[hp1911]

Hi All. New to reloading here and just wanted to get little info about bullet weight. Question is what's the difference in performance with different bullet weight? meaning how will a 230gr different from say a 200gr, 185 gr? Specifically, will the light weight be more accurate as it is lighter , but with less velocity as it is less mass? Thanks in advance for your replies:rock:

 

[jlmurphy]

That's an old argument, generally the lighter bullet will have more total kinetic energy and some people believe if you can get it to transfer it's energy to the target it will have devastating effect. The other school is a heavier bullet will penetrate further and cause more damage. Two examples are the .357 Mag and the .45 ACP both sides have merit, but since this is the 1911 forum, don't bother taking a poll. As far as accuracy, neither weight is inherently more accurate than the other, each barrel has it's own preferences.

 

[GOVTMODEL]

Question is what's the difference in performance with different bullet weight? meaning how will a 230gr different from say a 200gr, 185 gr?

How do you define performance? In NRA Conventional Pistol you won't find much except 185 grain SWC and 200 grain SWC bullets. Superb accuracy and modest recoil are typical with these bullets.

I don't recall ever seeing anyone shooting hardball except in a hardball match, where 230 grain FMJ RN is required.

 

[vallopez2000]

230gr will keep it's velocity better for long distances. 185gr will slow down much faster. 200gr somewhere in between. The velocity advantage that the lighter bullets have over the heavier ones is lost over longer distances which translates to balistic deficiency for that distance. Don't know how helpful that is for average handgun use,(usually very close range) but still it's a fact.