Does ammo affect POA at different distances?

[coltle6920]

I don't have the years of experience shooting like most of you so laugh if you must....

Took three .38spl's and the .357 out for some exercise a couple of weeks ago. The ammo was Winchester and American Eagle. Both were 130gr. FMJ. I was shooting at a 10" steel target at distances of 10yds out to 25yds.

Put 50rds through each gun (standing up, two hand grip and single action). I was just looking to hit the target and wasn't concerned with groupings. At 25yds most of my shots either hit low or missed low completely.

I know I need a lot more practice and will probably even use a sand bag next time out but I would like to know if the POA would be affected at all by the distances I was shooting at or by the ammo I was using.

I am aware of bullet drop with my AR-15 at long distances but curious how handguns are affected.

Now you can laugh!

 

[jonesy814]

A lot of 38's are sighted with 158gr ammo, which would hit higher, due to producing more muzzle rise.

 

[SMSgt]

I find the POI difference between bullet weights negliable at ranges up to 15-20 yards, at least not enough to cause missing the target. In general, heavier bullets will hit higher than lower weight bullets, but it depends on the individual loads and corresponding velocities, not just bullet weight in itself.

 

[ACP230]

In my snubnose revolvers the 130 grain Winchester stuff hits the same place as my reloads with 158 grain LSWC bullets.
Have not shot the Federal ammo.

If I was missing low at 25 yards I would take a look at my sight
picture and trigger squeeze before looking at the ammo.

 

[chief38]

Lighter bullets will usually hit lower than heavier bullets do as they exit the barrel while it is lower (while still rising in recoil) because it's faster than the heavier bullet.

MOST 38/357 revolvers were originally designed and sighted in for 158 grain bullets.