9mm Lead Reload Bullet Weight for Competition

T

Tony C

New member
I am picking up a 9mm XD(M) for competing in USPSA and IDPA matches. Right now I reload .45 ACP using 230 grain LRN bullets for these matches.

Looking at Oregon Trial Bullets, they cast 9mm in 124 gr. RN, 145 gr. RN, and 147 gr. FN.

If you use lead 9mm bullets, which do you use?

Thanks,
Tony
 
All of the above, depending on what the gun feeds best.
Action matches don't require great accuracy, as you already know.
The most important thing is barrel to bullet fit, and loaded round oal, more than bullet type.
I always found that .356 and .357 diameter worked best, depending on the actual sizing.
Usually the .357.
AOL will have to be determined for each by trial and error.
 
I don't know anything about your competition, but if power factor comes into play than that will decide for you. 124gr will generally be the most reliable. A light loaded 115 will give you the quickest reaquisition. 147 will give you the most power if loaded correctly. If none of things apply, stick with a lightoaded 147 so you can save on powder. Don't forget to check into extremebullets.com sometimes their played bullets can be the same price as lead
 
I would load the 145 grain roundnose. The 147 grain flatpoint is more common, but for IDPA where reliability is important, I prefer a roundnose bullet.
Heavier is better, the FELT recoil is less at the same power floor, and lower velocity reduces the risk of leading.
 
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