Which .40 bullet weight shoots softer?

[kcobean]

I know this is a complicated question because powder selection influences the answer, but I'm curious. I've always shot 165gr bullets at 1000 FPS (or higher) to make major PF. But I know alot of people choose to shoot 180gr bullets at lower velocities. If the goal is to make the softest/flattest shooting gun that will make major PF, which one is better?

165gr @ 1000 FPS

or

180gr @ 920 FPS

If it helps, I've always shot Titegroup. I'd love to switch to N320, but it's almost impossible to find.

[poortrader]

I like 180gr for .40. I also use TG.

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Edited June 17, 2014 by poortrader

[twodownzero]

I like 180s. I tried the 200s and they weren't softer, so I went back to the 180s.

[ttolliver]

I'm using 200s and can tell the difference between those and 180s. It's not an earth shattering difference. If a case of 180s tumbled into my lap I'd shoot them without hesitation. But given the choice I go 200s.

Following the adage of using heaviest bullet and fastest powders for lowest felt recoil, I actually tried 220s first. But that's a seriously long bullet and didn't feed well in my M&P. I think those require a 1911-based frame for the longer loading those shooters can get away with.

[Makdaddy]

i find the 180gr a little less snappier than 165gr

[LoganbillJ]

I think this all comes down to personal preference. Do you like a quicker snap or a slower push? The slower push(180s,200s) is what most people like. If you like a quicker snap(155s, 165s). You need to shoot both to discover which is "best" for you.