Discussion Starter • #1 • Aug 19, 2004. The usual bullet weights for 9mm Luger range from 115 to 147 grains. So only a minor power factor of 125 applies, which is achieved by conventional factory 9 mm Luger ammunition fired from typical barrel lengths. Caliber: 9mm. AlsaPro Bullets: 9mm 124 gr., FMJ. I've run 115gr, 124 and 147 subsonic. I have shot lead in 9mm up to 1200fps or so with no leading problems, but they were commercial cast bullets (SNS Flat Nose @ .356 diameter). Most 10-shot groups were in the 3- to 4-inch range, which is typical of my experience with these guns with most factory 9mm Luger loads that are not hollow point bullets. 115, 124, or 147. Pew Pew and carry on. They have higher sectional density than lighter bullets and should produce deeper penetration. I have since changed to 124g bullets exclusively. 40 is my favorite round. The 147gr are ok but they are purely for suppressor host or my 9mm AR SBR. The power factor of a firearm is calculated using the formula of Bullet Weight (grains) times Velocity (feet/second) divided by 1000. So much so that many U.S. law enforc… 120, 124, 135, 147 and 160 grains. Advertised speeds for 158-grain bullet are around 950 fps or less from pistols and are not likely to reach the speed of sound even from the longer barrels of submachine guns and carbines. What do 158-grain bullets do that a 147-grain bullet can’t? I would definately avoid bullets lighter than 123 grains. 95% plus of all competition shooters reload. Second Media Corp., 111 Peter Street, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. I strongly believe you will find that some loads in whatever weight you settle on will group better than others. Click on a term to search for related topics. The usual bullet weights for 9mm Luger range from 115 to 147 grains. If the weight of the first bullet weighed under Rule 5.6.3.3 fails to meet the minimum bullet weight required for Major power factor, Rule 5.6.3.6 will apply, and a second bullet will be weighed as a final and definitive bullet weight test. I am at present loading 147s for one 9mm and 135s for another, with some 125s still on hand. There is a ton of load data for the 124g bullet, which makes for a pleasant to shoot, bu tvery accurate round. 124 IMO is the best weight for 9mm. Best 9mm bullet weight for competition. The heavy bullets are generally 158-grains, but 165-grain bullets can also be had.Why such a heavy bullet? 124 grains? It varies depending on temperature. Generally, bullet weights are fairly close to the standard, for example 9mm is 115gr. The IMI bullet is sealed with tar (black material) like many military rounds, Velocity was recorded with a Shooting Chrony Chronograph at about eight feet. All the loads made a power factor over 125, though the Freedom Munitions’ 165-grain bullet just squeezed by with a power factor of 127 in the Glock’s 4-inch barrel. I've had stellar results with most weights, but prefer the 115 and 124-gr. A trigger weight of at least 2270 g is stipulated along with a maximum barrel length of 5"/127 mm. This ammunition was not developed for … Two guns were used, a Glock G19C equipped with a G19 4-inch non-ported barrel and a hybrid Para Ordnance frame and Caspian slide 1911 with a 5-inch Kart barrel. I recently purchased a full size 9mm with a 5" barrel in the earth color. I'm just starting shooting IPSC with a 9mm. Reloads. I prefer 124s. Privacy Policy   •   Contact Us   •   Warnings   •   FAQs   •  © 2020 National Rifle Association of America, These heavy bullets are long, some as long as the 9mm Luger brass. Perfect weight. It is probably best to start with a “middle of the road” bullet weight and work from there. Monday, August 6, 2018. Bullet weight: 124 grain. 147's were nice because of their extra weight I could make a load light for my revolver but it wouldn't cycle in my semis so I decided to go with one that worked well in them all. Heavier for caliber bullets tend to have better penetration including through barriers. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I agree. Posted: 5/17/2015 1:39:49 PM EST Quote History. The IMI load clocked 974 fps from the 5-inch barrel, which is well under the speed of sound, and should stay subsonic even with longer barrels, as there is a limit to what speed can be gained even with a carbine-length barrel. Some can’t be driven fast enough to make 130 PF, while others make it easily. Guns have preferences and the only way to know what your gun likes is to try different ammo.Heavy bullets also offer benefits for other purposes. Regards, Richard. I'm looking for soft recoil, low velocity, very low power factor below 125 in … Reloading 9mm for IPSC question. It will shoot all three without a problem but it shoots the 124 gr the best of all. This is easy for the 9mm Luger and most factory loads will do this. I just ordered a box of 147gr. Come join the discussion about optics, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! How to choose the best 9mm round for personal defense: 9mm bullet weights range from 115 to 147 grains and velocities from 1,200 to 1,000. Get the Shooting Sports USA newsletter for at-a-glance access to industry news, gear, gun reviews, videos and more—delivered directly to your Inbox. None of the other heavy bullet makers I asked had load data. The heavier bullet provides additional momentum (compared to lighter bullets) which is absorbed by the steel resulting in movement. I prefer the 147 grain bullets for some reason. Asking for advice for what bullet weight and manufacture seem to shoot the most accurate groups from an M&P 2.0. Note that 1.250" is much longer than the 9mm Luger's maximum overall length of 1.169". A forum community dedicated to all 1911 firearm owners and enthusiasts. This is handy for barrier penetration, or deep penetration that might be desired in a “woods” load for defense against four-legged beasts where the threat might be heavily muscled with thick bones.Whatever your intended purpose, extra-heavy bullets have something to offer over lighter bullet weights in the 9mm. Bullet weight selection for the 9mm runs the gamut (l. to r.) from 90, 100, 115. I don’t feel it is necessary to reiterate the myriad reasons for the 1911’s popularity — ergonomics and reliability being foremost — but a short defense of the 9mm will explain why I think it’s a perfect match for “Old Slabsides.” First of all is performance. With this said, I have experienced fantastic accuracy with 147gr bullets. Gold Dots. I like the fact that the load that I carry, the Ranger T 147 has great expanding capibilites, and that I like, consistant expansion. Only 15 cartridges are … IPSC Handgun Divisions. Everyone is a little differnt, in regard to everything except for the 9mm choice as a bullet. The Glock did not like the Freedom Munitions 165-grain plated bullet, producing groups just over six inches, but the Kart barrel shot them well. Im leaning towards 124 for mass and velocity compromise. Title pretty much says it all. I THINK (but am not sure) that the 147 have better penetration. Bullet type: FMJ. ... My norinco 1911 9mm loaded with the same 147gn bullet requires a COAL of 1.080"... My FNS-9 wont feed my norinco load, and my norinco will explode if i use my FNS load. Lots of guys are running 160s in 9mm locally. Click on a … For 9mm, that would be a 124-grain load. My standard load is a 124 TC Bayou on top of 3.4 grs of TG at 1.100" OAL. Ask your local gun store or search the internet.www.freedommunitions.comAnother source of heavy bullets in the 9mm is Bite The Bullet. It is not uncommon to see a popper standing after a hit by lighter 9mm bullets (115 gr WWB comes to mind). While production of the AlsaPro bullets, we have considered all the needs of IPSC shooters. All things considered - reliability, accuracy, potency - what do you guys think is the best bullet weight for the 9mm out of a BHP? I also asked the heavy bullet makers for load data, and Black and Blue Bullets responded with a load they used in a revolver: 2.6 to 2.7 grains of Vihtavuori N310 loaded to 1.250" or shorter. Spare mags loaded with the hottest hardball I can find; currently Fiocchi 123 grain. If I carry a 9mm it is usually with 115gr or 124gr bullets. The heavy bullets are generally 158-grains, but 165-grain bullets can also be had. JavaScript is disabled. That makes them a good choice for suppressed guns as they will remain subsonic and won’t produce the “crack” sound of little sonic booms that faster bullets do when they break the sound barrier. None are hard to manage. 147-grain seems to be very popular these days (no doubt due in part to the “bigger number = better” mentality), but there are certain caveats you need to … Give them a try. Of recent years, I have purchased 3 Glock 9mms. to the 147 as I simply prefer more speed in 9mm. Takiyya - Tawriya - Kitman - Muruna - Google these. It has given me the best accuracy and reliability and it is more effective than lighter bullets on knock down steel targets. Rounds generally must achieve a power factor of 120 or 125 to qualify for Minor power factor scoring, depending on the sport (IPSC, USPSA, IDPA, Bianchi Cup), and heavy bullets are said to be more effective at knocking down steel plates even when they are at the same power factor as lighter bullets.Four loads with heavy bullets were fired for velocity and accuracy. I have no time for 147gr bullets. .38spl and .45acp typical target loads run 700-800fps, so they don't tread close to transonic velocity (~1,050-1,100fps). Quantity: 500 pcs/pack. Gun type goes a long way in determining the preferable load. Makes Minor power floor at 129. The 9mm has the advantage of higher capacity without enlarging a firearm's grip. The longer Kart barrel produced more speed than the 4-inch Glock barrel, though the Fiocchi round produced nearly the same speed from both guns. The core principle of Critical Defense is their Flex Tip Technology that avoids expansion in fabrics and saves the impact for denser, more fluid materials. The dominant pistol that was used in IPSC when it was first started was the Colt 1911 in .45 ACP. 124 Gold dots or Hat's are my favs. Major and Minor factor are the two power factors floors recognized in IPSC. The reason you want a 9mm bullet to go FAST, is to remain supersonic beyond the 50yd point. When using lead bullets make certain the case is sufficiently belled to prevent shaving lead when the bullet is seated. The IMI load was the fastest of the bunch, with the PPU load a close second. AlsaPro bullets – is a perfect balance of price and quality! Recorded velocities were similar to their published speeds which ranged from 800 to 950 fps. ... SIG, Beretta, or any other manufacturer know more about what weight spring works best … That said, 147-grain bullets, which travel around 1000 to 1050 fps from the typical pistol barrel, are not bound to break the sound barrier, either, though some might at some temperatures and from long barrels.Heavy bullets in 9mm are not just for suppressed guns. Ammunition from this source was not available at the time I ordered.www.bitethebullet.co/new-brass-9mm-165gr-fmjrn, For questions/comments about Shooting Sports USA, please e-mail:ShootingSportsUSA@nrahq.org For questions/comments about NRA competitions, please e-mail:CompHelp@nrahq.org You can contact the NRA via phone at: NRA Member Programs1-800-672-3888, To advertise on Shooting Sports USA, visit nramediakit.com for more information. I prefer the 125gr bullet for which the 9x19 cartridge was originally designed. Weight, brand, and model bullet, perform a plunk test, … 9mm parabellum, 9mm NATO, 9mm Luger everything is the same and used widely in handguns and AR 9. I do reload my own for target and competition use. Accuracy is the average of two 10-shot groups, Women On Target® Instructional Shooting Clinics, Volunteer At The Great American Outdoor Show, Marion P. Hammer Women Of Distinction Award, Women's Wildlife Management / Conservation Scholarship, National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors, NRA Outstanding Achievement Youth Award Presented by Brownells, National Youth Shooting Sports Cooperative Program, www.bitethebullet.co/new-brass-9mm-165gr-fmjrn, Handloading: Estimating Actual Cost per Round by Caliber, Gunpowder Selection for Controlling Recoil, Review: Caesar Guerini Invictus Sporting M-Spec, Antwerp 1920 Olympics: Everything But The Kitchen Sink (Part 2), © 2020 National Rifle Association of America. They effectively knock down steel targets, are subsonic, and have deep penetration. Like Fred said, it's the FIT that matters most when it comes to leading. I've reloaded 115 grain, 124 grain, and 147 grain bullets to just meet the 125 PF. I have loaded mine with 147s, but have plenty of confidence in the Winchester Ranger 127 grain +P+. Bullets like the 9mm go "transonic", they do strange things and accuracy suffers. 140-165 are by far the best choices for performance. What bullet weight do you prefer for a short barrel compact pistol in 9mm. When low b.c. I am the proud owner of a "new to me" s&w 439- my understanding of bullet weight in 9mm is that the lighter weight stuff, 115gr is faster than the higher weights, 124 and 147. 9Mm choice as a bullet they also produced the lowest amount of recoil balance... Make it easily Offline ; AZ, USA to lighter bullets ) which is best click on a to! Ipsc shooters in.45 ACP i only bought and fired 115g bullets PPU load a second... 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( ~1,050-1,100fps ) generally 158-grains, but prefer the 115 and 124-gr loaded! Bayou on top of 3.4 grs of TG at 1.100 '' OAL guns fired!