Power Factor - Difference In Feel

[alzo]

I have always used "full strength" ammo in my 45's. My current load is:

Zero 230gr JHP

6.2gr N340

WLP Primer

OAL=1.215"

Avg. 847fps

This load has a PF of about 195. I use a 18.5lb recoil spring and a Wilson Shok-buff. I am just getting started in USPSA. Would it be worth it for me to work up a lighter load, say with a PF of 170, or just stick with what I've got ? Would it be a night and day difference in felt recoil ? For 170PF, would a lighter spring be recommended (14lb ?) ?

[AzShooter]

You may notice less recoil with a load that hits around 170 but a better test is to see what groups best out of your gun. If they shoot the same groups, go with the lighter pf.

[Loves2Shoot]

190 vs. 170

170's loads will make you elbows last longer. A pretty significant difference in my opinion. 14 work fine at 170 for me.

[blkbrd]

You will notice less recoil at 170.

A faster powder will feel softer and have less muzzle blast, allowing quicker shots.

[alzo]

I am a small guy, but I haven't had any trouble with my elbows in over 20 years of shooting...........yet.

If I do go down to the 168-170PF range, I would probably use N310 or Clays instead of the N340.

[JFD]

I'd go with Clays, 170 PF, and a 14 lb spring.

You could get immediate improvement switching to a 16 lb spring with your current load.

[HSMITH]

I can feel the difference between 165 and 180 pf loads, it feels like it is a big difference. The timer though, it just doesn't care what PF loads I shoot. My times are virtually identical........

[JakeMartens]

I would go with a 16 pound spring, dump the shok buff and load 4.1grains of clays with 230gr bullet for a 167-170 power factor.

[alzo]

I'd go with Clays, 170 PF, and a 14 lb spring.

You could get immediate improvement switching to a 16 lb spring with your current load.

What kind of immediate improvement ? I'm a bit concerned about frame battering. As it is, with the 18.5lb spring, my shok-buff is getting cut all the way through in less than 200 rounds. I'm looking into that because I never had this problem with 230gr FMJ loads of roughly the same PF. I don't know if I got a bad spring, bad buffs, or what. But if everything checks out, I was even considering going up to a 20lb spring for that 195 PF load.

Edited September 2, 2006 by alzo

[BrianH]

With heavier .45 loads I like to pick bullet/powder/power factor, then start going up in spring weight until the gun stops cycling 100%,then back down to full fuctionality. There's really no reason to use a spring lighter than you need to. Also remember that spring weight affects felt recoil. Lighter springs will cycle faster thus snap harder. IPSC World Champ Ross Seifried shot 230gr. factory ammo with a 22lb. spring, partly because the heavier spring got the sights back on target faster.