The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Are you struggling with light or heavy bullets ?

RickB · March 13, 2008, 05:32 PM

I don't shoot much 9, but the people I know who do, seem to prefer the heavier bullet (147gr) for minor power factor. For Major use in Open, I think most people were using lighter bullets in .38 Super (115gr), and I don't know if that's changed, since Americans have started switching to Major 9.
I shoot mostly .45, and prefer 200gr bullets. I know some who prefer 230gr, and even some who have used 250gr, but I don't believe that the "soft" recoil of the heavy, slow bullet results in better scores. Most people shooting major are using bullets in the middle of the typical weight range - 200gr in .45, 180gr in .40 - while minor is going heavy. I've shot a bit of .38 Super at minor, and like 130s and 135s @1000fps, but don't have experience with lighter or heavier bullets.

March 13, 2008, 05:32 PM	#5
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	I don't shoot much 9, but the people I know who do, seem to prefer the heavier bullet (147gr) for minor power factor. For Major use in Open, I think most people were using lighter bullets in .38 Super (115gr), and I don't know if that's changed, since Americans have started switching to Major 9. I shoot mostly .45, and prefer 200gr bullets. I know some who prefer 230gr, and even some who have used 250gr, but I don't believe that the "soft" recoil of the heavy, slow bullet results in better scores. Most people shooting major are using bullets in the middle of the typical weight range - 200gr in .45, 180gr in .40 - while minor is going heavy. I've shot a bit of .38 Super at minor, and like 130s and 135s @1000fps, but don't have experience with lighter or heavier bullets.