Can anybody recommend some handloads for the S&W 1917 revolvers that shoot to point of aim with 230 grain projectiles (I use copper plated but can find others)? I don't know what kind of velocities I should be aiming for as I'm not sure what the sights are set for. I've tried hunting around but most of what I come up with is related to bullet sizes fixing accuracy problems. My gun has no such issues, I'm just not sure how to balance shooting to point of aim against recoil.

I've used some S&B FMJ in it and they shoot close to POA, but the recoil is unpleasant. I would like to stick with 230 grain projectiles as well, since I already stock those at the bench for use in other guns.

I really like this gun but would like to be able to shoot it more without hurting my hands.

Thanks for any help!

The old military load is 230gr @850 ft/s.

The best thing to help with recoil is grips...either a more hand filling style or a grip adapter. Magnas tend to look good on them.

Not sure what size target at what range you are trying to hit, but with usual pistol targets within 25yd, dropping the speed down to 775fps will make little difference in POI, typically. Bullet weight is more important than exact MV for the POI. Since recoil is related to energy, lowering the powder charge will lower recoil.
Many competitors use heavy bullets at slower speeds, because at the same power factor (momentum, or mass x speed), the load with the lower energy will recoil less (energy is mass x speed x speed).

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Science plus Art

You will have to try it to be sure. I used a 230 gr lead roundnose and a minimum load of WW231. A set of rubber grips will help with the recoil. I had Magnas on mine and recoil was no problem. Plated bullets might be better with the rifling the 1917 has. Mine was fine with hard cast.

The heavier the bullet, the more the felt recoil, some kind of law...
Rubber grips help, and a 200 grain cast lead bullet helps more.
I've had good luck with two fixed sighted 45 acp's by using a 200 gr. cast SWC over 5.2 grains of Unique. This is a minimum load with this bullet and generates the least recoil.
Another load is 3.8 grains of Bullseye or 4.3 grains of Red Dot with the same bullet.
I enjoy shooting 45's but due to the recoil thing, as I get older I'm shooting more and more 38 specials. I just got a 38 cal. 105 grain Lee mould to try out. Less weight = less recoil!
Gary

I use the same load in my 1911's and 1917. 5.5 gr. of WW231 with a Winchester or CCI large pistol primer for both FMJ and hard cast 230 RN. I prefer full mood clips to half moons also, but the fill a coat pocket real fast. Ivan

4.5 to 5.0 gr of Bullseye with a 230 gr bullet. Depending on whose data you are using, 4.7 to 5.0 gr, approximates the military hardball loading. 5.0 gr should be considered a maximum. Approach with care. I would start at the 4.5 gr loading and see if it gives you what you need. I think it will.

Thanks for the help everybody.

Really need to find some Bullseye since my supply dried up months back.