Different ammo does make a difference!

[Adam Helmer]

Now that I am retired, I have time to tinker and test different ammo in my various handguns.

A few of my handguns have fixed sights and some shoot to point of aim-point of impact and some do not with factory ammo. It is possible to change point of impact on fixed sighted guns as taught at S&W's Armorers' School, but it really is not a permanent fix. The best deal is to get adjustable sights when you can on a handgun.

I have filed down front sights a bit when elevation has been the issue and I had settled on an accuracy handload to be used exclusively in that fixed-sighted pistol.

With many guns, I have found changing factory loads or handloads make a lot of difference where a gun shoots and, more importantly, how a gun functions. I have a P-38 9mm that will not reliably feed or function with the factory loads that came with the gun when I bought it at a low price. When I changed to another factory load, the P-38 feeds and ejects without a stutter.

Adam

[Catfish]

Adam,
An intersting that I have found is that when you go from slower loads and fast loads in the same gun the faster loads almost always shoot higher in a long barreled gun and lower in a short barreled gun. I think it`s do to the time in the barrel for muzzle jump.

[Adam Helmer]

Catfish,

You raise a good point. I keep detailed records of each range event and record both good and bad results so I do not reinvent the wheel. Currently, I am on notebook Volume XIII, Page 141.

I have noticed that 125 grain bullets in my .357 Magnum handguns tend to shoot lower than 158 grain magnum loads. Usually the lighter bullets in my handguns shoot lower than heavier bullets. Keep good notes on all range events and be guided accordingly. Good Shooting.

Adam

[Catfish]

I`ve noted the same thing. I believe it`s because they are in the barrel longer and the muzzle has more time to rise, plus it rises more with the extra recoil of the heaver bullets.