I'm starting to shoot more 45 at the range. I might even use it for the next IDPA match. Shooting a M&P mid-size, which I love.

My question is, what's a good soft shooting round to try? By soft shooting, I mean lower felt recoil and less muzzle blast.

I have used WWB 185 gr and 230 grain so far. I find the 185 softer to shoot. AE 185 and 230 are both a bit hotter.

I'm only interested in factory ammo as I don't reload.

Any suggestions?

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Pete T.

Factory? I just don't know, sorry. I do load my own and use two loads, one for warm weather and one for when it gets cold.

Never use the 185gr in my guns, but the 230gr Blazer Brass, WWWB and Federal Walmart stuff are all downloaded compared to AE and Speer Lawman.

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Run Fast, Bite Hard!

Since you don't reload, you should contact a commercial reloader and tell them what you are looking for. I do my own reloading but have seen a large group of people who like the Atlanta Arms & Ammo. Another possibility is Better Bullets.com, I'm not 100 percent sure if the still sell reloaded ammo, but you can always give them a call and ask.

I find the 230 grain ball ammo very pleasant to shoot, but in general, the lighter the bullet, the less felt recoil. The .45 ACP operates a such a low chamber pressure compared to 9mm, .40 S&W and .357 SIG that you get more of a "nudge" than a snappy bucking. Go with whatever you can find that is both reliable and lowest cost (within limits; I would not use foreign surplus, hard primer ammo).

DCammo is another reloader who caters to USPSA/IDPA shooters. Even major PF 230gr loads are pretty mild compared to factory ball.

Doug Carden is a stand up guy and I think he loads his 45s with Clays (but you can ask him) which is very soft shooting.

http://dcammo.com/Pricing/AmmoPricing.pdf

he's also an active member on the BrianEnos & 1911 forums.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the info.

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Pete T.

CTPete,
I have found that the Corbon 160 grain using the Barnes all copper bullet to be a relatively soft shooting round. My wife bought me a Glock 36 which is a handful in regard to recoil. I tried several brands and found the Corbon to be the least painful but with that little Glock 36 nothing is going to be all day range shooting comfortable but that isn't what it was designed for.

Check out NSK Sales . Neil the owner is a great guy . Has all kinds of new & remanufactured ammo . Will even give you credit for empty brass you trade back in .