, a 230 grain bullet at 830 fps is nearly 25 yards downrange.

Recoil is generated as force is applied. The higher the force requirement to accelerate the bullet to a given velocity, the greater the recoil. The lighter the bullet, the lower the force requirement to accelerate it to a given velocity. If the force requirement for a 185/1000 fps is greater than that required for a 230/830...the greater the recoil will be...and vice-versa.

To further muddy it up, you also have to factor in the weight...mass...of the powder charge itself. A 230 grain bullet and 5 grains of powder become a 235-grain projectile. If the 185 is pushed by 7 grains...it's a 192-grain projectile.

 

[gunsrfun1]

Seems like the consensus answer is, "It depends." So like someone suggested, I should probably try a box of each before I order 1,000 rounds of the 185.

Thanks all for your input.

 

[J2FLAN]

One other thing you may consider-- being there is not a lot of differance in recoil, which one shoots POI with your guns sights. Hitting the X-Ring is more fun than less recoil.

 

[Skylerbone]

I honestly don't know what 1,000 rounds costs to buy but for about $300 you could have all the supplies and equipment necessary to load 1,000 rounds to whatever recoil level is comfortable for you.

I'm not one who finds the .45 ACP to have any significant recoil, muzzle rise yes, but nothing I worry about. I do however load for family members who find it more objectionable. Might be worth looking in to.