Crash Course On Ammo?

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barret_munkey

New member
I bought some speer gold dots yesterday in a 147 grain, and the projectile looks like it belongs on a much larger caliber round. What does graind refer too? is it the grams in weight of the projectile? If so is it possible to have a smaller caliber with a larger projectile than a larger caliber? if so does this not compensate for the smaller calibers power ?:confused:
 
Grains refer to the bullets weight. There are 7000 grains in an ounce, to give you a sort of reference.

Generally, the smallest loadings in the larger calibers, are bigger than the larger loadings in the smaller calibers.

147 grain bullets are usually the upper end of the 9mm loadings.

The smaller calibers usually make up for, or accomplish the same things with increased velocity.

Sort of like a high speed punch that relies more on the speed of the punch, vs a slower punch with more body weight behind it.
 
Caliber is based on bullet width, not bullet length or grain weight.
Grain weight will vary with bullet length and construction.

It is quite possible to have a smaller caliber with a larger bullet, as in your 9mm 147-grain load vs a 10mm with a 125-grain bullet.

And, no- it doesn't compensate for the smaller caliber's power. :)
That 10mm 125-grain load will knock the socks off your "bigger" 147 9mm load. (The 147-grain 9mm is not generally considered the best bullet weight in the caliber, certain lighter bullets such as the 115s & 124s are regarded as more effective.)

Bullet weight is not in itself a reliable determinant of either greater power or greater terminal effect. In other words, a "larger" (in terms of weight or length) bullet does not automatically mean a more efficient, more effective, or "better" bullet or caliber.

Denis
 
15.43 grains to the gram. 28.35 grams in an ounce. Most little digital scales read in grams/ounces and most powder scales top out at 500 grains. This is the oldest argument in the world. Would you rather have a one ounce meteor at 10,000 feet per second or a Mack truck at 100 fps.Somewhere in the middle is usually good. And don't forget, heavier bullets hit higher and lighter bullets hit lower.
 
Worse yet,
9mm Luger = 9mm Parabellum = 9X19
BUT
.380 = 9mm Kurtz = 9mm Corto (German and Spanish for 'short')

In general, if you ask for 9mm ammo, you will get what you need. But there is also 9mm Bergman, 9X18, 9mm Largo, and many others, none of which will work in your pistol.
 
Chris,
Probably better to wait for specific questions. :)
There are so many variables that this could very quickly run way over Barret's head & it's hard to read the screen cross-eyed. :)
Denis
 
maybe I meant fount, but given all the typefaces used maybe I really did mean font.

There are so many variables that this could very quickly run way over Barret's head & it's hard to read the screen cross-eyed.
Click to expand...

Durn right!

Happened to me in several threads and it not only makes it hard to read it totally ruined a range session or two and can give you a headache.

I think ya gotta sip at this font of knowledge, not gulp.
 
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Also, to add to the confusion, those 147 gr cartridges will have LESS powder than similar ones with smaller bullets.
 
"Power" is complicated.

We don't typically use the term power except in the most general sense.

A discussion of energy and momentum is more typical, although there are various made-up power factors.

Also, to add to the confusion, those 147 gr cartridges will have LESS powder than similar ones with smaller bullets.
Click to expand...

And that doesn't really matter unless you are a reloader.
 
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