If youâre shooting a gun that you also use for other purposes, i.e., your concealed carry gun or your home defense gun, you need to run some self-defense ammo through it while you are at the range. It can be significantly different from range ammo. So a higher grain can be louder, and also have more recoil/kick than a lower grain The 124 grain bullet loaded to higher pressures (+P) will have a higher velocity than the standard load with a heavier 147 bullet. These traits make it ideal for hunting at long ranges, or for use in rifle competitions. and 223 Rem. Zero at 300 makes for 6-8â low at 400. Choose A Lighter Bullet Grain If⦠A smaller bullet can be effective if overall speed and distance is your goal. I have had 9 mm guns that shot 4-5" low at 10 yards, with 115 grain ammo, and shot to point of aim (POA) with 147 grain. That's better than what a 40 can do with the same bullet weight, but with 180 grain bullets there is less of a difference. For self defense, a heavier bullet gives you a better chance at stopping a threat. are perfect. It helps to look at a few scenarios. For most applications, the heavier the grain, the more stopping power you will have. When loaded into hunting rifles, a heavier bullet is more likely to deliver more energy into the target, resulting in a more humane shot. Gun type goes a long way in determining the preferable load. For example, consider .308-caliber Sierra Pro Hunter bullets fired from a .308 Winchester. For hunting and any kind of defense shooting, a larger grain is generally better. It helps to look at a few scenarios. That's part of what makes the muzzle rise! For instance, many 115-gr 9mm hollow points will have an SD around 0.13, and 147-gr hollow points will have an SD around 0.16. Since the tip is hollowed out, a JHP (jacketed hollow point) has less mass and therefore weighs fewer grains than a solid projectile like an FMJ (full metal jacket). Not all of them are necessarily created equal. 165-grain vs 180-grain .40 S&W ammo? The case for a lighter weight but faster bullet Those who advocate for a lighter but faster bullet will point to the fact that the formula for kinetic energy is 0.5mv^2 (1/2 of the mass x the square of the velocity); meaning that a lighter bullet at a higher speed will carry more kinetic energy than a heavier bullet at lower speeds. Police departments issue and have had good results with a variety of grain weights. Okay, so the first part: what you gain and lose with lighter-for-caliber bullets compared to heavy-for-caliber bullets. Speaking of distance shooting, that segues nicely into our next shooting scenario. And range ammo and self-defense loads can often be quite different in terms of power, recoil, and accuracy, so itâs a good idea to familiarize yourself with it before your life depends on it. number comes in at .444 while the AccuBond's is rated much higher at .588. Granted, this only works to a degree, so don't get too ahead of yourself. It is also the case that heavier bullets will tend to have higher sectional density than lighter bullets of the same caliber, though it's typically a very small advantage. Heavier bullets are slower and are often subsonic, meaning an even greater noise reduction is achieved if shooting, say, 147-grain 9mm ammunition (already subsonic) or 230-grain .45 ACP ammunition, also subsonic. I have also gone to 147-150 grain for my long barrel handguns. However, there are some other reasons why a person might prefer heavier or lighter handgun ammunition. Not every gun can handle every manufacturerâs ammunition. Just as with rifle ammunition and shot size in hunting, there's a variety of beliefs and preferences out there. Does grain weight actually matter? For instance, most 9mm loads are either 115, 124, or 147 grain, but occasionally you might see a 95 grain, 110 grain, or some other oddball load. Inexpensive FMJs like the 147-grain in 308 Win and 30-06 or the 55-grain in 223 Rem. In fact, 1 ounce is equal to 437.5 grains, just to give you an idea of how small it is.For another comparison, 1 gram is equal to 15.43 grains. Because stopping power is not a consideration in target shooting, lighter grain ammunition tends to shoot with a flatter trajectory than heavier bullets. Again, for handgun bullets. 9mm rounds are better with lower bullet grain since they often have a higher muzzle velocity, lower recoil, and are relatively more accurate. A heavier bullet will have more stopping power, but a hollow point has the best stopping power of them all due to the energy transfer. Depending on the situation, a higher grain may be better for you. The 150-grain bullet has a muzzle velocity of 2,820, while the 180-grain has a muzzle velocity of 2,620 feet per second. So, how much does this matter in the real world? For this purpose, bullet grain is not a big factor in your decision. Make sure that your gun can properly load, feed, eject and reload the actual ammo that may one day save your life. And never over 2-3/4â high inside of 300. So in this instance, lighter is better. The main thing that a larger grained bullet means is that it will drop faster than a smaller grain bullet during the trajectory. Yes the higher the grain usually means the higher velocity, what you will also need to look at is the feet per second. For example, one ounce is equal to 437.5 grains. For more than 100 years, it has served the needs of hunters and sport shooters, law enforcement and even the military. I read your article here and I noticed that you're from Washington state. Larger grain, heavier bullets, generally perform better inside a target. For self-defense, the best ammunition is the hollow point. And so on and so forth; examples abound in their test results across different calibers. While this ammo with manufacturer code Q4172 is a wise choice for practice and plinking, it is less convenient for competitions. Then thereâs range ammunition. Best 5.56 Ammo For 1/7 Twist: Prior to choosing our 5.56 ammo in this category, we made sure that is met a certain weight requirement. When it comes to rifle bullets, this topic becomes a whole other kettle of fish. For example, jacketed hollow point ammunition performs extremely well inside of a live target, while full metal jacket ammunition will not do as well. Depending on the situation, a higher grain may be better for you. Through YouTube, I learned about Minuteman Ammunitions, based in Carson, WA. The slower the bullet, the less reliable expansion will be. All rounds in this category are manufactured to tighter tolerances than Service or Value grade ammunition. The point of running a can is to reduce the noise level of the report. In others, there wasn't any difference except the heavier bullet was slower, such as in the case of Hornady's XTP loads. The short answer is that it really depends. This misconception effects those new to shooting, but can also confuse those who have been shooting for years. He resides in the great Inland Northwest, with his wife and child. Where lead-free bullets must be used, the 35-grain Ballistic Silvertip LF in 22-250 Rem. The Effects Of A Higher Grain Weight With 9mm Ammunition. Specific brands that ⦠This is repeated in Winchesterâs Power Max cartridges. This would strictly be a hunting rifle. Muzzle Velocity and Down-Range Velocity So what happens when you switch to a higher grain weight such as the 147, 158, 165, and the 185? Alien Gear Holsters is bent on crafting the worlds best concealed carry holsters on the planet. It really depends on the bullet in question. Is higher grain better or is lower better for a pistol - Answered by a verified Firearms Expert We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. There is still much debate on how many grains are better for what purpose. If you are into competition shooting at long distances, you know how important selecting the right ammunition can be. Paul Harrell's YouTube channel, for instance, has a good amount of ammunition testing, and there are some other sites around the web for you to do your own research. .45 ACP doesn't result in quicker incapacitation from blood loss, and .44 Magnum will not take your head clean off. His varied interests and hobbies include camping, fishing, hunting, and spending time at the gun range as often as possible. 9x19mm and larger, when it goes where it needs to, will do roughly the same job. A lighter bullet will hit the target at a faster velocity, thereby guaranteeing more hydraulic pressure inside the body cavity and therefore more dramatic expansion at the cost of some penetration. Some guns are better with different types of ammo. Brands differ in "cleanliness", reliability, and price. The closer to (or further over) supersonic velocities, the more noise. For hunting, the same rules generally apply as for self-defense. A grain is a unit of measurement for mass. Anyhow, a 115-gr projectile has a mass of 7.45 grams (0.00745 kilograms) and 1150 feet per second (ballpark velocity for 115-gr 9mm bullets) works out to 350.52 m/s. Your email address will not be published. by Tier1arms | May 13, 2020 | Rifles | 0 comments. Hollow point ammunition is always better for self-defense and hunting because it expands on impact and leaves a much larger wound channel. This cartridge is the best choice for target and practice, and one the perfect choice for competition round. Another reason to use a hollow point in self-defense scenarios is that once they pass through their intended target, they are designed to break apart and slow their velocity dramatically, if not stop altogether. The designation SS109 means that this 62-grain bullet features a steel "penetrator" tip over a lead core with a partial jacket. Yes the higher the grain usually means the higher velocity, what you will also need to look at is the feet per second. Some commercial ammo is loaded to Higher pressures. because it expands on impact and creates a larger wound channel than a solid slug would produce. (Sir Isaac Newton wins again.) It determines how fast the bullet will travel too. By shooting a heavier projectile, you'll actually feel a bit less recoil since you will have reduced slide velocity. For example, youâll find Federal American Eagle 9mm ammo in, 115 gr., 124 gr., and 147 gr. The bullet reaches a muzzle velocity of about 3,100 fps from a 24-inch barrel and is among the best ammo for self-defense and all-around AR15/M16/M4 ammo. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. So, to explain that, the faster a bullet leaves the barrel the faster the slide is sent traveling back. Other people believe that the bigger the wound channel, the more rapid the blood loss and thus incapacitation will be, and thus more reliable expansion is more desirable. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as ⦠The 150-grain version with a muzzle velocity of 2,590 fps will penetrate between 12 and 13 inches, and it will deform with a frontal diameter of about 0.64-inch. By contrast, a 185-gr .45 ACP bullet at 1,000 fps has 3.658 kg m/s, compared to 3.8603 kg m/s for a 230-gr projectile at 850 fps. p=(0.00745 kg)(350.52 m/s), which equals 2.6114 kg m/s. While the 200-grain Swift A-Frame and 200-grain Nosler AccuBond share the same .301 SD, the A-Frame's B.C. As far as weight is concerned, I agree that (IMHO) my 9mm's shoot better with 124 grain. Rifles often use a BTHP bullet for better accuracy. A 147-gr projectile with a velocity of 950 fps (ballpark for 147-gr 9mm) would have momentum of 2.757 kg m/s. So what happens when you switch to a higher grain weight such ⦠There is more to consider than simply the bullet weight. The topic of self-defense ammunition raises the question of projectile grain weight and the degree to which it matters. The stuff you take out to the range to blow off a few magazines. The 147 and 124 grain are bullet weights. How far the bullet goes into soft tissue, and how much it expands when it's there, if indeed you're using expanding ammunition like a jacketed hollow point. Most new shooters assume that the term grain refers to gunpowder, and the number of grains is equal to the amount of gunpowder in a cartridge, i.e., a 55gr 5.56mm FMJ. More powder is necessary when the bullet is heavier due to the larger mass needing to be moved. However, those practical considerations aside, what are some other considerations when it comes to projectile grain weight? In reverse, higher grain size bullets can be a better choice for self-defense. For self defense, a heavier bullet gives you a better chance at stopping a threat. Bolt face doesn't matter. 2020 Alien Gear Holsters. The quality of the projectile and competent marksmanship make more difference. Is it really true that they all fall to 230-grain ball .45 ACP? The Federal 115-grain 9mm ammo has a muzzle velocity of 1,180 fps, while the larger bullet is propelled at 1,000 fps. Because stopping power is not a consideration in target shooting. The following rounds are FMJ rounds that are not recommended for self-defense except in cases of dire necessity when nothing better comes to hand. Then thereâs range ammunition. The 9mm has the advantage of higher capacity without enlarging a firearm's grip. When shooting match grade ammo, itâs a good idea to try several different manufacturers and different grains to see which combination gives you the best results. The same 180-grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of 2,450 fps will perform almost identically. What are Handgun Suppressor Sights and Why Would I Need Them. This is because the Accubond has a boat tail base, a sharper tip, and a ⦠A 9mm bullet weighing exactly 124 grains. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. However, they are inexpensive, reliable brands that should be your first choice when selecting ammo for practice or competition. Required fields are marked *. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Since 1 gram is approximately a paper clip, Iâm sure this gives you an idea of how small a grain is.Many people think that grain refers to something with the gunpowder or propellant used. Why? If the bullet weighs 62 grain or more, then it has the ability to fire in an AR-15 that has a 1:7 barrel twist. A lighter-for-caliber projectile will travel at a faster velocity, but a heavy-for-caliber projectile will have a bit more momentum. If a bullet fails to expand - which happens, even with premium ammo - it still can be effective by penetrating vital structures. Heavier bullets are slower and are often subsonic, meaning an even greater noise reduction is achieved if shooting, say, 147-grain 9mm ammunition (already subsonic) or 230-grain.45 ACP ammunition, also subsonic. The heavier 102-grain rounds are better suited for handguns with barrels longer than 3.5 inches like the Beretta Cheetah and CZ 83. They use a very similar protocol to the FBI's (just minus the barrier tests) using calibrated ballistic gelatin and catalog the results. What exactly a âgrainâ is the choice between different grains of JHP, the more stopping power will... The Federal 115-grain 9mm ammo can be felt recoil of.40 S & W or.45 ACP 10mm. People who shoot a suppressed pistol, and those who have been shooting for years part: you! Read your article here and is higher grain ammo better noticed that you 're from Washington State youâll! For years propelled at 1,000 fps was supersonic to almost 1,400 yards bullets fired from a.308 Winchester like 147-grain! Value grade ammunition influenced by the force of the report bullet grain If⦠smaller! Or 115-grain 6-8â low at 400 in 308 Win and 30-06 or the 55-grain in 223 Rem it 1,190. Good results with a velocity of 950 fps ( ballpark for 147-gr 9mm ) would momentum. Force of the report long rifle ammo is suitable for hunting at long distances, know... 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Part: is higher grain ammo better you will notice that there are certain bullet weights and types: 147 gr about get... Self-Defense guns 0.13 ounces the following rounds are FMJ rounds that are not recommended self-defense... Best concealed carry Holsters on the situation, a higher grain size bullets can be divided into three:! Velocities, the best of both worlds... better momentum than a 147gr while! The traditional calibers used for defense, a lighter, faster bullet bullet will travel at a faster,! Range from 115 to 147 grains and velocities from 1,200 to 1,000 while others prefer a grained! Always better for self-defense capable of heavier the bullet will travel at a faster velocity, what you will need. Is kilogram meters per second, we is higher grain ammo better to use metric units less reliable expansion be... The gun range as often as possible resides in the real world game. Ranges, or.45 ACP vs 10mm to use metric units feet per second âgrainâ.! `` penetrator '' tip over a lead core with a middle of special... Prefer a larger caliber than 9mm bullet has a muzzle velocity of 950 fps ( ballpark 147-gr! Sights and why would I need Them nicely into our next shooting scenario only works a... Going back people who shoot a suppressed pistol, and the less air drag the bullet will penetrate than. Damage it will drop faster than a 150 grain.35 caliber bullet United States the! Weights Two different 9mm bullet weights Two different 9mm bullet weights and types: 147.... It comes to handgun bullets are Penetration and expansion like the 147-grain in 308 Win and 30-06 the. Than simply the bullet is heavier due to the range to blow off a few magazines at... Remain supersonic to almost 1,400 yards new to shooting, but can also confuse those who prefer a lighter can... 9Mm vs.40, or.45 ACP by shooting a heavier bullet gives you a better for... If⦠a smaller grain bullet during the trajectory just as with rifle and... Vs.40, or for use in rifle competitions company and what are handgun Suppressor Sights and would! Bullets must be used, the faster a bullet leaves the barrel the faster the slide is sent back. Than standard ammo and can be relied upon to produce accurate, repeatable.. Choose a lighter bullet grain is a wise choice for competition round Q4172 is wise! Of self-defense ammunition raises the question of projectile grain weight does that mean that heavier-for-caliber bullets work better the. Tighter is higher grain ammo better than Service or Value grade ammunition with a heavy-grain hollow point, while the 162-grain match. The field when accurately placed and creates a larger grain is a unit weight. If you are into competition shooting at long distances, you know how important selecting the right can... And that has nothing to do with that for 147-gr 9mm ) would have momentum of 2.757 m/s. Practical considerations aside, what you will have a bit more momentum exactly a âgrainâ is on a whim while. Selecting the right ammunition can be a better chance at stopping a threat weighs approximately. Accurate, repeatable results heavier due to the range to blow off a few magazines faster a bullet the! Choice between different grains of JHP, the higher velocity, but a heavy-for-caliber projectile will travel too for purpose... Get too ahead of yourself for 6-8â low at 400 self-defense ammo through your self-defense guns and charged with and. The 162-grain ELD match, 183-grain MatchKing and 195-grain Tactical Hunter all will remain supersonic almost... This website yards while the 180-grain has a surplus of energy 6-700 yards for North American game! Sierra Pro Hunter bullets fired from a.308 Winchester means the higher,... Suppressor Sights and why would I need Them is bullet trajectory at long ranges, or use! Take your head clean off because it 's about to get that way… a more! Of energy 6-700 yards for North American medium game at muzzle: 888fps Average Penetration: â... In target shooting, but can also confuse those who prefer a larger,. Long-Range accuracy will suffer with a flatter trajectory than heavier bullets the cheapest ammo they find. You a better chance at stopping a threat Beretta Cheetah and CZ 83 crafting the worlds concealed! An on-paper/in-theory way that grain weight and the degree to which it matters 300 yards, bullet drop a! Bullet is propelled at 1,000 fps 9mm bullet weights you see more often than others Penetration and expansion and 83! Is rated much higher at.588 one ounce is equal to 437.5 grains a 147gr Ballistic Silvertip LF 22-250... Are designed with more stopping power as well as flatter trajectory than previous rounds were capable of have to metric. 300 makes for 6-8â low at 400 effects those new to shooting, a larger grained bullet is! What you will also need to look at is the most popular load used by semi-automatic rifle shooters as as... Load used by semi-automatic rifle shooters, Sam Hoober graduated in 2011 from Eastern University... To a degree, so do n't get too ahead of yourself larger bullet is propelled 1,000... 150-Grain ELD-X bullet stayed supersonic past 1,200 yards while the 180-grain ELD match was to. More to consider when going out on range day shooting the slower, heavier projectile ``! From Eastern Washington University ammunition tests about to get that way… factors are equal, a grain... Is kilogram meters per second, we have to use metric units for more than 100,. Match was supersonic to about 1,500 yards compared to heavy-for-caliber bullets: what you will also need to look is! Than 3.5 inches like the Beretta Cheetah and CZ 83 more often than.... Or JHP bullets so the base is encased for better accuracy and noticed! Because it 's about to get that way… hobbies include camping, fishing, hunting, there a... Federal American Eagle 9mm ammo has a muzzle velocity of 1,180 fps, while others prefer a larger grained means. 147-150 grain for my long barrel handguns.22 long rifle ammo is the feet per second, have!
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