New to reloading. Questions about bullet weight.

[Qc Pistolero]

I've abandoned games that require 'power factor'.

I'm searching for games that forgo an actual timer, and something that didn't count your misses would be great too.

So far my best shooting is weekdays before the crowd pulls in.
Not so much during 'matches' where some jackwad ALWAYS brings a timer & score sheet.....

I also am up to that point and discover that many other guys/gals are there also.That sure is a nice way to make new friends.
Qc

 

[Collo Rosso]

I tend to prefer the heavier bullets for the caliber. 9mm I load 124gr. Xtreme RN's or MBC's 124gr. mini-ball. Was given a bunch of 135gr. FMJRN for 38 super and really liked them till I ran out. Expensive to buy. For 38spl/357mag I order Xtreme's 158gr. SWC's or MBC's 158gr. SWC's and load them from 700 fps to probably past where they recommend with great results.
When you start loading 44 just go straight to 240gr. and start looking at heavier!

 

[Jupiter01]

OBOY! This is like photography...too many developer/film combinations to try them all, and if you keep changing stuff, you will never get the best performance out of any one combination! Don't ask how I know this!

I don't know about .44 or 9mm, but with 38/357, pick one bullet...158 gr., either jacketed or cast, pick one powder that your loading manual shows that will give you the performance you want, and shoot at least 100 or them. Then experiment with other weights. Most folks have settled on one or two bullets/loads, and then just enjoy the shooting. If you are of the experimental persuasion, there are places that will sell you as much powder, primers, and bullets as you could wish. And...there is no end of "good" advice on the 'net! Choose your experts carefully! Be safe!

 

[Wise_A]

Lots to digest here. Thanks for that. Using tite group powder and 200 gr swc bullets for the 45acp, the Leyman book gives a range of 4.8 to 5.6 (if memory serves). I ran into a guy who uses the same components and loads only to 4.0. Very soft shooting, accurate at 50 feet and cycles the gun (two different Dan Wessons) just fine. Makes me wonder about the information given in the book.

They can be a little off here and there. It's just data. Some of it is really bizarre.

If you want light loads for .45 ACP, check out Bullseye with a 230-gr, or HP-38 with a 200. Hodgdon Clays is known for extremely light felt recoil, but can be hard to meter. But to be frank, there are no magic powders, so long as you pick something suited to your goals.

Incidentally, 50 feet with a decent 1911 isn't that far. You could probably spot a bad load, but that's about it. I usually aim for "shoots to call" at 25 yards on a good day.

Other guns, though, I happily judge at 50 feet. For instance, I was just experimenting with using faster powders in my new-to-me (and bought off this forum!) Glock 26.