Which Has Less Mussle Rise, Light Or Heavy Bullets

[Allen]

I haven't seent this covered, but assuming the same powerfactor and a compensated barrel, is a light bullet or heavy bullet better for reducingh muzzle rise? I am currently loading 9x21 with 135 gn lead to 168 PF, and am thinking of changing to 124's. My max OAL is 1.150 ( P9)

Thanks, Allen

[g56]

When you shoot a lighter bullet, it impacts the target lower than a heavier bullet, the theory is the lighter bullet causes less muzzle rise, therefore impacts lower on the target.

I'm not sure what, if any effect, the compensator would cause.

Back in the 80's when I was a Deputy Sheriff everybody was using .357 magnums, the hot bullet became the 125 gr JHP, on my S&W model 66 at 25 yards the 125 gr bullets impacted the target substantially lower than the 158 gr JHP's we had been using, I almost ran out of travel on the rear sight, compensating for the lower impact point of the lighter bullet!

[ErikW]

If you have a compensator, shooting a lighter bullet to the same power factor requires more powder. More powder creates more gas, which works the compensator better, making the gun shoot flatter (less muzzle flip).

[shred]

What Erik said... the comp effects ought to (unless you have a really sucky comp) far outpace the recoil effect g56 mentions which is due to the gun starting to recoil before the bullet leaves the barrel-- heavier bullets typically stay in the barrel longer and thus the barrel flips up more before they leave (or have a heavier charge to achieve the same veolocity, which increases the recoil anyway)

[Allen]

Thanks for the information.

Some of the guys in my club are saying using heavier bullets (147) allows poof loads, ie less recoil/ muzzle rise. I always thought the fast guys run light bullets fast rather than heavy/ lower velocity, but I haven't shot in 10 years so I am behind the times for technology.

Thanks, Allen

[Jody Waring]

Light bullet and as much slow powder as possible seems to work best. I like HS6 and HS7 under a 124gr fmj, feels great in my P9.

[Allen]

Thanks Jody.

Are you shooting a compensated P9, and what PF are you getting? My son's is a 9x19 and I am running a 9x21.

Thanks, Allen

[DJPoLo]

I haven't seent this covered, but assuming the same powerfactor and a compensated barrel, is a light bullet or heavy bullet better for reducingh muzzle rise? I am currently loading 9x21 with 135 gn lead to 168 PF, and am thinking of changing to 124's. My max OAL is 1.150 ( P9)

Thanks, Allen

Avoid the lead bullets and load 121 grain HAP's to 170 PF.

Go light and fast for the best comp action in your P9.

-Chet

[Jody Waring]

My loads are usually in the 168-170 PF, USPSA requires 165....Right? I tried staying close to 160, but rather than cut it close I chose to stay closer to 170. My 115gr load at 9.0gr HS6 gives me a 170 PF with rifle primers, I've gotten away with magnum pistol primers, but the HS6 is fast enough that you should use rifle instead. 124gr bullet with 9.5gr of HS7 is a really nice load to and with Montana Golds, its very accurate out of my gun. I really like the feels of the 124's as I don't get the side to side movement I do with the 115's. I would think that either of these powders with 130-135gr fmj's would work good too. My barrell is plenty long compared to most, so load with care if you are using a standard barrell/slide set-up. If you search the Gallery, you will find pics of my gun. Take Care, and good luck!

[Allen]

Thanks Jody. I found the picts of your gun. Looks great.

Allen

[eric nielsen]

The easiest & most forgiving loads (lack of pressure signs) for short 9mm major (P9 & Glock) are 124/125gr FMJ bullets and one of these 3 powders:

WW540, HS6, and V-V 3n37

You can load 9x19 and 9x21 the same. The only difference will be the die settings for flaring the case mouth & for crimping. Using a different press for each caliber will save you a LOT of time & effort.

Please please please do not try to use V-V N350 in these short cartridges. And remember that most 9x19Major loads you see online now are for the sti/svi guns, with a much longer OAL. They can get away with powders that you shouldn't try.

Jody's loads with HS7 are interesting, as I never tried that powder & he has the same gun as you & I.

The lower PF and the cheap 9x19 brass should make shooting your guns more fun than it was 10 years ago. Good luck.

[Allen]

Thanks again.

I just ordered another set of dies and a toolhead for my 550B for your reason... I sort of wished I didn't buy the SLM 9x21 now that the PF is 165, but I have brass for both. I started putting colored lines on my 9x21 brass to make it easier to sort when at home.

I have seen the 1.250 OAL on some loads ( for 1911 type guns) and thanks for that tip to be carefull using others data when loading at 1.150 OAL.

I need a single action trigger for the boy's EAA. Any suggestions? I had my aluminum one installed, so I don't know what brand it is. But I like the shape. I dislike the EAA SA trigger.

Thank you,

Allen