9mm 115gr vs 124gr

[kmoore]

Try them, I bet you won't notice a difference. But they could be better for you.

 

[Byron Bay]

In my humble opinion i have found particularly with hand guns that most have their own preference for ammunition. My son swore by Remington golden bullets in his Ruger mk iv hunter and I did not really believe him until I started using them in my own as I had always considered them junk.
In 9mm my own Sig P210 is more accurate with heavier loads.
Different horse's for different courses I guess.

 

[bhp9]

Okay, explain to me why the heaver bullet would in theory create a heavier recoil? I was thinking just the opposite. I understand that from the above experts there is no real difference in the two I am asking about but still would like to know why at least two folks here said it that way. I would think the lighter bullet would cause more recoil.

I suggest you compare the recoil of the .44 mag with the 300 grain bullet or even the classic 245 grain bullet to the Hensley & Gibbs cast 180 grain bullet. The difference in recoil is dramatic.

 

[NC FNS]

I prefer the 124 gr for no particular reason. I did an informal test once with a PSA Dagger I was shooting that day. Put a lot of effort into getting good groups. The 115 gr groups were real tight, the 124 gr groups were okay, but noticeably worse than the 115.

 

[DickE]

I carry Winchester 147 grain JHP. This is the ammo issued by my department. The velocity is listed at just short of 1,000 f/s. It is accurate and my Sig 365 XL likes it. I believe this round is a good defense load.

 

[the_leper_colony]

Simple physics....every action has an equal and opposite reaction...so yeah, assuming equal (SAAMI) pressure, the heavier bullet is going to cause the gun to "kick" more.

FWIW, I think it's velocity rather than pressure - assuming equal velocities, the heavier bulket is going to produce heavier recoil. The recoil equations and calculators I've seen require velocity as an input, rather than pressure. I shoot a lot of 160 gr 9mm handloads; the pressures listed in the load data are the same as produced by lighter bullets traveling at much higher velicities, but recoil with the slow-moving 160s is definitely mild (one reason I use them for plinking)!

 

[DGW1949]

FWIW, I think it's velocity rather than pressure - assuming equal velocities, the heavier bulket is going to produce heavier recoil. The recoil equations and calculators I've seen require velocity as an input, rather than pressure. I shoot a lot of 160 gr 9mm handloads; the pressures listed in the load data are the same as produced by lighter bullets traveling at much higher velicities, but recoil with the slow-moving 160s is definitely mild (one reason I use them for plinking)!

You are correct....The reason I was using "pressure" is that in my experience, given an equal (X-amount) of bullet weight, an increase in velocity normally results in an increase in pressure also....The 9MM 124-FMJ NATO round basically being a +P load is a prime example. And beings how the subject at hand specifically has to do with the differences in recoil relative to various 115 and 124 grain 9MM ammo, I thought that it would be good to let the OP know that all 124-9MM ain't the same.....but....to your point, what you are saying might have been a better way for me to have put it.

DGW

 

[hike]

I've been shooting 9mm 115gr full metal jacket for years in practice and was thinking about ordering another bulk amount from my vender Georgia Arms and they also offer 124gr for the same price and now I'm wondering if the heaver bullet would actually have less recoil than the 115gr. I have no problem with the recoil but was just asking you experts if there is a difference in the two.... recoil, accuracy and such?

What does the manufacturer recommend for the firearm?
I have some that the manufacturer recommends 115gr and other that recommend 124gr.
Personally, I've not found a lessening of recoil until the 147-158gr range (subsonic).

 

[DGW1949]

I don't know that there are very many manufacturers that recommend any one certain bullet weight. What I do know that my particular 9MM pistol(s) are genuine FN-produced "Hi-Powers" and that each one was marked "Cal. 9MM NATO" by the FN factory....which is a hotter round than what is commonly known as "9MM Luger"....and that many ammo retailers warn that the difference is akin to shooting 9MM+P. The point to that being to be careful that your particular gun is proofed for the higher pressured rounds, and to bear in mind that recoil is efected by other things other than just bullet weight.

DGW

 

[t-reg]

Okay, explain to me why the heaver bullet would in theory create a heavier recoil? I was thinking just the opposite. I understand that from the above experts there is no real difference in the two I am asking about but still would like to know why at least two folks here said it that way. I would think the lighter bullet would cause more recoil.

Testing various 44 magnum handloads, it is very evident that at max charges the lighter bullets create more perceived recoil.
My theory is that the faster bullets make a quicker exit from the barrel which leads to a shorter and higher percieved recoil impulse. Slower, heavier bullets spread the recoiler impulse over a longer recoil duration.
POI vs POI seems to be a similar concept in regards to the bullets time spent in the barrel.

 

[blume357]

I've purchased the three different sizes and had the ammo shipped down to Florida where I'm scheduled to teach a 2 day class in April. I'm hoping my co-instructor will swing by here on the way down and I can take one of my rifles with me. If not, I'll fly down and only take two pistols. That's probably the first chance I get to try this out, three different grain rounds in one magazine. I'll do it in both a full size 9mm as well as a medium sized one. Sig p226 & Sig P239

 

[Star43]

Yeah, That will be the best way for you to test it in Your Guns.......Individual guns can always be a little different. That will be not only an educational test for you, but also could be a lot of fun !!