USPSA Production shooters who reload, simple question..

[Detritus]

Since production is always scored minor, is there any reason to bother with a bullet weight higher than 115Gr?? If so, what weight and why?

Getting ready to start reloading 9mm again in the near future (waiting for a factory crimp die). and of course would prefer to standardize on a single 9mm loading and get on with things, if there is a reason to go to a higher bullet weight, I'd like to know. But since Production scoring is straight minor, I can't readily see one.

TIA

 

[9mmepiphany]

if there is a reason to go to a higher bullet weight, I'd like to know. But since Production scoring is straight minor, I can't readily see one.

There are a lot of ways to get to Minor PF (Power Factor)...lets say 130 (125 + 5% margin for temperature, bullet weight and chronograph variations) You can push a 115gr bullet to 1131 fps, a 124gr bullet to 1049 fps, a 135gr bullet to 963fps, a 147gr bullet to 885 fps, or a 160gr bullet to 813 fps.

Each of these loadings will feel different upon ignition (muzzle blast, muzzle flip) and slide velocity will affect the feel as the slide cycles. Accuracy is also affected by the bearing surface of the bullet. If you can't tell the difference at your skill level, than it doesn't make a difference

 

[Chuck R.]

As 9mmE stated, they're are advantages to the heavier bullets.

I load 147s and 135s for IDPA and 3Gun. The recoil impulse is different and they feel "softer". I don't get as much muzzle flip, so I'm back on the tgt faster.

 

[Hoser]

I tried heavies (147-165) for a while and eventually settled on 124s. I didnt like the sluggish/soft feel nor did I like the snap of 115s. For me the 124 is a nice compromise.

 

[mcb]

I shot production with a 45 ACP for a season or two. A 200gr bullet going 650 fps was amusing.

Most people find that for a given power factor the heavier bullet will have a recoil that is more pleasant and less snappy than lighter bullets. It also usually results in loads with a slightly lower muzzle exit pressure reducing the perceived muzzle blast that also helps with overall perception of recoil.

 

[egd]

Oh com'on now. Did you really think anything related to reloading, or just guns, would be a simple question without several different opinions?

 

[JJFitch]

Although I don't shoot "Production" I shoot plated 135 grain RNFP, .357 in 9mm, 38Spl , 38 Super and PCC!

Makes life a little simpler. No issues with function or accuracy!

Smiles,

 

[alfsauve]

And while most of the USPSA/IDPA shooting is short range, you'd be surprise how much spread there can be at 25yds. I got to use a Ransom rest on my G17 and the difference between factory 115gr and 147gr was the difference between A zone and D zone. True I could probably reload 115gr to a velocity produce better groups, but it may not have then made PF. I just stuck with 147gr from then on. YMMV.

 

[Zerodefect]

Heavy and subsonic seems more accurate to me.

 

[waktasz]

At the same power factor, a higher weigh bullet has less recoil energy and will feel softer. Some people say the slide cycles sluggishly but I don't see it. Trying to shoot El Prez this year in under 5 seconds, at 25 yards, I really noticed how much easier it was to keep the gun shooting the heavy bullets on target. That sold it for me officially as I had sort of not cared either way up to that point either.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I really noticed how much easier it was to keep the gun shooting the heavy bullets on target. That sold it for me officially as I had sort of not cared either way up to that point either.

I may have to give it another try. I've been shooting RMR 124gr Matchwinners pretty exclusively and was thinking about trying 135gr slugs...might try the 147gr again.

i've been loading e3, which powder are you pairing them with?

 

[waktasz]

n320

 

[fxvr5]

As noted, when shooting different bullet weights at the same power factor, the heavier bullets have less recoil. Here's an article describing it:

https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/power-factor-recoil-bullet-weight-gives-edge/99399

Also as noted, people have different preferences for which type of recoil impulse they prefer.

 

[jmorris]

I run 147’s with very fast powders, the recoil impulse feels a lot softer. In my open pistols I go in the opposite direction with lighter bullets and slow powders, that give more gas to help the compensator doesn’t its job.

 

[NWcityguy2]

Shooting heavy bullets right at Minor seems to make more a difference in lighter weight guns, IE Glocks and other plastic 9s. In 40 oz+ guns, it is less pronounced.

.

 

[CDP45]

To me the 147gr makes the gun feel sluggish. The 124gr are a bit snappy. I personally prefer a 135gr bullet. Sort of in the middle

 

[Cfish]

Another vote for 135's.

 

[8ring]

I may have to give it another try. I've been shooting RMR 124gr Matchwinners pretty exclusively and was thinking about trying 135gr slugs...might try the 147gr again.

i've been loading e3, which powder are you pairing them with?

Unfortunately, Rocky Mountain Reloading no longer sells their 135gr flat point 9mm bullet. The only other 135 gr. jacketed or plated 9mm bullet I'm aware of is from Berry's bullets and they are sold out and on backorder.

 

[CDP45]

Berrys still have the 135’s on their website. I got some a few months ago. If you don’t mind shooting moly bullets Bear Creek has them available. I’ve shot over 30K of Bear without an issue

 

[Hoser]

Gallant bullets makes an awesome 135.

 

[k_dawg]

Don't forget the tuning of your recoil and main/hammer spring affects the lock-up time as well.
I prefer 147gr in my P226, especially for pop-ups.