CHICAGO HANDGUN OWNER Posted May 22, 2019 at 02:38 AM Share Posted May 22, 2019 at 02:38 AM I use 115 grain FMJ bullets at the range. Not bad recoil at all. Do I need to use 147 grain hollow points or will 115 grain hollow points be good enough for defensive loads? Another question for the experts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubbacs Posted May 22, 2019 at 03:03 AM Share Posted May 22, 2019 at 03:03 AM My guess would be any of those posted in this thread:http://illinoiscarry.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=72029 After getting the answer to TMJ vs FMJ lots of guys gave the grain also.But you'd have to be actually looking for this answer first. Rant Off..........smfh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikew Posted May 22, 2019 at 05:30 AM Share Posted May 22, 2019 at 05:30 AM Grain weight can have an effect on real and perceived recoil.Changes to the actual amount of recoil can affect the proper functioning of a semiauto handgun.I once saw a maximum grain weight spec for a 9mm pocket pistol, if I recall correctly. Changes to the actual amount of recoil can affect point of aim on a snub-nose revolver.I had a snub-nose .357 that was spot on with 158 gr, but with 125 gr, I was off target and low.If I raised the rear sight unnaturally high, I could get back on target with that 125 gr ammo, but I quit using it. Practice with ammo that has same the grain weight and muzzle energy that you are carrying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyP Posted May 22, 2019 at 07:26 AM Share Posted May 22, 2019 at 07:26 AM I'm thinking grain weight in a hollow point matters a whole lot less than being able to have the bullets strike somewhere near where intended. I also am having a hard time imagining a scenario in which a 115gr HP bounces off a bad guy but a follow-up hit with a 147 grainer is effective. I do agree that different bullet weights can/will have different points of impact, but with practical self-defense distances from muzzle to target being the length of a rowboat, it probably won't change the outcome of a SD shooting very much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illinois Sucks Posted May 22, 2019 at 12:12 PM Share Posted May 22, 2019 at 12:12 PM I practice with 124gr FMJ and carry 124gr HST. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyP Posted May 22, 2019 at 12:23 PM Share Posted May 22, 2019 at 12:23 PM On a related note and perhaps to answer your next "what do the experts think" post - and following up on the reality that what kind of bullet you carry or how many doesn't matter at all if you miss your target - I honestly don't think it matters much what caliber one carries if the diameter of the bullet is somewhere in the .350 - .450 diameter range when it hits the person whose actions you are trying to discourage. I am well aware that ALL calibers have the potential to be lethal in a SD situation and conversely that NO handgun caliber has any 'knock-down' power. That is pretty much reserved for Parrott rifles and above. them boys has some knock-down power I garrontee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikew Posted May 22, 2019 at 03:08 PM Share Posted May 22, 2019 at 03:08 PM I do agree that different bullet weights can/will have different points of impact, but with practical self-defense distances from muzzle to target being the length of a rowboat, it probably won't change the outcome of a SD shooting very much.My experience with the snub-nose revolver was an eye-opener. YMMV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRJ Posted May 22, 2019 at 04:50 PM Share Posted May 22, 2019 at 04:50 PM Speer Lawman brand ammo practice ball is formulated to mimic carry ammo velocity/recoil. Also see Winchester Train and Defend, and Federal has a similar package I believe as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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