9mm loads

[MH357]

I have a fn and a taurus 9mm, both of which shoot 7 inches low at 35 yards with the winchester usa 115 grain fmj value box from wallmart. Winchester claims a speed of 1190 fps at the muzzle. My two reloading manuals do not list loads of 147 grain bullets. Both local gun stores only had 115 grain ammo. A heavier weight bullet will move the impact up but how much could i expect? Both guns have fixed sights and I would like to find a load to change the impact higher. Any suggestions other than changeing the sights? Thinking of order a box of 147 grain bullets and the 124 grain, I do not really think that their will be much difference in 115 and 124 grain performance wise.

Mike

[Rocky Raab]

Well, you are correct in your assumptions, Mike. It'll take a heavier bullet or changing the sights.

The 124s might make enough difference. Try a few catalog or online sources of ammo if you can't find them locally.

[Aim to maim]

Gentlemen,

My reloading experience is probably negligible compared to yours, so I am not questioning your statement that a heavier projectile (which would presumably be slower) produces a higher point of impact. For the life of me however, I cannot understand why that would be so.

To the layman it would seem that the longer period of time an object is subject to gravity, the more it would drop. Can one of you provide an answer that does not require an advanced degree in physics to fathom?

[Rocky Raab]

Yup, sure can.

Ever notice when you fire a handgun that it recoils upward? The longer the bullet is in the barrel, the higher the gun rises before the bullet starts its ballistic way.

SO...the heavier the slug and/or the slower it goes, the higher it will hit on a close range target. It's much more noticeable from a handgun, but it has some effect even from a rifle.

[Aim to maim]

I understand perfectly. It's a function of recoil rather than ballistics. I'm relieved. I feared for a moment that the law of gravity had been repealed without my knowledge.

Thanks for the explanation.

[BILLY D.]

that is one of the reasons there are sooooo many dead chronographs. people forget or don't know that one ittsy bittsy fact that rocky just mentioned.

how do i know? i ain't talking while the flavor lasts.