lroy Posted April 6, 2021 Share Posted April 6, 2021 Currently shooting major with 200gr. Going to 165gr bullets would get me more projectiles for the same price. If I adjusted my dies to the correct oal to account for the shorter projectile and used the same powder load, would they behave the same in the gun? I know they wouldn't make major PF, but these would be strictly for training. They'd still be well over minor, so steel shouldn't be an issue. It makes sense in my head, but I am not a smart man. Any thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParrytheWind Posted April 6, 2021 Share Posted April 6, 2021 (edited) Lighter projectiles need more powder to achieve the same velocity,.. Edited April 6, 2021 by ParrytheWind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CocoBolo Posted April 6, 2021 Share Posted April 6, 2021 I would think that the recoil impulse would be similar to what you are use to and the POI should be close. I shot 200gr with tight group for a long time, jacketed were more expensive than other bullets, in the quest for an inexpensive alternative that felt good I tried several weights, brands etc. My favorite bullet became one that my 7 time world shoot limited champion recommended. The 185gr Precision swagged bullet made in Kemp TX. These make power factor with less powder and they cost less and the recoil impulse is softer than the 200gr, plus they are very accurate. While it will get no love WST is the powder I used and still use for 40. The trick is not to cut the coating when loading and get the crimp right, just enough to hold it solid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anonymouscuban Posted April 6, 2021 Share Posted April 6, 2021 No expert here but it would make logical sense that the recoil impulse would be less, using a lighter bullet with the same powder weight. Again, no expert but there is less mass being pushed with the same propellent. The bullet will exit the barrel quicker, expelling the gases out and causing less back pressure. Maybe that's not the exact science but I think you guys get what I'm describing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Neill Posted April 6, 2021 Share Posted April 6, 2021 Running some numbers for a 45 Auto With a charge weight making 170 PF with a 200gr bullet gives a recoil of 5.2 ft-lbs. Changing to a 185gr bullet with the same powder charge changes the recoil to 4.1 ft-lbs. Velocity went down for the lighter bullet at the given powder charge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gasmitty Posted June 15, 2021 Share Posted June 15, 2021 Use a shot timer and measure your own split times over multiple strings, and see what the difference is for YOU. Recoil spring rates also enter into the situation as slide momentum and muzzle rise affect YOUR time to reacquire the front sight. The answer will not lie in calculated recoil impulse numbers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xrayfk05 Posted June 15, 2021 Share Posted June 15, 2021 Apart from all the other things, they will feel different meaning you are not training with what you shoot in match. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnePivot Posted June 18, 2021 Share Posted June 18, 2021 Going from 180's to 155's was a big difference to me. I did up the charge, and it's a LOT more flip. Lowering the charge tended to be unreliable, but I didn't mess with it much. My 180's with below min charges of WST was extremely fast to get in target! 155's are not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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