Bullet weight for sti

[Dpolk]

I’m shooting an sti executive in .40 I am going to start using the blue bullets for reloading and was curious as to what weight works best. I have been shooting 180 since they are easy to come by in my area. Does the 200 work a little better? I’m going to load to around 170-175 power factor. 

[glassblower]

Ive shot the blues in 180 and other brands as well and for USPSA shooting or similar, 180 is the go to weight. My load for the blue 180s was/is 4.8 gr of VV320 at 1.2 OAL. Makes major easily. There might be a small diff in felt recoil with the 200s but can't imagine much change over the 180.

[Foxj66]

Take your pick it doesn't make much difference. I would personally stay with the 180s on a heavy slide gun like that. 200s will feel a little different but not much.

[corbinfouquet]

I second the 180s

[ParaGunner]

Get samples of both and find out which one you like.

I shoot 200grn in 40 major.

Edited July 12, 2018 by ParaGunner

[steveac1]

14 hours ago, corbinfouquet said:

I second the 180s

180s for sure. 

[Mike21STI]

I started with 200 grs, just switched to 180's under a timer you won't be able to feel the difference.  Other than having to use less powder to make power factor it doesn't make much difference

[Racinready300ex]

58 minutes ago, Mike21STI said:

I started with 200 grs, just switched to 180's under a timer you won't be able to feel the difference.  Other than having to use less powder to make power factor it doesn't make much difference

 

I had similar experience but I did the opposite, I started with 180's then switched to 200. As I was switching I practiced a few days with both load, and couldn't really tell a difference. Certainly not on the clock.

 

180's are cheaper.

[wally247]

Another vote for 180

[ChrisRR]

I've seen everything from 155 through to 200gr projectiles used in various STI (Edge) pistols.  All are accurate enough, its just a matter of recoil preference.  Personally I prefer at middle weight projectile ~180gr projectile.  200gr projectiles make me a bit nervous due to their weight and depth into case required to seat them at ~1.20" but I understand some folk love them.

[BigGabe]

Yep I'm going to have to vote for 180's as well. Just a good weight class.

[IDAHOAASHOOTER]

I've had great luck with both, besides from saving a little bit on powder over time, but 200's are usually from my bullet guy (Bear Creek) are just a touch more expensive. Difference in negligent in my opinion. I've had great luck with Bear Creek 180's on 4.2 TG at 1.118 i tried longer like 1.124 last weekend had one little hickup so went just a touch shorter and they seem to function flawlessly out if the 300 I've shot. 

[Furrly]

Try both that way you can make your own decisions.. I shot both. 

I do notice a slight difference between the two. 

[TriggerJockey]

180gr has my vote, I run VV N320 and it's very consistent and clean. I load to 1.2" OAL

[CHARLES D]

I notice the difference between the 200's compared to the 180's. To me the 180's are a bit more snappy which I like. 

 

Brazos Gun Works  wrote an article in the Front Site magazine a few issues ago which was extremely interesting. 

 

Black and Blue Bullets make a 190 gr  round nose bullet. Shot about 500 of them and my gun loves them. Problem is they are a tad expensive.

 

Try both and see which one you like most.

[Matt1911]

180 is what I've been using for years, but I did try out some 165 grain today 4.5g WST 1.135 oal, and man they felt like shooting a 9mm. 

I'm gonna have to chrono to make sure they make PF. 

[whoflungdo]

I prefer the feel of 200"s, have shot 1000's of both. I use Bayou 200 rd nose over 5 gr Silhouette. At 1.20 out of a 6" barrel.  Get 500 of each and see which feel best.

[tkane]

Another vote for the 180's. I've been shooting them out of an Edge at around 176pf.

[HBurgSTi]

Great info! I'm also a fan of the 180 gr Blue Bullets.  I just bought an STI Edge and was wondering what OAL to use... I was using 4.5 gr TiteGroup with 1.125 OAL for my 180 gr loads out of my M&P Pro and making about 175 PF, sounds like i don't really have to mess with my setup too much... 

[rritchie82]

180, take a look at Gallant Bullets.

[Sdlrodeo]

I like both 180s and 200s. I ran across a deal on 180 JHP Montana golds so I use those mostly. However, I really like the Syntech 205 factory ammo for Matches. For some reason, they really seem to be just right in my Titan. So, I just ordered 3K of the Precision Delta 200 grn FPs so we’ll see what I can work up with those this winter.