How well have 147gr bullets performed in your FS 9mm

[TSQUARED]

I normally load 124gr bullets but have been thinking about trying some 147gr. For those of you who have used them what kind of accuracy were you getting. I'm happy with the 124's but wouldn't mind trying to squeeze a little more out if I could.

i get equivalent accuracy out of my 124 gr. Montana Gold JHP or 147 gr. Star FMJ's. I prefer the recoil impulse of the 147's at ca 900 fps over the 124's at ca 1050-1150 fps.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

Reliability wise, it's 100% just like any other weight in my FS 9mm. Accuracy wise, it's just as terrible as the other weights but that's due to my particular example.

As far as other guns, it's no more accurate but it does tend to shoot higher which should be expected with a heavier weight bullet.

 

[Bigbluebuckeye]

I was telling a shooting buddy of mine earlier today that I shot better out of my M&P with 147's. We both thought it was me. Conversely, my CZ75 seems to do better with 124's. Glad I logged in to see this.

 

[1sailor]

Well, today I bought a box of Berry's 147gr round nose and a box of 124gr HBFP so we'll se how it goes next week.

 

[JFerg]

I'm no reloading expert but couldn't the extra seating depth of a heavier bullet in the case along with added pressure in the barrel behind the heavier bullet when fired contribute to better accuracy??

 

[WR Moore]

Interesting.I have been shooting low, like 12" at 50' with 115gr. It is me and this gun. (there has been another thread on shooting low with it, and SW sent the guy lower sights). however, this gun is correct, I have had 3 different people try and they have no problem. I am fairly new, but I am pretty sure I have the fundamentals correct, my sig 22 I have about a 5" group at 50'. I am wondering if I went to heavier bullet if this would change my accuracy?

The problem is that you are losing patience with the longer trigger stroke of the M&P series and yanking the trigger before it releases. The issue is your trigger control, not the weight of the bullet. This is proven by the results of others using your weapon and ammo.

Practice grasshopper.

 

[WR Moore]

I'm no reloading expert but couldn't the extra seating depth of a heavier bullet in the case along with added pressure in the barrel behind the heavier bullet when fired contribute to better accuracy??

NO. Same pressure for one, and the seating depth in the case means nothing for intrinsic accuracy in a pistol. In the 9mm, HP bullets generally have better accuracy than RN since they are shaped differently and have a longer bearing surface with the bore. The shape the USAF came up with was a truncated cone 124 gr bullet. This profile is much like that of a HP bullet. The 147 closely approximates the same shape, or at lest it does in JHP configuration.

The 147 does seem to be easier for many to shoot decently. It typically operates at lower velocities and recoil impluses than many other loads. I don't know if it's still true, but the Federal 9BP/C9CP used to be the most accurate 9 mm load readily available.

 

[dereksfl]

Regular, +P, +p+, it's like cramming a 600 HP motor in a VW Bug, you can do it...but? I guess it's just the way it is. Each to his own. I like my ammo like me, heavy & slow!

 

[1sailor]

I got a chance to try out some 147gr round nose today before work. I had a few different loads I was trying with other bullets and only had 25 of the 147's. Not nearly enough to really establish their accuracy but I did find that they seemed to be hitting about 1" or maybe even 1.5" higher than the 124's. The biggest difference I noticed is the difference in recoil. Not nearly as snappy as my 124 loads. Very controlable and very fast back on target. Can't wait till my weekend comes to try out a few boxes.

 

[PC Geek Shooter]

I hope to find out fairly soon. I did a lot of reading and decided to get the 147 gr bullets since they give you less recoil than the other ones. Been setting up my Dillon 650 for awhile now (problems with Hornady Bullet Feeder Die) but going to skip that and start a few rounds with the powder in it for the first time tonight still, or by Tues. night for sure I think.
I'm going to start off with 3 gr of TiteGroup and go from there. I'll probably have to get the Dillon Small Powder Bar (or whatever the smallest one that does under 3 gr is). I want to make sub minor loads, that's why I got that RCBS Lock-Out Die, well it's a good idea no matter what. Even though for the first 25 to maybe even 100 I'm going to weigh each bullet. Then after that every 25 or so to make sure everything is setup right for the sub minor loads. If I go to really sub minor later on then I'll probably set aside every 10 rounds to make sure it's enough, the only USPSA mag I got had a squib on the back article, so it made me take notice (even though already knew I really have to be careful).

Still have to get my M&P9 FS though, but I hope that should be very soon though. Waiting for Grant from G&R Tactical to come out with the 1/2 to 1" grouping custom fit barrels, then I'll order from him.

 

[1sailor]

I finally got a chance to get out and shoot another 150 of the 147gr round nose. My initial results had them hitting about an inch higher than the 124gr bullets (also round nose) at 50ft. However that was with a limited number of rounds and my most recent outing showed them to be hitting more in line with the 124's. Group size between the two bullets was very similar. The 147's do seem to have noticably less recoil though (at least much less snappy). All in all though I think I'll stick with the 124's. They're cheaper to reload and not as touchy about their powder charge with my favorite powders.

 

[lamrith]

Regular, +P, +p+, it's like cramming a 600 HP motor in a VW Bug, you can do it...but? I guess it's just the way it is. Each to his own. I like my ammo like me, heavy & slow!

HEH, How about a 5.0l SBF into an MGB? Been there done that..

When I did the numbers for reloading, the proce difference between 115g reloads and 147g was only $.25/50rnds. Made sense to step up to the heavier round and I will do the same for my carry rounds. I have only fired my initial 15 starter rounds of 147g, but they did shoot nicer and were on target. We will see how the next 30 go.

 

[Armed Babysitter]

How well have 147gr bullets performed in your FS 9mm

Like a boss.